Cat Thinh: Building new rural areas from the people's internal strength

Cat Thinh commune is transforming strongly in the process of building a new countryside with the outstanding mark of considering people as the subject of all changes. Infrastructure is upgraded, life is improved, new economic models are constantly emerging. All of this starts from the initiative of the people and the commune government timely and properly mobilizing the greatest internal resources of the community.

Traffic routes in Cat Thinh commune have been upgraded and expanded thanks to financial contributions and working days from the people.

In the process of building new rural areas, the Party Committee of Cat Thinh commune determined that this is not a "race" in terms of criteria, and certainly not a formal movement.

Therefore, the commune started by reviewing all conditions of each village, classifying criteria according to priority level and building a roadmap suitable to the characteristics of mountainous areas.

All plans are discussed publicly at village meetings; each item is consulted with the people to ensure it is close to needs, not imposed, and not done on behalf of others.

Along with that, the commune requires each cadre and party member to set an example and take the lead. Party cell secretaries and village chiefs are directly responsible for mobilizing the people, clearly explaining the benefits, costs, and responsibilities of each task.

Rural infrastructure in Cat Thinh is increasingly improved, practically serving people's lives.

The “Saturday for the People” model is maintained regularly: commune officials go down to the villages to work with the people to build roads, clear sewers, and beautify the countryside. This closeness and direct approach creates trust - a key factor in helping people unite.

The commune also does not propagate in general but attaches messages to specific benefits: building roads to facilitate the transportation of agricultural products; building cultural houses so that children have a place to live; reducing poverty through economic models suitable to each household's conditions.

When the benefits are seen right before their eyes, people voluntarily participate without much effort.

Not chasing after achievements, not "rushing" to meet standards, Cat Thinh chooses to take people as the root, putting people at the center of all policies.

Cat Thinh commune people join hands to build rural roads.

The commune publicizes the plan, democratically discusses and implements it based on the principle: people know, people discuss, people do, people check, people benefit.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Nga - Secretary of the Cat Thinh Commune Party Committee said: The responsibility of the Party Committee is to lead and convince people with visible benefits. When people understand that building a new countryside is for them to have more convenient roads and better livelihoods, they will proactively participate and contribute. The greatest strength of the new countryside building program lies in the hearts of the people, not just in capital.

The clearest proof is Ba Khe village - where 15 ethnic groups live together. Previously, just mentioning donating land to open a road was difficult. But when realizing the need to clear the road, Ba Khe people did what seemed impossible: voluntarily donating over 6,000 m² of land, contributing thousands of working days, opening new roads and concreting over 3,200 m of road.

That route not only connects residential areas but, more importantly, increases solidarity and consensus, strengthens faith in the Party's leadership and the ability of each person to change themselves.

The multi-purpose house of Ba Khe village was built spaciously, becoming a place for sports and useful community activities for villagers.

The 520 m² multi-purpose house, with a total cost of 378 million VND - 100% contributed by the villagers themselves, is a clear demonstration of the growing self-management capacity and creative spirit of the community. Mr. Hoang Van Kuu - Head of Ba Khe village said: People do not wait or rely on others. They discuss and decide on the scale of the project themselves, and organize the construction themselves. When people are clearly aware that they are the subject, the boundary between "public affairs" and "family affairs" almost disappears.

Soft-shell turtle farming model brings high economic efficiency to people in Cat Thinh commune.

Ba Khe has not stopped at completing infrastructure. From a state of alarming multidimensional poverty, people have boldly transformed production: raising soft-shell turtles, developing large-scale livestock farming, and planting production forests.

When the road is open, opportunities open up, and people proactively invest. By the end of 2023, the village will have no more poor households - a result of the determination to rise up on their own, not relying on support from the State.

The spirit of ownership also spread to other villages. Mr. Sung Nu Khua, Khe Ken village shared: We donate land and contribute for the future of our children. Building the road is not for the movement but for our own lives.

The simple statement contains the depth of development thinking. People have understood the true nature of the new countryside - not asking for support but creating sustainable values.

When the infrastructure is completed, the local economy develops significantly. The whole Cat Thinh commune now has over 350 households raising soft-shell turtles, with an output of about 400 tons/year, becoming the main direction.

The wild boar farming model helps farmers in Cat Thinh commune improve their lives and increase their income.

Along with that, production forestry, wood processing, large livestock farming, commercial services, etc. all grew steadily. Average income per capita reached 48 million VND/year; the poverty rate decreased rapidly, expected to be 8.2% by the end of 2025; up to now, 9/17 villages have achieved new rural status.

However, the sustainable value of the new rural areas in Cat Thinh is not only reflected in the economy. It is also a change in culture and society : 100% of villages have village conventions and rules; cultural and sports movements are maintained regularly; security and order are guaranteed; child marriage is almost eliminated.

These results show the spreading power of mass mobilization work, affirming that building new rural areas is a process of building people and communities.

Cat Thinh aims to achieve new rural standards by 2030. This is not only the government's task but has become the common aspiration of the people. To realize that goal, the commune has identified the key directions in the coming period as continuing to strengthen internal resources; perfecting essential infrastructure; strongly developing sustainable livelihood models; promoting digital transformation in villages and hamlets; enhancing the exemplary role of cadres and party members and maintaining broad consensus in the community.

The commune also sets out the task of improving the quality of rural human resources; encouraging people to apply science and technology in production; developing typical value chains; and promoting administrative reform so that support policies reach people faster and more effectively.

With the political determination of the Party Committee, the consensus of the people and the proven correct direction, Cat Thinh is fully qualified to not only meet the new rural standards by 2030 but also become a model of promoting people's strength in sustainable rural development of Lao Cai province.

in the province

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/cat-thinh-xay-dung-nong-thon-moi-tu-noi-luc-nhan-dan-post888297.html