Cu Dut is thriving.

“Cừ Đứt has a newly built bridge; you should come visit our village to see the changes,” a friend from neighborhood V - Đông Hồ, Hà Tiên ward (An Giang province) said excitedly on the phone. After years of separation by the Giang Thành River, the iron bridge connecting the two banks of Cừ Đứt has just been inaugurated, turning the dream of crossing the river without relying on ferries into reality for generations of people in this wetland area.

Following a heartfelt invitation from that friend, we began our journey back to Cừ Đứt. From there, a story of transformation unfolds, not only through the construction of a bridge across the river but also through the human connection, memories, and aspirations of this islet village nestled in the Đông Hồ lagoon.

Connecting the shores of joy

From the center of Ha Tien ward, after a 10-minute boat ride turning right towards the Giang Thanh river, we arrived at Cu Dut hamlet. From a distance, the newly built iron bridge connecting groups 3 and 8 of neighborhood V - Dong Ho stands sturdy, like a bridge connecting time from the past to the present.

Our friend led us through the village, pointing to the water sparkling in the early morning sun, and said proudly, "Now going to the market, taking the children to school, transporting goods... everything is convenient and saves time. The newly built bridge not only connects the road but also fulfills the long-held dreams of the people!"

The bridge across the Giang Thanh River, connecting groups 3 and 8 of neighborhood V - Dong Ho, Ha Tien ward, shortens the distance and travel time for residents of Cu Dut hamlet. Photo: DANH THANH

The bridge spanning the Giang Thanh River is over 132 meters long and 4 meters wide, with a total construction cost of over 18.5 billion VND, funded by the State budget. The project is scheduled for completion in early 2025, bringing about significant changes in the daily lives of the residents of this peaceful island village.

Ms. Mai Thi My Huong, a local resident, happily said: “Before, crossing the river required taking a ferry, and missing the ferry meant being late for school or the market. Students traveling by boat was very dangerous during the rainy season! Now that there's a bridge, we are very happy; going anywhere is faster and much less difficult than before.”

More than just a transportation infrastructure, the bridge is also a symbol of change, connection, and development. Mr. Mai Thanh Thoi, a resident of Ward V - Dong Ho, happily shared: “The completion of the bridge makes transporting goods and trading more convenient. People on both sides of the river are now more connected than before.”

Preserving the spirit of the countryside amidst development.

Nestled within the Dong Ho lagoon, Cu Dut hamlet possesses a pristine beauty rarely found elsewhere. The mangrove forest system here boasts over 25 species of trees, forming a green belt surrounding the lagoon that both prevents flooding, protects the sea dike, and serves as a habitat for many rare aquatic species. From afar, the vast expanse of green coconut trees swaying in the wind, with glimpses of houses reflected in the water, creates a rustic scene typical of the Mekong Delta.

Venturing deeper inside, Cừ Đứt appears both familiar and unfamiliar. The rows of green coconut trees still reflect on the lagoon's surface, but now there are smooth concrete roads and many newly built, spacious houses. We visited the home of Mr. Trần Văn Lập, one of the first people to settle in Cừ Đứt.

Still vividly remembering the early days of establishing his business, Mr. Lap slowly recounted: “In 1987, when I first came here to start my business, it was very sad! This hamlet had less than 200 houses. Each day, there was only one ferry going to the market and returning in the evening. During the high water season, getting around was even more difficult. Now it's completely different. We have electricity, roads, schools, clinics, healthcare , and even a new bridge. We are overjoyed beyond words.”

With improved trade, more tourists are visiting Cu Dut, bringing new opportunities for the community-based tourism model that the locality is developing. We were taken to one of the households that still preserve the traditional craft of weaving palm leaves. Although it doesn't bring high income, this craft is still maintained by about 10 households, considered a part of the memory of their homeland.

Local authorities, together with the people, are integrating the traditional craft of weaving palm leaves into a community-based tourism model linked to ecotourism in Dong Ho Lagoon, allowing tourists to visit and experience the traditional craft, contributing to preserving the unique identity of the lagoon area.

Ms. Le Thi Xuyen, a second-generation member of a family involved in weaving palm leaves, skillfully weaves each palm leaf and says, "Weaving palm leaves won't make you rich, but it helps me live comfortably. The main thing is preserving the craft passed down from our ancestors. Now, tourists come and enjoy watching us work, asking questions, and taking pictures. I'm happy about that; I weave leaves while telling stories about my hometown. I hope this craft won't fade away."

According to Mr. Tran Minh Thanh, Secretary of the Party Branch of Ward V - Dong Ho, the entire ward has about 517 households and approximately 1,717 residents. The people mainly live by fishing, shrimp farming, and weaving palm leaves. In recent years, the appearance of Cu Dut hamlet has changed significantly. The roads have been paved with concrete, and electric lights illuminate the area brightly at night.

"Not only has the economy developed, but the spiritual life of the people in Cu Dut has also improved. Schools and health stations have received investment. People work together to maintain environmental hygiene, plant flowers, and build a cultural, safe, and compassionate neighborhood," Mr. Thanh said.

Amidst the general pace of development, Cu Dut still retains its simple living space and unique identity. Dong Ho Lagoon still stretches out vast and expansive as it once did, and the mangrove forest continues to thrive, both preserving the land and maintaining the soul of the countryside.

As evening fell, we returned across the iron bridge spanning the Giang Thanh River. No longer the quiet little hamlet nestled amidst the swamps of the past, Cu Dut today is adorned with a more modern look, yet still retains its original charm and simple beauty. This transformation is the result of the hard work, unwavering determination, and love for their homeland of the honest people in this rapidly developing rural area.

The name Cừ Đứt (Broken Pile) originates from the event of the "broken piles" - the wooden piles that fixed the banks of the river when the Vàm Hàn area was dredged years ago. After 1998, when transportation became more convenient, more and more people came to live in Cừ Đứt, forming the close-knit community that exists today.

TU LY - DANH THANH

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/cu-dut-khoi-sac-a464803.html