The Youth Union is a pioneer in participating in urban beautification.

From the consensus of the people

Phong Dien town is the central area of ​​Phong Dien district, with a natural area of ​​1,886 hectares, a population of 2,441 households with 8,512 people, and 6 residential groups. Through the process of building a civilized urban area, Phong Dien town has mobilized the entire political system, along with the consensus of all strata of the people. Therefore, it has fostered a spirit of solidarity within the community, mobilizing the people's participation in contributing to infrastructure development with the motto "The State and the People work together".

Mr. Thai Ngoc Thao, Chairman of the People's Committee of Phong Dien town, said that investment resources for building urban infrastructure and cultural institutions are still limited. The facilities and equipment for the cultural center are insufficient and do not meet the needs of the people… However, thanks to the consensus of all the people and the pioneering and exemplary role of officials and Party members, the town has achieved all the targets of a civilized urban area.

State management of urban architecture in Phong Dien town has been strengthened. Timely guidance has been provided, creating favorable conditions for people to build structures that comply with regulations and contribute to the urban architectural landscape. Inspection and coordination in handling construction violations have been effective… Currently, 90% of households in the town have solidly built houses that conform to the general urban architecture; 100% of residential groups have mobilized residents to participate in maintaining, upgrading, and protecting urban infrastructure such as concrete alleyways, public lighting, urban trees, water supply and drainage systems, transportation land, and ensuring environmental sanitation, implementing the "Green Sunday" movement; 100% of household waste is collected, and 100% of production and business establishments meet the prescribed standards for environmental sanitation.

The People's Committee of Phong Dien town affirms that the system of trees, flowerbeds, and lawns in the town is regularly maintained and cared for, with tree trimming carried out along the roads. The people are encouraged to plant scattered trees in suitable locations. Flower planting is organized along the roads. Waste, wastewater, and garbage are collected and processed according to regulations. 100% of households in the town use clean, hygienic water; of which, over 95% use tap water. Businesses have fully implemented and signed commitments regarding food safety.

Ms. Le Thi Hoa, from Khanh My residential area, Phong Dien town, shared that when the local government and residential group launched the initiative, her family mobilized their children and grandchildren to actively participate in planting trees, cleaning the house, and beautifying the facade. They actively participated in community cleaning activities and "Green Sunday" events. Seeing the streets becoming cleaner and more attractive brought much joy to everyone.

Prerequisites for a Type IV urban area

Currently, roads in the town are paved with asphalt and concrete according to the plan, and 23 roads have been named. Main streets all have sidewalks, streetlights, and trees providing shade. Traffic safety corridors have been improved to ensure urban aesthetics. The power line system in the town has been invested in and upgraded from main roads to alleyways, ensuring safety according to regulations. 95% of main streets in the town are illuminated, ensuring urban aesthetics. The percentage of illuminated roads in residential areas and alleyways reaches 85%.

The People's Committee of Phong Dien town reported that one indicator of a civilized urban area is the current employment rate of 92.5% of the working-age population capable of participating in the labor force. According to surveys, there are currently 5,056 laborers aged 15 and above in the town. The average per capita income in 2023 was estimated at 75 million VND. There are still 9 poor households in the town. Over 95% of households comply well with current regulations on civilized lifestyles in weddings, funerals, and festivals. The town has badminton, table tennis, swimming, tennis, and martial arts clubs that are maintained and operate effectively.

Mr. Thai Ngoc Thao stated that in all activities, for the people to agree and participate, officials must set a good example and lead the way. Over the past period, internal unity has been maintained, and officials and civil servants are competent and meet the required standards. The Party organization is clean and strong. The Fatherland Front and other political and social organizations have achieved a rating of "good" or higher. The town has met the standards for access to law as prescribed.

Mr. Nguyen Dinh Bach, Chairman of the People's Committee of Phong Dien District, assessed that Phong Dien is on the path to becoming a town. The first step in that path is to be recognized as a type IV urban area. Phong Dien town is the core area, so it needs to be developed as the central urban area of ​​the town in the future. In the past, the implementation of civilized urban development in the town has been substantial and in-depth, demonstrating the determination to achieve the goals set by the province and the district. In the coming time, the district will continue to direct and provide support for the town to continue investing in infrastructure and cultural institutions to maintain a civilized urban area in the northern part of the province.

Text and photos: DUC QUANG