The River - from Geographical Boundaries to New Development Spaces

In the process of administrative boundary division, rivers are often considered as natural boundaries between localities, due to geographical conditions and limitations in connectivity.

However, with the strong development of transport infrastructure, especially bridges across rivers, rivers that used to be boundaries are now becoming bridges, opening up new development space for regions.

Phuc Khanh Commune was established on the basis of merging the entire natural area and population of two commune-level administrative units, including Viet Tien Commune and Phuc Khanh Commune, with a natural area of 114.04 ^km2 and a population of 8,534 people. After the merger, the headquarters of the Party and administrative agencies of Phuc Khanh Commune were located in Dong Mong Village, along National Highway 70, convenient for people of the two communes to carry out administrative procedures.

This is also the location that the old Bao Yen district previously planned in detail to build the administrative center of Phuc Khanh commune. The strip of land is located along the Chay River, the terrain is low, and National Highway 70 passes through, which is very convenient for planning concentrated residential areas, creating room for future development for the locality. It can be said that Viet Tien and Phuc Khanh after merging have created a unified administrative space, where the river is no longer a dividing boundary but becomes an axis connecting traffic and economic development.

Ms. Trinh Thi Duyen, Chairwoman of the People's Committee of Phuc Khanh Commune, said: The two old communes of Viet Tien and Phuc Khanh are located on both banks of the Chay River. Before the new Viet Tien Bridge was inaugurated at the end of 2023, the separation of the river had become an obstacle to development for the two localities.
Therefore, when merging two communes, we considered choosing the location of the commune center planning along both banks of the Chay River. Turning the river from a barrier to development into a center and highlight.

Upstream of the Chay River, bordering Phuc Khanh is Bao Yen commune, formed from the merger of Pho Rang, Yen Son, Xuan Thuong and Luong Son towns. Of which, Xuan Thuong is located on the left bank, while Pho Rang, Yen Son and Luong Son towns are located on the right bank of the Chay River.

For a long time, the central area of the old Bao Yen district mainly developed vertically on the right bank of the Chay River, the difference in infrastructure investment and population density can be clearly seen.

After the Hanh Phuc bridge connecting Pho Rang town with Xuan Thuong commune was built to replace the suspension bridge, it contributed to connecting trade and promoting local socio-economic development. Many constructions and investment projects have been shifted to the left bank of the Chay River to effectively exploit the riverside land fund.

The limited infrastructure connection across the river has caused the former urban area of Pho Rang to develop unbalanced. After arranging the administrative units, we have calculated a number of suitable locations to build new bridges across the Chay River, planning the central area of the commune to become a modern urban area, with the river as the center.
Mr. Tran Trong Thong, Chairman of Bao Yen Commune People's Committee.

Like Phuc Khanh and Pho Rang communes, Coc Lau commune was newly formed from the merger of three communes on both sides of the Chay River, namely Coc Lau, Nam Luc and Ban Cai. Previously, the river divided the boundaries between these communes, causing difficulties in transportation and management.

But with gradually improved infrastructure, this area has now become a concentrated development area, effectively exploiting the potential of agriculture , tourism and trade along the river.

Mr. Ly Xuan Thanh, Secretary of the Party Committee of Coc Lau commune, said: After the merger, the Chay River became a convergence point for the commune to shape a new development path for the locality.

For a long time, rivers have been considered natural “barriers” due to the lack of effective connecting infrastructure. This not only makes it difficult for people to move around but also limits cooperation and economic development between regions on both sides of the river. However, the change has come from strong investment in transport infrastructure.

The solid concrete bridges and riverside transport systems that have been invested in have broken down geographical barriers, helping to connect previously isolated areas. This has facilitated trade and promoted cultural and social connections between communities.

Mr. Vu Xuan Quynh, a resident of Coc Khieng village, Phuc Khanh commune, confided: The bridge connecting the two banks of the river has reduced travel time from hours to just a few minutes, and at the same time opened up opportunities for trade exchange for the people.

From being administrative boundaries, rivers have now become new development centers. This is especially important in the context of localities trying to maximize their natural potential for socio-economic development. The newly merged communes have the opportunity to exploit the natural resources of the river more effectively.

Riverside agriculture, aquaculture or developing eco-tourism areas are becoming potential directions. With the river as the center, localities will have new ideas in development planning, effectively exploiting resources, and attracting investment from businesses.

Mr. Tran Trong Thong, Chairman of Bao Yen Commune People's Committee, shared: When riverside communes are merged into a unified administrative unit, thanks to increasingly complete connecting infrastructure, it is convenient for planning residential areas and urban projects. Therefore, it not only improves the quality of life of the people but also creates a driving force for sustainable development for the locality.

The merger of administrative units on both sides of the river is a solution to streamline the management apparatus, opening up new development opportunities, so that rivers can change from being administrative boundaries to becoming centers of connection and development.

With the right investment and strategic vision, the newly merged communes will not only maintain their own identity but also become bright spots in the local socio-economic development picture.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/dong-song-tu-ranh-gioi-dia-ly-den-khong-gian-phat-trien-moi-post880766.html