La Khe Trem students have a hard time going to school because they have to go further on a muddy, narrow road.

The longer the distance, the greater the worry

In the heavy rain, we walked with Ms. Vo Thi Thu Hong, a resident of La Khe Trem residential group, along the small dirt road running along the bank of Ta Trach river - where the pontoon bridge was "anchored" for 12 years. The bridge used to be a familiar link for people to go to Thuy Xuan to go to Tuan market, and pick up and drop off their children at Thuy Bang Primary and Secondary School.

“Now the bridge has been washed away by the flood. The road ahead is muddy, students cycling home with their pants rolled up high, mud stuck to their wheels. You see, it is so inconvenient without the pontoon bridge. Since the bridge was lost, my children want to go to school or my sisters go to the market, they have to go around to Huu Trach bridge, then follow Minh Mang mausoleum road to get to Tuan bridge to the other side. The distance has increased by more than 4km. Not to mention far, but going through Tuan bridge is very dangerous,” Ms. Hong lamented.

Indeed, when we were on the bridge, trucks and buses were running noisily. For the children, that road was a nightmare. Previously, children from La Khe Trem, Dinh Mon, Kim Ngoc could ride their bicycles across the pontoon bridge, saving their parents the trouble. Now it is different, many parents have to take them back and forth four times a day, because "letting the children ride their bicycles across Tuan bridge by themselves is very worrying. If there was a solid bridge, that would be great, but for now, people just hope that the pontoon bridge will be operational again soon," Ms. Hong expressed.

According to Mr. Le Tuan Vinh, Vice Chairman of Kim Long Ward People's Committee, La Khe Trem pontoon bridge started operating in 2013. Although it is not a solid structure, over the past 12 years, this bridge has played a very important role in people's lives. It is impossible to guarantee absolute safety for the pontoon bridge, but without it, people will be at a great disadvantage.

At the end of September 2025, the ward worked with relevant departments, branches and investors. Through inspection, the records showed that the bridge was licensed, operated in accordance with regulations, and had been inspected many times by the Department of Transport, the Department of Registration and the waterway police. The ward requested the investor to ensure absolute safety when operating, not to exploit during the rainy season, and to coordinate with periodic inspections. At the same time, it recommended that the Department of Construction guide the inspection and maintenance process and take general responsibility, because the bridge is located between Kim Long and Thuy Xuan.

Necessary but must be absolutely safe

Mr. Vo Duc Hai, the investor representative, said that in the past, more than 1,000 people crossed the pontoon bridge every day. This side was like an oasis, if you go around Huu Trach bridge it is far, if you go over Tuan bridge it is dangerous. The recent flood washed away about 40% of the pontoon bridge equipment, the rest is anchored. The investor hopes to receive support to reinvest and restore the pontoon bridge to serve the people.

According to the Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Kim Long Ward, about 540m upstream from the old pontoon bridge, the planning has determined a solid bridge connecting Kim Long with Thuy Xuan. Early investment in the bridge is necessary, especially after the incident of flood washing away the pontoon bridge.

“In the period when there are no resources to build a solid bridge, a pontoon bridge is still an effective solution,” said Mr. Vinh. However, he emphasized that the operation must have a unit responsible for inspection and periodic testing, and must not be lax. Because the bridge belongs to two localities, according to Mr. Vinh, the department level should be the management unit to ensure consistency.

“The biggest wish of the local government is to have a solid bridge so that people can travel safely,” said Mr. Vinh. The bridge will not only facilitate travel but also create economic and social connections between the two regions. The ward proposed that the Hue City People’s Committee pay attention to allocating funds for investment according to the plan.

Standing on the path leading to the remaining pontoon bridge, Ms. Hong looked across the river, where the roof of Thuy Bang Primary School was dimly visible in the rain. It was just a small bridge, but for the people of La Khe Trem, it was their livelihood and the safety of their children going to school every day. “People just want a bridge to cross to ease their suffering. When they heard that there was a plan for a new bridge, they were very happy. They really hope that one day they can cross again and again to feel secure,” she said.

The Ta Trach River still flows, bringing with it the worries of the people after the flood season. And they are still waiting for a bridge, whether it is a pontoon or a solid one, to reconnect the rhythm of life on both banks.

Article and photos: LIEN MINH

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/chinh-tri-xa-hoi/la-khe-trem-mong-mot-nhip-cau-160245.html