Built in 1994, the suspension bridge connecting Muong Hung commune across the Ma River to Chieng Cang commune in Song Ma district has facilitated travel and transportation of agricultural products and goods for the people of four villages in Muong Hung and Chieng Cang communes. However, the bridge has now deteriorated, causing difficulties and dangers for the people, especially the students who cross it daily to get to school.
During our business trip to Muong Hung commune, Mr. Ca Van Xoan, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of the commune, took us to visit several economic models, the historical site of the Muong Hung banyan tree... and crossed the Muong Hung suspension bridge to reach National Highway 4G in Chieng Cang commune. We had to wait quite a while to cross the bridge because it was dilapidated and only allowed a maximum of 4 motorbikes or 10 pedestrians at a time. Even with a small number of people, the bridge still shook quite strongly; some parts of the bridge surface were damaged, creating holes that pedestrians could easily slip through if they weren't careful.
Mr. Xoan shared: Before this suspension bridge was built, to reach National Highway 4G, the people of Muong Hung commune had to travel along the road from Na Ha village to Muong Hung, which was more than 6 km long. Especially the high school students had to take a detour of more than 6 km to get to school. During the rainy season, the road was slippery, and it was not uncommon for children to fall or arrive late to class, as the road was already in poor condition. Due to the transportation needs of the people in the area, 20 years ago, the People's Committee of Song Ma district decided to invest in building the Muong Hung suspension bridge. The bridge is 117 meters long; the bridge deck is 1.5 meters wide and made of iron plates; the pillars are also made of iron. The people are happy and excited because of the convenience the bridge brings.
However, due to its long lifespan, many sections of the steel cables running across the middle of the bridge have broken or snapped; some sections of the bridge surface are damaged. Locals have used planks and bamboo to make walkways across the bridge. During the rainy season, the bridge surface becomes slippery, making travel quite dangerous. In 2017, a district delegation surveyed and assessed the bridge, concluding that it had reached the end of its lifespan and was dilapidated. They then requested the Department of Transport's approval for temporary repairs to allow people to use the bridge.
Regularly traveling across this bridge, Mr. Luong Van Binh from Hat 8 village, Muong Hung commune, said: "When I ride my motorbike transporting agricultural products, if I don't hold the handlebars firmly, it's very easy to fall. We hope the government will invest in building a solid bridge to replace this suspension bridge, making it easier for us to travel and transport agricultural products across the river."
Pham Van Nam, from Chieng Cang village, Chieng Cang commune, said: "During the agricultural harvest season, we go to Muong Hung commune to buy produce, but transportation is inconvenient because the suspension bridge is dilapidated, transporting by motorbike is unsafe, and it takes a lot of time."
Recognizing the disadvantages of the dilapidated suspension bridge, in numerous meetings with constituents and the Provincial and District People's Councils, Muong Hung commune has petitioned relevant authorities to invest in the construction of a permanent bridge across the Ma River to replace the Muong Hung suspension bridge. Most recently, on November 21, 2023, during a meeting with constituents by the Provincial People's Council delegation running for election in Song Ma district before the 8th session of the 15th Provincial People's Council, Muong Hung commune and its constituents also requested the construction of this permanent bridge. At the end of November 2023, the District People's Committee provided Muong Hung commune with 115 million VND to repair the bridge surface, ensuring safety for the people. The commune People's Committee used this funding to purchase 60 cm wide corrugated iron sheets to cover the bridge surface. However, this is only a temporary solution.
The people of Muong Hung and Chieng Cang communes earnestly hope that the State will pay attention to investing in the construction of a permanent bridge across the Ma River. If the bridge is built, it will facilitate travel and trade for tens of thousands of households, promoting socio-economic development in the locality.
Text and photos: Hong Luan, Huyen Trang
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