Muong Toong lights up from the first steps

Amid the rolling mountains in the far west of the country, Muong Toong is transforming strongly. This is the result achieved after many years of determination to implement the National Target Program (NTPP) on socio -economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas for the period 2021-2030.

Without waiting or hesitation, the entire political system and people here have proactively and resolutely embarked on this challenging but also hopeful journey.

As a remote commune mainly inhabited by Mong and Thai people, Muong Toong used to face many difficulties: lack of infrastructure, high poverty rate, life heavily dependent on nature. However, when the National Target Program 2021-2030 was approved by the National Assembly and the Government, Muong Toong identified this as a "new wind", a "golden" opportunity to change its appearance.

Mường Toong bừng sáng từ những bước chân đầu tiên

Investment in irrigation systems helps agricultural production become more proactive. (Photo: Duy Linh)

Right from the beginning, propaganda and mobilization work has been carried out throughout the commune and each village. Instead of imposing, commune officials bring planning maps, specific numbers and a spirit of listening to each family. Mr. Thao A De, Secretary of the Party Committee of Muong Toong commune, shared with emotion: "We understand that, for the Program to come into life, it must first reach the hearts of the people. People need to understand that this is their own program, for the future of their children and grandchildren. There are nights when we sit by the fire in people's houses until late at night, explaining each content and listening to each wish. The people's trust and consensus is the greatest strength for us to implement."

With high consensus, Muong Toong commune has built a detailed plan, selected practical projects, suitable to local characteristics, and prioritized the most urgent problems. Mr. Doan Van Tu, Chairman of Muong Toong Commune People's Committee, said: "We identified three main pillars: traffic and irrigation infrastructure; production development associated with value chain linkage; and improving the quality of education and health care. Funds from the Program are very important, but must be used correctly, accurately and effectively. We pay special attention to sustainability, avoiding the mindset of 'just getting it done'."

Concrete roads have reached each village, creating favorable conditions for people to travel and trade. (Photo: Duy Linh)

Thanks to that, the poverty rate decreased by an average of 4.98%/year, and the average income per capita reached more than 20 million VND.

Rural infrastructure has been significantly improved: 92.66% of households use grid electricity, 95% of people have access to clean water, 66.6% of villages have roads that can be traveled by car all year round, 85.77% of village roads to the commune center are concreted. Irrigation works, domestic water and cultural houses have been invested synchronously, creating a new look for the highlands here.

Newly built schools meet the learning needs of ethnic minority children. (Photo: Duy Linh)

In village meetings now, the atmosphere becomes more lively. People not only listen but also proactively propose, discuss ways of doing things, and monitor progress. Ms. Sung Thi My, a resident of Huoi Lech village, excitedly said: "Seeing the concrete road in front of my door, I am very happy. It will be easier for my children to go to school and transport agricultural products. We believe in the decisions of the Party and the State, and we believe even more when the commune government works for the people."

The appearance of the mountainous countryside of Muong Toong is increasingly improving. (Photo: Duy Linh)

Muong Toong's journey is just the first steps. There are still many challenges ahead in terms of resources, old farming practices, and post-investment management. But with the initiative and determination of the entire political system and the enthusiastic response of the people, Muong Toong is writing a new story every day: a story about proactively seizing opportunities, about the aspiration to escape poverty sustainably right on the homeland. The changes, although not yet great, have ignited a strong belief in a brighter future for the land and people here.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/muong-toong-bung-sang-tu-nhung-buoc-chan-dau-tien-218267.html