Muong Toong: "Innovative infrastructure" ignites hope in the border region.

From a remote, impoverished commune with muddy roads and villages shrouded in darkness, Muong Toong (Dien Bien province) has transformed into a vibrant community thanks to a comprehensive infrastructure system implemented under the National Target Program (NTP) 2021-2030. Electricity, roads, schools, and health stations have not only improved material living standards but have also become a "bridge" connecting and igniting the aspirations of the local people.

If the image of Muong Toong in the past was one of slippery dirt roads, makeshift schools, and villages lacking electricity, then today, that picture has been transformed into the bright colors of development. This powerful transformation stems from fundamental infrastructure projects, systematically invested in with strong political will and the coordinated efforts of the entire system.

Muong Toong is changing every day. (Photo: Duy Linh)

Solid concrete roads now extend to the most remote villages, eliminating the hardships of carrying goods on backs. Travel has become more convenient and safer for children to go to school, and agricultural products can be transported to market quickly.

Mr. Doan Van Tu, Chairman of the People's Committee of Muong Toong commune, proudly shared: "We call this 'innovative infrastructure'. Because it's not simply a road, a power pole, or a school. It's a bridge connecting Muong Toong with the outside world, opening up new development opportunities. Since the concrete road was built, traders have been able to come directly to the village to buy agricultural products at higher prices. Trucks have replaced the arduous journeys of carrying goods on people's backs. This is a true innovation in economic thinking."

Concrete roads are being paved all the way to remote villages in the highlands. (Photo: Duy Linh)

The national power grid now covers 80% of households, eliminating the worry of intermittent power outages during the rainy season. Electricity brings more than just light; it powers evening computer classes, operates small milling and sewing machines at home, and connects people to the wider world through television and smartphones.

In the field of education, schools from preschool to junior high have been replaced with sturdy, spacious buildings equipped with all necessary functional rooms. Mr. Nguyen Van Tam, Principal of Muong Toong Ethnic Boarding Junior High School, emotionally stated: "Students no longer have to huddle in classrooms with drafts in winter, or worry whenever it rains. A safe and well-equipped learning environment is a great motivation for both teachers and students. Attendance rates have improved significantly, and more importantly, the children's eyes shine with joy and hope every day they come to school."

The school system has been invested in and is quite well-equipped, meeting the educational needs of children from ethnic minority communities. (Photo: Duy Linh)

At the commune's health station, after receiving investment in upgraded equipment, the quality of medical examination and treatment has improved significantly. People no longer have to travel dozens of kilometers along treacherous mountain roads for common illnesses. Ms. Vang Thi Dua from Huoi Lech village happily recounted: "Before, when my child had a fever at night, the whole family was on edge because we didn't know how to get him to the station. Now, with improved roads, a spacious station, and doctors with advanced equipment, we feel much more at ease. Good health care is essential for working and developing the economy."

The synchronized investment in irrigation and clean water systems has helped people feel secure in their production, eliminating worries about water shortages for daily life. When basic infrastructure is ensured, the spirit and aspirations of the people are also ignited. New economic models such as growing safe vegetables in greenhouses and applying water-saving irrigation technology have encouraged people to boldly invest in expanding production towards a commodity-based approach. Good infrastructure has become a catalyst for creativity and innovative thinking.

A life of prosperity and well-being is always present in all the villages. (Photo: Duy Linh)

The journey of building "innovative infrastructure" in Muong Toong continues. The initial results are not only concrete projects, but more importantly, the people's trust in the leadership and sound policies. Muong Toong is vividly demonstrating that, with a solid infrastructure foundation, coupled with self-reliance and a desire for change, any challenging area can become a land of opportunity and sustainable development.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/muong-toong-ha-tang-doi-moi-thap-sang-niem-tin-noi-bien-cuong-218416.html