"The alley is lit up"

From the dark, narrow alleys in residential groups 63 and 64, Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam ward, the model "Lighted alleys" of Party cell No. 47 has not only lit up the living space but also lit up the faith and solidarity of the community.

People who "give up" for the community

Grassroots cadres of the Party cell of residential area No. 47, Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam ward, check lanterns lighting up the alley. Photo: Bao Lam

These days, the competitive atmosphere to welcome the 18th Hanoi Party Congress, term 2025-2030, is bustling throughout the streets.

In the late afternoon, we arrived at residential area No. 47, Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam ward (formerly residential area No. 1, Trung Phung ward). Rows of colorful lanterns were hung in every corner, creating a cozy atmosphere. Ms. Do Thi Luyen, Party cell secretary, head of the front work committee of residential area No. 47, and grassroots cadres welcomed us with bright smiles.

The alley was very dark before the lights came on. Photo: Bao Lam

"Our "Lighted Alley" model was deployed at the end of 2023 and is still expanding, in the spirit of welcoming the Party Congresses at all levels, term 2025-2030. When we first started, many people thought we were "making up stories". Some people even said "outdoor lights will break in no time", "waste of money, waste of time". But we believe that if we do it right, do it for real, people will understand and support", Ms. Luyen shared.

Residential area No. 47 is cramped and crowded with 2 residential groups 63 and 64; has 529 households and more than 1,200 people, including 5 main alleys and many small alleys that are always lacking light, making it difficult to move around. These dark alleys used to be a concern for security and order. Recognizing the problem, the Party Cell deployed the "smart mass mobilization" model in the spirit of socialization.

"We held a meeting with the people, clearly explained the meaning of the project, and listened to the opinions of each household. More importantly, we decided to pilot one alley first so that people could see the effectiveness with their own eyes," said Ms. Luyen.

Kham Duc Alley after the lights come on. Photo: Bao Lam

"On the first night of electricity, the alley lit up like the stars in the sky. Everyone was amazed. From then on, other alleys asked to have lights installed. From the initial one alley, in just 2 weeks, all 20 alleys were completely installed with lights.

She said the total initial cost of mobilization was about 18 million VND, then mobilized more than 20 million VND to brighten up alleys: 80 (Kham Thien Market), Kham Duc, Cong Trang, To Tien and many other alleys. All thanks to skillful mass mobilization work. Notably, 50 people participated in the installation, divided into 3 groups, each group had party members working together.

Bright alleys become safer. Photo: Bao Lam

Hanging flags together to decorate the alley. Photo: Bao Lam

Party members of Cell No. 47 invented the fire alarm. Photo: Bao Lam

One of the "pillars" implementing the model is 4/4 war invalid Le Quy Dong, 77 years old, a veteran of Truong Son. Despite his old age, he still participates in pulling wires and takes responsibility for the entire electrical system, directly turning the power on and off every day.

Mr. Dong shared: "The young people are all working, we still have some health, so for the community and the beautiful residential area, we are happy. We pulled electric wires and hung lanterns regardless of time, sometimes working until dark. Many old people also came out to encourage and bring water for everyone to drink. The atmosphere was very united." He recounted the difficulties of working in narrow alleys, even having motorbikes crash into the elevator twice while installing, but he did not give up because of that.

Not only lighting up the alley, the Party Cell also installed a public fire station. Photo: Bao Lam

Currently, the Party cell has completed the decoration of most of the main axes and connecting alleys. Lights have been strung throughout the alleys with a total of about 1,350 meters of wire, 150 initial lights, and 220 additional bulbs after a year. People are requesting to do more in the dead-end alleys.

"Skilled in mass mobilization", everything is successful

The model has been recognized by the Party Committee and People's Committee of the ward, becoming a typical example for other residential areas to learn from.

The welcome gates of Residential Groups 63 and 64 were lit up to welcome the 18th Hanoi Party Congress. Photo: Bao Lam

The pride of the party members in cell number 47 is to make the alley more beautiful. Photo: Bao Lam

Ms. Ngo Thi Ngoc Khanh, Head of Residential Group 63, shared: "Many people not only supported money but also contributed their efforts with us. When they saw the bright and beautiful alley, they happily recorded a video and sent their thanks. The alley is bright, making it easier for people to move around."

Ms. Tran Thi Thuc (left) happily expressed her joy to the neighborhood group. Photo: Bao Lam

Ms. Tran Thi Thuc, a resident in lane 80, said: "Thanks to this model, the residential area is not only lit up but also clean and beautiful due to the weekly general cleaning. The women working in the residential group are very close, enthusiastic and passionate. My family is very supportive and ready to join hands when needed, and is unanimous in doing things for the benefit of the community."

Front Work Committee.

Saying goodbye to us, Mrs. Luyen happily said: "We learned a lesson that when faced with a project that benefits the people, the leader and the Party Committee must be determined, dare to think, dare to do. But the important thing is to know how to rely on the people, listen to the people, and work with the people. Uncle Ho taught, "If you are good at mass mobilization, everything will be successful." That is the guiding principle for us. Fortunately, the Party Cell has a team of key cadres who are dedicated and devoted to the community, helping to successfully implement the work."

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/ngo-nho-sang-den-719626.html