O Lam today

More than half a century after the war, the heroic commune of O Lam today is sporting a new look with well-maintained roads, improved living standards for its people, and renewed hope for progress in a land that once suffered so much loss.

The village road has changed.

During our visit to the heroic commune of O Lam, we had the opportunity to meet Mr. Chau Soc Sa, a respected figure in Phuoc Loi hamlet, to hear the story of the changes in this mountainous rural area. Having lived here for 75 years, he understands each stage of his homeland's development. “In the past, this place was very poor! The roads were narrow, and houses were sparse. Because it was a revolutionary base area, it was constantly raided by the enemy, and the lives of the people were incredibly difficult. After liberation, the people of O Lam began rebuilding their lives,” Mr. Sa recalled.

A road in O Lam commune. Photo: THANH TIEN

In Mr. Sa's memory, the image of the impoverished countryside appears as if it were yesterday. When he was young, O Lam had no schools, and the people were mostly illiterate. When the revolution arrived, the Party and the State took action to improve living conditions, especially for the Khmer people, and from then on, O Lam entered a period of renewal. "Having served as Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of the commune, I know firsthand the difficulties and hardships of the people. Thanks to the State's attention, O Lam now has major roads and new infrastructure. Now, those who have left their hometowns and returned are all excited about these changes," Mr. Sa expressed.

Pointing to the road leading to the tomb of the Heroine of the People's Armed Forces, Néang Nghés, Mr. Sa recounted that this place used to be just a barren wasteland, but now it's a village with well-built houses. As a locality where over 65% of the population are Khmer people, Ô Lâm identifies improving the lives of its people as its top political priority.

Ms. Neang Sam Bo, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of O Lam commune, said: "In implementing national target programs, we have done a good job of supporting people with land, housing, and clean water. The commune focuses on developing production and diversifying livelihoods for the people, while also focusing on investing in and repairing essential infrastructure in the area."

To date, most roads in O Lam commune have been concreted. In the cultural and social fields, the commune has 4 out of 12 schools meeting national standards, and the rate of universal health insurance coverage has reached 98%, marking a new step forward in caring for the material and spiritual lives of the people.

Overcoming obstacles to achieve development.

Despite achieving positive results, O Lam commune still faces many difficulties such as an underdeveloped transportation system and numerous challenges in agricultural production. However, with the determination of the entire political system, the locality is gradually improving its infrastructure by effectively utilizing public investment capital and national target programs.

In 2025, the People's Committee of the commune will upgrade more than 1.7km of rural roads in the following areas: Chrui Lơ Quơ, Bách Mer, and Canal Slope 4. The commune will also expand the road leading to the Ô Tà Sóc Revolutionary Historical Relic Site, which commemorates the tenacious and indomitable struggle of the army and people of An Giang.

Mr. Phan Thanh Luong, Chairman of the People's Committee of O Lam commune, shared: “In 2026, the commune will continue to leverage the major policies and guidelines of the Central Government and the province to promote growth, creating a solid foundation for the socio-economic development plan for the 2026-2030 period. We will focus on developing high-tech agriculture linked with trade, services, and tourism.”

The People's Committee of O Lam commune strives to achieve the following targets: a 7% increase in total budget revenue; a 4.5% increase in average product value; an average per capita income of 60 million VND/year; and a 97.84% rate of the population supplied with clean water... To achieve this goal, the commune continues to focus on supporting agricultural production in an efficient and safe manner, increasing product consumption. At the same time, it aims to develop community tourism, preserve the Khmer ethnic culture in conjunction with the exploitation of OCOP products and traditional craft villages. “We are focusing on reviewing public investment projects, coordinating closely with relevant departments and agencies to accelerate the construction progress of transportation infrastructure and tourism-related projects. Simultaneously, we prioritize resources for irrigation to serve the production and daily lives of the people; and continue to repair dilapidated schools and health stations,” said Mr. Phan Thanh Luong.

THANH TIEN

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/o-lam-hom-nay-a485249.html