Building a civilized city: In line with the will of the people.

Việt Nam•21/09/2023

Through propaganda and mobilization efforts, Phan Dinh Phung ward ( Thai Nguyen City) has fostered consensus among the majority of its residents in building a civilized urban area. This has enhanced the sense of responsibility among citizens in jointly developing urban infrastructure.

Hoang Van Thu Street meets the standards of a civilized urban street.

Hoang Van Thu Street (Thai Nguyen City) meets the standards of a civilized urban street.

Strolling leisurely through the streets of Hoang Van Thu, Luong Ngoc Quyen, Phan Dinh Phung... in the gentle hues of autumn, I suddenly noticed the surprising transformation of a ward located in the heart of Thai Nguyen City. The same people, on these same streets, now seem so different.

The streets are no longer encroached upon for storing construction materials or displaying goods for sale; advertising signs no longer cling to utility poles. The alleys and streets have become more open and convenient for trade and transportation, contributing to the improvement of the material and spiritual lives of residents.

Mr. Tran Dinh Thin, Chairman of the People's Committee of Phan Dinh Phung Ward, said: In 2022, the ward had 7 streets recognized by the People's Committee of Thai Nguyen City as achieving "Urban Civilization" status. In 2023, we will focus on implementing the criteria for a civilized urban area.

To achieve high results in building a civilized urban area, Phan Dinh Phung ward has established a Steering Committee to implement the criteria for a civilized urban area. Each specific criterion has a member of the Steering Committee in charge. The ward has intensified its propaganda activities, widely disseminating information about the content of the 9 criteria and 52 indicators of a civilized urban area; the purpose and significance of the standards for a civilized urban area so that officials and residents fully understand and agree to participate.

In recent years, Phan Dinh Phung ward has continuously progressed and developed alongside Thai Nguyen City. Notable examples include the merger of residential groups at the end of 2019, reducing the number from 40 to 26. Furthermore, in the "All People Unite to Build a Culturally Rich Life" movement, the 2022 evaluation showed that 26 residential groups in the ward achieved the title of "Culturally Rich Residential Group," reaching 100%, with 3 groups achieving this title for 5 consecutive years; over 5,800 households achieved the title of "Culturally Rich Family," reaching 91%. In 2023, Phan Dinh Phung ward had 5,867 out of 5,960 households registered as "Culturally Rich Families," reaching 98.4%...

Returning to the topic of civilized urban areas, the most visible aspect is transportation. However, in central areas like Phan Dinh Phung ward, in many locations, one square meter of land can be equivalent to one tael of gold. Nevertheless, to truly deserve the title of a civilized city, most households along the main roads have agreed and are willing to donate land to ensure smooth traffic flow. Notable examples of land donation include residents in residential areas 4, 9, 11, 12, 13, 22, 25…, with over 1,000 households donating more than 27,000 square meters of land and assets on the land, estimated to be worth nearly 37 billion VND, to expand and upgrade transportation infrastructure.

Urban residents have changed their mindset, prioritizing the common good, "daring" to set aside their own interests, and agreeing to create a new, increasingly civilized, prosperous, and beautiful appearance for their neighborhoods. Mr. Ngo Duc Khanh, head of residential group 10, shared: "Our group has 287 households and over 1,000 residents. Through social contributions, we have constructed 200 meters of wide concrete road into alley 5, lane 160, and the road connecting group 10 to group 9."

According to Ms. Pham Thi Chung, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Phan Dinh Phung Ward: Recently, the ward launched a pilot model of "Ensuring urban aesthetics and environmental hygiene" on Nguyen Dinh Chieu street. Particularly in residential areas 7, 13, and 19, residents voluntarily contributed to building a "Communal Trash Can" model. Besides protecting the environment, this is also a way for households to become closer, more connected, and to support and help each other in life. Currently, this model is spreading to other residential areas in the ward.

Speaking with us, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuan, Head of the Front Committee of Residential Area 2, said: "Building a ward that meets the standards of a civilized urban area is a great dream of all residents. Simply put, it means having cultured behavior between people; between people and the environment; and seeing green, clean, and beautiful streets every day when stepping out of the house. Therefore, the policy of building a civilized urban area in the ward has quickly received the consensus and participation of all residents."

"Phan Dinh Phung Ward is resolutely launching campaigns to achieve the criteria and targets in a truly substantive manner. In particular, solutions that promote the leading role of the people are respected and prioritized. Therefore, mobilizing the people to participate in building the ward to meet the standards of a civilized urban area is no longer a difficult task," affirmed Tran Dinh Thin, Chairman of the People's Committee of Phan Dinh Phung Ward.

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