We arrived in Nam Mat in the last days of the twelfth lunar month. The whole village was bustling with preparations for Tet (Lunar New Year). Every house was sweeping and cleaning its yard, re-hanging its curtains, and setting up the ancestral altar. Amidst this atmosphere, the sounds of people calling out to each other echoed from the newly built house of Mr. Giang A Kha.
Despite the busy preparations for the end of the year, Mr. Kha's family decided to slaughter a pig to treat their neighbors to a housewarming party. In the front yard, the men were busy butchering the pig; in the kitchen, the women and children were picking vegetables, washing banana leaves, and preparing to wrap the cakes. Laughter and chatter mingled together, dispelling the chill of late winter.
Giàng A Kha stood on the porch, his eyes shining as he looked at his brand-new house. He shared emotionally, “We are very happy to have received support from the government and been relocated to a new place with a sturdy and stable home. Our new home is very safe. Now that we have a place to live, we will focus on developing our economy and improving our family's living standards.”
After saying that, Mr. Kha turned back to help everyone set up more tables and chairs and carry trays of meat out to the yard. Previously, Mr. Kha's old house was located on the hillside, and every rainy season brought constant fear. Typhoon No. 10 in 2025 swept everything away. That night, the whole family had to flee through the rain and wind, leaving their belongings behind. "Before, even in my dreams, I never imagined I would one day live in such a sturdy house," Mr. Kha added, gently touching the newly built wall as if to make sure everything was real.
Not far away, Mr. Giang A Sung, from Nam Mat village, is also one of the 11 households that received government support to build new houses. Mr. Giang A Sung shared: “My family has been living in the resettlement area for more than two months now. It's convenient here, easy to get around, and I'm sure we'll develop more than where we lived before.”
As he spoke, Mr. Sung pointed to the concrete road running through the resettlement area. That road connects Nam Mat with the commune center, making travel and trade much easier than before. Sacks of corn and rice no longer have to be carried on foot along slippery paths. Children also have an easier time getting to school.
It is known that Typhoon No. 10 caused severe damage to Muong Bo commune. In Nam Mat village alone, 11 houses were completely destroyed or had to be urgently relocated. With a government subsidy of 100 million VND for each household, along with savings, loans, and help from relatives, 11 dream homes were built on new land. In just about a month, the entire resettlement area was completed, spacious and tidy. Mr. Chao Duan Minh – Head of Nam Mat village, Muong Bo commune, recalled: “With the support of the government, we mobilized the villagers to help the families affected by the natural disaster quickly stabilize their lives. Within about 30 days, the households had completed their houses.”
After saying that, Village Head Chảo Duần Mình led me on a tour around the village. In front of each house was a small yard; some houses had built livestock pens, while others were drying corn and rice. "The villagers are now at ease, no longer worried about landslides like before. Having stable housing is essential for long-term business," Mr. Mình said.
The joy doesn't stop at just having a new home. Local authorities are also working alongside the people to help them stabilize and develop their economy. Mr. Nguyen Xuan Tri, Chairman of the People's Committee of Muong Bo commune, said: “We are directing agencies and organizations to participate in supporting people to quickly stabilize their lives. Currently, the commune is also implementing a project to cultivate shiitake mushrooms in the locality, and it has initially shown quite good results. We will encourage people to raise livestock and grow ginger to increase their income…”
Those plans are gradually becoming a reality. At the end of the village, a group of households have built sheds for mushroom cultivation. Next to Mr. Kha's new house, the buffalo shed has been reinforced. The villagers tell each other, now that they have a solid house, they must also make their economy stable.
As evening fell, the housewarming party for Giàng A Kha's family began. The feast was simple but heartwarming: pork, sticky rice cakes, and fragrant rice wine. Everyone gathered together, wishing each other a happy new year and celebrating their newly built homes. The clinking of glasses and the playful laughter of children echoed across the spacious courtyard.
Walking around the Nam Mat resettlement area these days, you'll see happy smiles everywhere. Worries about natural disasters are gradually fading, replaced by unwavering faith in the care of the Party and the State, and in the collective efforts of the community. Amidst the mountains of Muong Bo, the Nam Mat resettlement area is entering its first spring in new homes. A spring of rebirth, of hope, and of dreams that have just taken flight. And in the laughter echoing throughout the villages, we understand that this is truly a joyful day – a day of joy in people's hearts, of faith, and of a future unfolding before them.
Source: https://baolaocai.vn/xuan-vui-nam-mat-post893788.html
![[Photo] Coc Ly market bustling on the eve of Tet](https://vphoto.vietnam.vn/thumb/402x226/vietnam/resource/IMAGE/2026/02/14/1771062261424_baolaocai-br_img-6457-jpg.webp)
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