People have to cross the stream in Trang Thanh Village
During the dry season, the stream appears calm, but when heavy rains and floods arrive, it turns into a raging torrent, sweeping away houses, crops, property, and even lives.
Hoang Thi Ninh, the head of Trang Thanh Village, recalled that two of her childhood friends lost their lives in the stream on their way to school.
"In 2008, four students were tragically swept away at this very spot. The most recent case was in 2017, when two more children drowned. These heartbreaking losses still haunt the community," she said.
"Every time we take our children to school, we worry, especially when the rainy season comes. Many families choose to take a detour that is about 4km longer. We desperately need a sturdy bridge to feel safe when crossing," she added.
Due to financial difficulties, villagers have contributed bamboo and wood to build makeshift bridges for easier access. However, these temporary structures are repeatedly washed away by floods.
After Typhoon Yagi in September 2024, the last makeshift bridge was completely destroyed. Since then, schoolchildren have had no choice but to wade through the stream or take long detours. Thousands of villagers have also struggled without the bridge.
Hoang Thi Canh, a 75-year-old villager, lamented, "This stream has taken so many lives. Without a bridge, it’s difficult to go to the market, and even visiting the health centre is a challenge. If we had a solid bridge, our lives would be much easier."
Hoang Thi Canh expresses her dream about a bridge.
According to La Van Quang, Chairman of Minh Xuan Commune People’s Committee, around 1,113 households from nine village, nearly 7,000 people, regularly travel through this area. All schoolchildren, from kindergarten to high school, must cross this stream to reach their schools. Each year, from June to August, flooding makes the stream impassable.
Local people mainly grow rice and fruit trees, but without a bridge, they are forced to take long detours, increasing travel time, labour, and transportation costs.
Over time, villagers have repeatedly petitioned local authorities for a permanent bridge.
Loc Van Hong, Secretary of the Trang Thanh VillageParty Committee, said the villagers had managed to raise over VND100 million. They have already spent VND80 million to level the land and build an access road to the stream, leaving only VND20 million. However, the estimated cost of the bridge is around VND600 million.
Loc Van Hong, Secretary of the Trang Thanh VillageParty Committee, said the estimated cost of the bridge is around VND600 million.
Chairman Quang stated, "We’re fully aware of the hardships villagers face. The local government has repeatedly submitted proposals for funding to higher authorities, but due to budget constraints, the project remains unrealised. We sincerely hope to receive support from different levels of government, organisations, and philanthropists to help the villagers build a safe and permanent bridge."
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