The Dantri Bridge, spanning Nam Ma Stream in Cao Bo Commune, was launched on September 19, 2025 with funding of over VND 1.67 billion (approximately USD 67,000), raised from readers of Dantri/Dtinews Newspaper. May 10 Corporation contributed VND 800 million (approximately USD 32,000).
The reinforced concrete structure measures 22 metres in length, 3.5 metres in width and 7.5 metres in height.
The new bridge is under construction and is expected to be operational by mid-May (Photo: Nguyen Ha Nam).
Previously, local residents relied on makeshift bamboo bridges, barely wide enough for a motorbike and lacking proper railings, posing serious risks, especially during heavy rain or rising water levels. These temporary crossings were often swept away during floods.
In the 2025 rainy season, the old bridge was washed away, leaving dozens of households in mountainous areas completely cut off. After floodwaters receded, residents rebuilt temporary crossings using bamboo before the new project began.
The old bridge over the Nam Ma Stream with its makeshift bamboo deck (Photo: Nguyen Ha Nam).
On April 18, Nguyen Xuan Toan visited the site to inspect progress and urged workers to complete the bridge ahead of the 2026 storm season.
Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Dantri Newspaper Nguyen Xuan Toan urges commune leaders to work closely with the contractor to ensure the highest possible progress and quality (Photo: Nguyen Ha Nam).
According to Nguyen Van Duong, Chairman of Cao Bo Commune, the bridge is located on a key route connecting 60 of the 89 households in Thac Hung Hamlet to the commune centre. About 70 per cent of the project has been completed.
Authorities aim to inaugurate the bridge in May, before the onset of heavy rains.
Local officials said the project is not only a transport link but also a key driver of economic development, helping improve incomes and ensuring safer school access for children in the area.
Nguyen Van Duong, Chairman of Cao Bo Commune People's Committee, states that this is not just a transport project but also a crucial lever for economic development (Photo: Nguyen Ha Nam).
The Dantri Bridge programme is a long running charity initiative that supports infrastructure in disadvantaged communities. The Thac Hung Bridge is the 32nd built under the scheme nationwide, improving mobility and access to education.
In addition to bridge construction, the programme has funded 255 charity homes, 58 classrooms, 50 floating shelters for flood prone areas, and provided free health consultations to more than 6,000 people, along with thousands of health insurance cards for disadvantaged students.