Despite heavy damages and losses from big storms and floods in 2009, people in Phu Yen are ready for a happy Tet this year.
There are 1,394 new houses rebuilt at Phu Yen which are much better than before and have been completed before Tet's arrival.
With the help of local authorities and neighbours at Ky Lo Hamlet, Xuan Quang 1 Commune, Dong Xuan District, Nguyen Sa and his family have a new house worth VND60-70 million ($3,243-3,783). “Thanks to the government we can have a big house to live in. This is a happy Tet for us. I think I can live several years longer now,” said Sa.
A new house for Nguyen Sa
To Thi Chinh is living at Phuoc Nhuan Hamlet, Xuan Quang 3 Commune, Dong Xuan District, and has also received a new house near a river which is now built in a higher position than it was before. Her house has been completed before Tet. It makes her happier than anything.
“I am very grateful to the government. They gave me VND12 million ($648) at the beginning, then gave me another VND8 million ($432). I have enough money to buy some stuff for my new house,” said Chinh.
There are thousands of new houses rebuilt one by one here whereas several months ago, many had collapsed in the aftermath of floods.
A very special Tet
“About 98% of collapsed houses have been rebuilt before Tet in Tuy An District alone. However, some people's homes haven’t been finished yet for some objective reasons,” according to Nguyen Phung Ngoan, Vice Chairman of People’s Committee of Tuy An District.
People living at Truong Hamlet have to stay in tents because they do not have enough time to build their new houses.
Truong Hamlet has been through a difficult time due to heavy flooding last year. They had lost everything including houses, fields, trees and gardens.
“Nothing can make up for their damages and losses. We have done everything we can for them. I hope they can overcome the difficult period to stabilise their lives,” said Vo Cao Phi, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Dong Xuan District.
Some people have to spend Tet in a tent
With the help of the community, their damages and losses can be lessened and they can celebrate this Tet in new houses or tents which is better than being homeless.
