Once a purely agricultural district with underdeveloped infrastructure and modest living conditions, Ung Hoa district (Hanoi) has leveraged the New Rural Development Program as a strong driving force for transformation. The district always sees the program as a central and ongoing mission to direct Party committees and authorities to enhance communications and mobilize public support and participation. The locality has witnessed positive changes.
The new countryside of Ung Hoa district is taking on an increasingly green and beautiful appearance
When starting to carry out the New Rural Development Program, Ung Hoa faced a lot of challenges like low starting level, poor infrastructure, dilapidated roads and limited living standards. However, the right understanding of the program's objectives inspired a profound transformation and development across this area.
In Dong Lo commune, known for its heroic history in the “Khu Chay” resistance zone, has become a prosperous and modern community. Today, Dong Lo has transformational changes, with upgraded roads that facilitate production and daily life, improved school facilities and upgraded cultural institutions to meet working, living and entertaining needs of the local people.
Mr. Duong Van Suu, Chairman of Dong Lo People’s Committee, said that the commune started from a very low base when implementing the New Rural Development Program. Recognizing it as a long-term strategic effort requiring significant resources, the involvement of the entire political system and strong community support, the local authorities prioritized raising public awareness and mobilizing participation. By adjusting their approach to suit changing circumstances and promoting understanding, officials encouraged residents to overcome dependency, embrace self-reliance and transform the New Rural Development Program into a broad grassroots movement.
As the political and cultural center of Ung Hoa, Van Dinh Town has undergone a clear transformation empowered by campaigns on construction of urban civility, especially its response to the “Green - Civilized - Modern Public Works” Contest.
Mr. Le Duc Tho, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Van Dinh Party Committee, said that the Tan Phuong Canal, once an overgrown, polluted and isolated area, was revitalized through a broad community engagement involving over 300 volunteers who cleaned and beautified the area with flowers, benches, lighting lamps and surveillance security cameras. The committee assigned specific tasks to women’s unions, schools and villages like Van Dinh and Ngo Xa to maintain the newly embellished landscape. The success of the “clean canal, beautiful street” model in Tan Phuong is now being replicated across the town.
Besides canal improvement, Van Dinh Town has also focused on upgrading its cultural center, upgrading its stadium and embellishing green spaces, making them attractive public spaces. Neighborhood cultural houses have also been reviewed and privately invested, with the installation of sports equipment, to create an active living environment. “Once a dumping ground, it is now a playground for children and a relaxing place for the elderly thanks to green public spaces,” said Mr. Dang Thanh Hai, Secretary of the Party Cell in Tran Dang Ninh residential area.
With the close, determined leadership of the District Party Committee, the District People’s Council, and the District People’s Committee, and the active participation of people from all walks of life, Ung Hoa has made remarkable progress in rural development. All 28 communes have been officially recognized to meet new rural developments, with six accredited to have achieved advanced new rural standards (accounting for 20.14%). There is no outstanding debt in infrastructure construction related to the New Rural Development Program. Notably, Van Dinh Town has also been recognized by the Ung Hoa People's Committee as a civilized urban area under Decision 34/QD-UBND dated July 15, 2022.
Ung Hoa’s economy has continued to grow steadily. The district’s agricultural structure has been shifted positively, notably with the successful branding of three local specialties: Khu Chay premium rice, Van Dinh duck and Dong Lo poultry eggs. This shift reflected a change in farmers’ mindset toward adopting scientific and technical advances and transitioning from small-scale to concentrated production to increase land productivity.
The district’s socioeconomic infrastructure has been increasingly modernized and synchronized, especially in transportation. All main village roads, inter-village routes, alleys and drainage systems have been upgraded with concrete or asphalt. Additionally, all commune and inter-commune trunk roads, together with 504 km of main intra-field roads, have been reinforced, greatly improving transport and supporting agricultural production.
The district has also seen significant advances in cultural and social aspects. Poverty reduction and social welfare policies are being implemented effectively and targeted appropriately, ensuring timely support. National defense, political security and public order remain stable, hence further reinforcing public confidence in Party leadership and government administration.
Mr. Ngo Tien Hoang, Vice Chairman of the Ung Hoa People's Committee, said that Ung Hoa is steadily improving the quality of its advanced rural development criteria, laying a solid foundation for sustainable development that balances economy, culture and environment. This approach is helping villages and neighborhoods with a more beautiful appearance while upholding good civil behaviors and cultural values throughout the community.
By Bao Dan, Vietnam Business Forum
| This special section is supported by Hanoi Coordination Office of the New Rural Development Program |
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