Forest clearing into "oasis" in Nghe An

In the last days of the year, the atmosphere in the mountainous commune of Huu Khuong is bustling with the sound of people calling each other to bring tools into the forest to clear the way to the village. This is considered one of the most difficult communes of the poor district of Tuong Duong, located on the area of ​​​​Ban Ve hydroelectric reservoir. Surrounded by mountains, in the middle is the lake, Huu Khuong becomes an isolated "oasis" in the vast western region of Nghe An.

Many "oases" in Huu Khuong currently have boats as the only means of transportation. Photo: Dao Tho

According to the Chairman of the commune, Lo Van Chien, there are still many villages in Huu Khuong that do not have roads. To reach the village, the only means of transport for the people is by boat. The dugout canoes are not only a means of making a living but also a means of transport for the people to travel around this "oasis" area.

Although very busy during the days before Tet, responding to the call of authorities at all levels, this time the two villages of Huoi Co and Xan mobilized more than 800 people to clear forests, open mountains and dig a 15 km long road from the commune center in Con Phen village to Xan village.

The 15km long cliff-side road from Xan village to the commune center has long been a dream for the locals. Photo: Dao Tho

Being present on this “oasis” early in the morning, we could understand how much the people here yearned for a road. 207 households settled in Xan village for generations have only known how to use a boat to travel on the river or through the dense forest whenever they want to reach the commune center.

Now, hearing that there is a road that can be used by motorbikes, everyone's eyes light up with hope.

Everyone enthusiastically cleared the forest and opened the entrance to the village. Photo: Dao Tho

The head of Xan village, Mr. Lo Dinh Chien, was digging with a hoe in his hand and occasionally looking up to urge the villagers, saying to us: “For generations, the villagers have not known what a motorbike is, and it is a hardship to go anywhere. If we cannot finish building the road today, we will continue tomorrow, until we have a road.”

With sweat pouring down, Vi Van Quang said excitedly: “Today, my whole family has stopped working in the fields to open the road. Without the road, who will sell the products we make? The worst part is that it will be more difficult for our children to go to school. If we can’t open the road, we will suffer even more.” Quang’s words seemed to urge many others to try to finish their work soon.

Taking a break in the forest to continue working. Photo: Dao Tho

In the early days, hundreds of workers opened more than 2 km of road.

According to plan, after Lunar New Year, the commune government will focus on completing this road for the people of Xan village to travel.