The people contributed 46.102 billion VND.

(Baonghean) - Thanh Dong is one of the seven pilot communes in Thanh Chuong district for the new rural development program. A review revealed that by the end of 2010, Thanh Dong had only met 6 out of 19 new rural development criteria, requiring a large amount of work and significant capital, with only five years to implement.

To gradually fulfill all 19 criteria for achieving New Rural Area status by the end of November 2015, the commune proceeded to develop detailed plans for each step, conducting open and democratic discussions, and focusing on directing and mobilizing farmers to successfully carry out the second phase of land conversion. The internal field transportation and irrigation systems, as well as the land, were consolidated into 1-2 production areas per household, facilitating mechanization to reduce labor and improve the fields for intensive farming and production development. The people contributed over 67,130 m2 of land for the construction of internal field transportation, irrigation, and public works.

Thanks to land consolidation and reallocation, agricultural productivity and output in Thanh Dong (Thanh Chuong) have increased. Photo: PV

The commune also strengthened agricultural extension work, accelerating the application of scientific and technological advancements in agricultural and forestry production. It developed safe vegetable, bean, and squash production areas, focusing on lowland and hillside fields. The area of ​​wet rice cultivation remained stable at 262.2 hectares per year, with hybrid rice accounting for over 70% and high-quality varieties to ensure local food security and increase value per unit area. The annual corn cultivation area was maintained at 140 hectares, with an average yield of 55 quintals/hectare; the total production reached approximately 770 tons. New high-yield, high-quality peanut varieties were introduced. Planning was done for the development of livestock and aquaculture areas such as Ao Sen, Nay Can, Loi Thuong, Loi Duoi, Rat Sau, and Dap Cho Kem. Investment was made in developing models for fattening cattle, breeding goats, and integrated fish-rice farming in 7 villages. Maintaining and developing industries such as: non-fired brick production, carpentry, mechanical welding, repair, transportation, construction... Six businesses located in the area create local jobs for hundreds of workers with stable incomes ranging from 3,500,000 to 4,000,000 VND; the average per capita income of the commune reached 23.3 million VND in 2013; 25.7 million VND in 2014; and an estimated 27 million VND in 2015. To date, the poverty rate has decreased to 4.9%.

Ba Chua Temple, Thanh Dong commune (Thanh Chuong district).

In the field of education, the school infrastructure has received significant investment, improving the quality of teaching and learning. The kindergarten and primary schools have achieved Level I standards, with all three schools ensuring adequate grounds, playgrounds, sports fields, and parking areas. The Party Committee, People's Council, and People's Committee offices are a spacious two-story building; the community hall is suitable for community activities and meetings. The commune's stadium has a solid structure with sufficient space for football, volleyball, and other sports competitions. All ten villages have community centers and sports fields with standard grounds; the centers are equipped with sufficient tables and chairs for community activities, and have adequate sound and lighting systems. The commune's martyrs' cemetery has been renovated, upgraded, and new structures have been built, including gates, fences, memorial houses, and burial areas. Dung Market has been planned, with all necessary legal procedures completed, and construction has begun on upgrading the front stalls and surrounding fence. The cultural post office, located in the center of the commune, ensures good postal and telecommunication services for the people. The commune's People's Committee center, health station, and three schools are connected to the internet, facilitating access to information, knowledge, and market trends.

Star Club activities at Thanh Dong Primary School.

In the field of healthcare, by December 2015, the commune had achieved national standards for healthcare at level II. Environmental sanitation was emphasized and implemented seriously; all hamlets far from the center had household waste disposal pits in accordance with environmental protection regulations. Large farms were separated and located far from residential areas. There were no activities that degraded the environment, and there were activities promoting a green, clean, and beautiful environment. 100% of production and business establishments met environmental standards, and one waste collection point was established; monthly, people were mobilized to conduct general cleaning of village roads and alleys, and waste was collected according to regulations with a waste transport team to the landfill; the Commune Farmers' Association was assigned to coordinate with waste collection teams in the hamlets and monitor and manage the landfill.

After 5 years of implementing the New Rural Development program, Thanh Dong commune has mobilized resources with a total expenditure of 121.995 billion VND. This includes: 60.911 billion VND from the provincial and central budgets; 0.780 billion VND from the district budget; 8.364 billion VND from the commune budget; 4.7 billion VND from businesses; 46.102 billion VND from people's contributions; and 1.2 billion VND from social mobilization. Investments have been made in upgrading 15.65 km of commune and inter-commune roads to 100% asphalt or concrete paving; 30.15 km of village and hamlet roads have been hardened to standard; and 16.04 km of main internal field roads have been hardened to 100%, ensuring convenient access for motorized vehicles. The pumping station has been renovated and upgraded to meet irrigation and domestic needs, and the 8.5 km of hardened irrigation canals basically meet the irrigation needs for agricultural production for the people. The commune has 4 transformer stations with a total capacity of 990 KVA and 20 km of low-voltage power lines, ensuring 100% of households have access to electricity regularly.

The Party Committee of Hamlet 3, Thanh Dong Commune (Thanh Chuong District) discusses and selects information from the Party newspaper to serve the Party branch's activities.

The achievements we have today are the result of unity and consensus under the leadership of the Party Committee, the administration of the government, the coordination of the Fatherland Front, mass organizations, all levels and sectors, and the agreement of the people. Thanh Dong has chosen highly effective solutions that are suitable to the local characteristics. The Party Committee, government, and people of the commune have correctly assessed the rural situation, identified potentials and advantages to develop production, improve people's lives, maintain a stable and strong political system, and ensure solid national defense and security. Achieving the New Rural Area (NRA) goal is a prerequisite for cadres, Party members, and the people of the commune to continue striving to further improve and sustain the criteria, continue building a stronger and more prosperous homeland, and ultimately build Thanh Dong into a model NRA commune, worthy of being a Heroic Unit of the People's Armed Forces.

Nguyen Doan Thao

(Chairman of the People's Committee of Thanh Dong Commune - Thanh Chuong District)