Que Phong: Poverty reduction thanks to 30a

(Baonghean) - Over the past 5 years (2009 - 2013), implementing Resolution 30a of the Government, Que Phong district received support from the central budget of over 223 billion VND, and the local budget invested nearly 25.5 billion VND, to carry out the demolition of dilapidated temporary houses for 3,028 poor households in the district. People's lives have improved significantly, the socio-economy has had positive changes, and the appearance of the village has changed significantly.

Regarding Tien Phong commune, talking about the constructions built in the area, the people of Phuong Tien 3 village all boasted that the suspension bridge across Nam Viec river with support funds from Resolution 30a Program has helped people travel conveniently. This suspension bridge was built in 2011, with a total investment of 4,592 million VND, ending the long-standing practice of people wanting to go to the other side of Nam Viec river having to use boats and rafts. Mr. Bui Van Thu, a resident of Phuong Tien 3 village, sitting on a motorbike, going from the other side of Highway 48, excitedly said, "Since the government built the suspension bridge, most families in the village have bought motorbikes to travel and interact with society. Now, everyone in the village wants to go to the commune in just a few minutes by motorbike.

During the rainy season, children in the two villages on this side do not have to drop out of school because the river water rises as before". Mr. Vo Khanh Toan - Chairman of Tien Phong Commune People's Committee, happily said: In recent years, the locality has received investment from the state to build many infrastructure works and models to support production development, but the most effective and impressive for the people are the two suspension bridges Phuong Tien 3 and Long Quang. These are two villages located on the other side of Nam Viec River, which were previously blocked by the river and separated from the market, leading to the spiritual and material life of the people stagnating. Since the two sturdy suspension bridges have crossed the river, the appearance of the village has changed, and the people are confident to develop their economy and society.

The suspension bridge across the Nam Piet River to Phuong Tien 3 village, Tien Phong commune was built with capital source 30a.

Up to now, after 5 years of implementing the Government's Program 30a, Que Phong district has invested in the construction of 33 infrastructure works, including transportation, irrigation, schools, self-flowing water supply systems, boarding houses, electricity grids, etc. Each project has different meanings and purposes, but all serve the people's lives, stimulate economic and social development for the locality, thus creating an impression in the hearts of ethnic minorities. Mr. Lang Van Minh - Vice Chairman of Que Phong District People's Committee said: Determining the purpose of Program 30a is social security, so before investing in the construction of any project, the district directs the communes to propose, based on the urgency of the people. Therefore, every project is effective.

With investment from many policies according to Resolution 30a, the ethnic minorities in Que Phong district have had positive changes. By the end of 2013, the average income per capita of Que Phong reached over 9 million VND/year (an increase of 2 million VND compared to 2008), the average food per capita reached 343 kg/year (an increase of 33 kg compared to 2008). From 2009 to 2013, each year Que Phong reduced 6-7% of poor households. The rate of trained workers and employed workers reached over 14%. The national grid covers 14/14 communes, the rate of people using the national grid reaches 90%... In the policy of supporting production, creating jobs and increasing income for people, Que Phong reclaimed 154 hectares of rice fields, supported 1,782 breeding calves, 4,507 breeding pigs, 29,336 kg of fish and supported 3,989 livestock farms. In particular, nearly 30 agricultural and forestry extension models have been built, with more than 700 households, groups of households and a number of participating units. Among them, many successful models: Growing passion fruit in Tri Le, Japonica cold-resistant rice growing model, model of preserving cardamom and bo bo plants for medicinal purposes, honey bee raising model...

In the following years, the People's Committee of Que Phong district determined to promote propaganda to the people about the purpose and significance of the Government's Program 30a for ethnic minorities in extremely difficult areas. Continue to integrate capital sources, focusing on socio-economic development. Focus on directing the implementation of economic models, especially effective models, while creating a spread to replicate effective tested models. Continue to organize land allocation for production, forest protection and care contracts for poor households. Link the implementation of the goals of Resolution 30a with the implementation of the criteria for building new rural areas.

Article and photos:Xuan Hoang