Quang Tri focuses on developing essential infrastructure in ethnic minority areas

Recently, using funds from the National Target Program for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas, various departments, sectors, and localities in Quang Tri Province have invested in developing essential infrastructure. This investment aims to support both production and daily life in ethnic minority regions, thereby improving the material and spiritual well-being of the local population.

Children in Vinh O Commune attend school in well-equipped and modern classrooms.

In 2022-2023, the commune of A Ngo in Dakrong District invested US$84,000 in paving internal roads in the La Lay and A Deng hamlets, covering over 1,000 meters. Additionally, they spent $21,000 to upgrade the commune’s health station, $29,000 to renovate the monument to fallen heroes, and made various other infrastructure improvements.

Similarly, from 2022 to the present, Vinh O Commune in Vinh Linh District has utilized funds allocated for essential infrastructure to improve roads, electricity systems, and other facilities. Notable projects include paving roads in Xa Loi Hamlet, upgrading the electrical system in Cay Tam and Thuc hamlets, and maintaining existing roads. The local community has expressed great satisfaction with these improvements, which have significantly enhanced rural infrastructure and quality of life.

According to Decision No. 1719/QD-TTg dated October 14, 2021, by the Prime Minister regarding the NTP for EMMAs for the 2021-2025 period, the provincial People’s Committee annually allocates funds for implementation. From 2022 to 2023, the central government allocated $7.85 million for Project 4, aimed at investing in essential infrastructure. The province has disbursed over $7.76 million, achieving 98.4% of the target.

Specifically, various departments and localities have constructed 106 rural transport projects, 7 electricity supply projects, 4 community centers, 2 health station repairs, 18 school and classroom projects, 4 small irrigation projects, 1 market upgrade, and 4 other community-suggested infrastructure projects, while maintaining 67 facilities.

Currently, 100% of villages have access to the national electricity grid, 98.7% of households use electricity, all communes have television coverage, and 100% of communes have paved roads to their centers. Additionally, 77% of villages have paved roads to the commune centers, all communes have national-standard health stations, all have primary schools, 75% have secondary schools, and 38 schools meet national standards. Community centers are present in 40.4% of communes, with 88% of villages having community activity centers. In 2023, the poverty rate in ethnic minority and mountainous areas (31 communes) decreased by 6.92%.

To achieve these results, the provincial People’s Committee has directed relevant departments and units to operationalize central policies. This includes strengthening the organization of steering committees, issuing operational regulations, coordinating across levels and sectors, and assigning clear responsibilities for planning and implementation.

The management and decision-making powers have been decentralized to local levels to ensure effective program execution. Local entities handle specific tasks, while inter-regional and multi-sector projects are managed at the provincial level.

As a result, coordination among departments and localities has been efficient, with timely identification and resolution of challenges within the units' authority.

For 2024, the national target program for ethnic minority and mountainous areas will integrate more programs and policies, being implemented comprehensively across the region. With $3.58 million allocated for infrastructure development, the province plans to build 76 rural transport projects, 3 electricity projects, 4 new community centers, 3 health station repairs, 20 school projects, 1 market upgrade, and 8 other infrastructure projects. Additionally, 39 existing facilities will undergo maintenance.

The implementation of ethnic policies combined with national target program resources has significantly improved infrastructure, driving socioeconomic development and enhancing living standards in ethnic minority and mountainous areas.

Looking ahead, the provincial People's Committee will continue to direct departments and localities to focus on targeted investments, prioritizing the most disadvantaged areas and addressing urgent needs. This includes ensuring transparency, democratic processes, and active community participation, while fostering the proactive efforts of ethnic minorities and mountain communities.

The ethnic minority and mountainous areas of Quang Tri Province cover more than 313,000 hectares, representing 68% of the province’s total land area. This region consists of 31 communes and towns, including 191 ethnic minority villages, with 28 communes and 187 villages classified as particularly disadvantaged. The mountainous areas include Dakrong and Huong Hoa Districts, as well as some communes in Gio Linh, Cam Lo, and Vinh Linh Districts.

In 2022 and 2023, with over VND188 billion ($8 million) allocated by the central government for Project 4 of the National Target Program on Socio-Economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas, the province disbursed over VND185 billion (around $7.8 million), achieving 98.4% of the planned investment. This has significantly improved the infrastructure and quality of life in many remote communes in Quang Tri Province.

Specifically, the investments included the construction of 106 rural transport projects for production, business, and community use; 7 electricity supply projects for residential and business purposes; 4 community center buildings; 2 health station repairs; 18 school buildings; 4 small-scale irrigation projects; 1 market renovation; 4 other small-scale infrastructure projects proposed by the community; and maintenance of 67 existing facilities.

As a result, 100% of villages now have access to the national power grid, 98.7% of households use electricity, all communes are covered by television broadcasting, all communes have paved roads to their centers, 77% of villages have paved roads to their communes, all communes have health stations meeting national standards, all communes have primary schools, 75% have secondary schools, 38 schools meet national standards, 40.4% of communes have cultural centers, and 88% of villages have community activity centers.

In 2024, the National Target Program for Socio-Economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas (2021-2025) will integrate additional programs and policies, and will be implemented comprehensively across the ethnic minority and mountainous regions. Essential infrastructure, such as roads, schools, health stations, irrigation, and drinking water facilities, will receive focused investment.

Tran Thanh - Ngoc Mai