Spring bridge across Hau river

To no longer be an oasis

On the Hau River, the ferry is still diligently taking passengers across the river, but in the hearts of the people of Cu Lao Dung (Soc Trang province), Dai Ngai 2 bridge will be a spring bridge that is gradually appearing.

Sitting on the ferry, Mr. Nguyen Van Quyet in An Thanh Tay commune (Cu Lao Dung district, Soc Trang province) said that for decades, Cu Lao Dung people have been accustomed to having to rely on ferries to cross the river, with difficulties in transportation and trade. Everyone wants to have a bridge but thinks it is unlikely to happen because the Hau River is vast and close to the estuary, making it difficult to build a bridge. When the Dai Ngai 2 bridge project officially started (October 2023), it brought a big surprise to the entire island.

"Our generation and many previous generations have always wished for this bridge. Now, seeing Dai Ngai 2 Bridge take shape, I dare to believe it is true," Mr. Quyet emotionally shared.

Ms. Pham Thi Dao in An Lac Tay commune (Cu Lao Dung district, Soc Trang province) expressed her joy when seeing Dai Ngai 2 bridge gradually coming into existence. Although her family owns a large area of ​​land in the Dai Ngai 2 bridge project, she did not hesitate to hand over the land. "This bridge is the lifelong dream of the people of Cu Lao Dung. With the bridge, we are no longer an oasis," Ms. Dao said.

Mr. Bay Xuan - who has spent his whole life on Cu Lao Dung - said: "Since the complete liberation of the South, there have been three major events in this island, which are the largest road in the district, the national power grid across the Hau River and now the construction of Dai Ngai 2 bridge".

In the hustle and bustle of people working on the Dai Ngai 2 Bridge, Mr. Phung Vu Phuong is not only a worker but also a son of Cu Lao Dung. He understands the hardships that people go through when their transportation depends on ferries. That has motivated him to try his best to complete the project soon. For him, this is not only a job, but also a responsibility to his homeland.

Take off from the river bridge

Cu Lao Dung (Soc Trang province) is a fertile land but its isolated geographical location has hindered the development of the locality. When Dai Ngai 2 bridge is built and put into use, it is expected to create momentum for the district to exploit its full potential in the fields of tourism, agriculture, aquaculture and trade and services.

Since the project started, Cu Lao Dung people have proactively built pioneering production models, especially agricultural tourism models. Typically, the Smart Agriculture Cooperative in Dai An 1 commune has boldly invested in a clean, organic agricultural production model combined with experiential tourism, on a scale of 40 hectares.

Mr. Tran Van Phuc - Director of Thong Minh Cooperative - shared: "When we no longer depend on ferries, we will significantly shorten the time it takes to bring products to consumers. This advantage will increase competitiveness and attract tourists to the island."

Mr. Tran Van Nguyen - Chairman of Cu Lao Dung District People's Committee - shared: Dai Ngai 2 Bridge not only solves the traffic problem but is also an important driving force to promote the development of local agricultural economy, especially in attracting businesses to invest in high-tech agriculture and tourism.

“Dai Ngai 2 Bridge and the upcoming Dai Ngai 1 Bridge connecting Cu Lao Dung and Tra Vinh province will be the driving force for the comprehensive development of the district. Therefore, from the beginning, we have strived to overcome all difficulties to clear the land and hand over to the investor on schedule,” said Mr. Nguyen.