Touching a solid home
Many years ago, Mrs. Tran Thi Ut's family (Phu Huu commune, An Giang province) lived in a temporary house built of corrugated iron and old planks, located next to the riverbank. Every time the tide rose, the floor became damp, and wooden walls shook with waves. "Some nights, hearing the sound of earth falling looming on the bank, no one in the family could sleep," Mrs. Ut recalled.
Previously, her family lived by working as hired laborers, with unstable incomes. Since moving to Dai Doan Ket area, life has gradually stabilized. "When we lived in the old place, we were worried that the house would collapse, so we didn't dare to plan long-term business. Now that we have a stable place to live, my husband and I can feel secure to go to work, saving every little bit," Ms. Ut shared.
Not only improving living conditions, the Great Solidarity area also formed a close community. Households in the same situation now gather together into small hamlets; in the evening, they chat, share business experiences, and encourage each other to overcome difficulties.
Mr. Trinh Van Phong (Phu Huu commune, An Giang province) also used to live in a riverside hut, always worried every rainy and flood season. "If I were still in the old place, I probably wouldn't dare to stay for long. Here, the roads are convenient, the houses are stable, and it is easier for relatives to come and go," Mr. Phong said.
According to Mr. Phong, the synchronously invested electricity, water and road systems help people access living conditions like other residential areas in the commune. Children go to school conveniently, adults go to work without having to wade through mud every time it rains.
Joining hands for people in border areas
Ms. Lam Thi Ngoc Giau - Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Phu Huu commune (An Giang province) - said that the construction of the Great Solidarity house area stems from the urgent requirement to ensure the safety of life and property for people in the face of riverbank erosion, and at the same time support poor and near-poor households in difficult housing circumstances.
40 Great Solidarity houses in 2 areas in Vinh Phuoc and Phu Thanh hamlets (Phu Huu commune, An Giang province) are built from socialized mobilized funds and the province's support," Ms. Giau informed.
According to Ms. Giau, since moving to the new house area, the lives of the households have changed significantly. Solid brick wall houses, tiled floors, with full electricity and water have replaced the temporary huts of the past. No longer the scene of flooding every rainy season, and no longer the worry of landslides at any time.
We determine that building houses is only the first step. More importantly, it helps people stabilize their livelihoods and feel secure in doing long-term business. When people settle down, they can start a career and firmly stick to the land, contributing to maintaining security in the border area," Ms. Giau emphasized.
