From the desire of forever
These days, along the roads along the Dai Ngai 2 bridge project connecting Long Phu and Cu Lao Dung districts of Soc Trang province, it is not difficult to see images of people coming up to see the construction progress, following the bridge spans that are gradually taking shape. Joy, hope shine in the eyes, words and even rustic confidences.
"Every day I go out to see where the bridge is built. Seeing the clear shape of the bridge, I dare to believe it is real," Mr. Huynh Van Tuan, a resident of An Thanh Tay commune (Cu Lao Dung district, Soc Trang province), emotionally shared.
Mr. Tuan said that for decades, the only means of transportation for Cu Lao Dung people has been the ferry, especially Dai Ngai ferry, with long and inconvenient waiting times, especially during the rainy season or peak season for agricultural products. Traffic and trade face many difficulties. Everyone wants to have a bridge, but they think it is unlikely because the Hau River is vast and near the estuary. When the Dai Ngai 2 bridge project officially started construction (October 2023), it brought a big surprise to the entire island nation.
Mr. Dang Van Tam also in An Lac Tay commune (Cu Lao Dung district, Soc Trang province) added: "Now that there is a bridge, traveling is convenient, goods are transported faster, and prices will definitely be better. People's seafood and fruit trees will have the opportunity to access a wider market".
Mr. Bay Xuan, who has been attached to Cu Lao Dung for his entire life, acknowledged: "After the complete liberation of the South, this is the third major event for this land, after the main road of the district and the national power grid crossing the Hau River".
According to Project Management Board 85, Dai Ngai 2 Bridge has been basically completed, contractors are constructing the final items such as paint lines and expansion joints and is expected to be completed in June 2025.
Breakthrough opportunity
The presence of this project is expected to open a new development stage for Cu Lao Dung district (Soc Trang province) which is isolated by the surrounding river system. Shortening travel time helps attract investment, promote the circulation of goods and develop eco-tourism.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, many production and tourism models have been proactively developed by the people since the project was started. A typical example is Thong Minh Agricultural Cooperative (Dai An 1 commune) which has invested in 40 hectares of organic agricultural production combined with experiential tourism. Cooperative Director Mr. Tran Van Phuc said: "No longer dependent on ferries, delivery time is shortened, products are more competitive, tourists can easily come to the ferry terminal".
Mr. Tran Van Nguyen - Chairman of the People's Committee of Cu Lao Dung district (Soc Trang province) shared that Dai Ngai 2 bridge not only solves the transportation problem but is also an important driving force to promote the development of the local agricultural economy, especially in attracting businesses to invest in high-tech agriculture and tourism.
"Dai Ngai 2 Bridge and in the near future, Dai Ngai 1 Bridge connecting Cu Lao Dung and Tra Vinh Province will be the driving force to promote the comprehensive development of the district. Therefore, from the beginning, we have made efforts to overcome all difficulties to clear the site and hand it over to the investor on schedule," said Mr. Nguyen.
Dai Ngai 2 Bridge is one of two main bridges (Dai Ngai 1 and Dai Ngai 2 Bridge) under the Dai Ngai Bridge Construction Investment Project on National Highway 60 in Tra Vinh and Soc Trang. After completion, the project will eliminate all ferry crossing points across the Mekong Delta coastal provinces from Ca Mau to Ho Chi Minh City, connecting the entire National Highway 60, improving transportation capacity for the area, creating convenient traffic connections between the southern coastal provinces and Ho Chi Minh City.
