People tell stories about avoiding potholes on National Highway 61 through An Giang

No need to avoid, flight, avoid the "trap" too much

National Highway 61 from Ben Nhut Bridge to Dinh Hoa Commune (An Giang Province) is currently seriously damaged, with road users in a state of fear when they have to constantly look at the deep holes, potholes on the road to avoid them.

Every short section has deep holes, more dangerous when it rains, stagnant water becomes a puddle that is difficult to observe. Most large and small vehicles passing through must move very slowly to observe closely. Motorbikes swerve through small gaps on the road surface that have not been broken down to "pull through", large trucks, passenger cars, and cars are sluggishly moving to avoid collapsing the road.

Mr. Tran Van Chien, who travels through this road, said that he often goes to work and travels back and forth on this road, every time he goes, it is an obsession.

"The road is damaged and dilapidated, with a hole in the short section, running very slowly, being very careful but still falling into the hole. Luckily, I ran slowly, but if I did not observe and handle it in time, the risk of an accident would be inevitable. We are used to passing by, but now the time to cross this road has to be doubled, running through this tank will have to suffer and sweat. If it were the elderly and students, it would be even more difficult, said Mr. Chien.

At the time of displacement, when many vehicles move through, avoiding each other is much more difficult. Ms. Duong Kim Lien, a resident of Dinh Hoa commune, said: Every day she travels many times on this route to sell lottery tickets. Although only riding a bicycle, it was very difficult to move around and avoid the trip.

"I was scared, there were many vehicles, there were many big vehicles, and the damaged road was too dangerous. Vehicles avoided each other and ran into the opposite lane. Every short walk is a stretch of the eye to avoid potholes and vehicles," Ms. Lien confided.

Still dreaming of repairing the road

Ms. Hua Thi Hi (70 years old) - a resident of Dinh Hoa commune said that she often sells lottery tickets on this route, but since the road was so damaged, she does not dare to drive but has to walk.

"I want to visit my son but I'm also afraid, he's late from work and won't dare to run at night, seeing people fall into potholes. I dream of repairing the road, not only me but everyone here wants the road to be convenient for travel, which is very happy," said Ms. Hien.

Speaking to reporters, Chairman of Dinh Hoa Commune People's Committee Ngo Thanh Hung said that the entire Dinh Hoa commune (after the merger) has 43.96 km of main traffic managed by the commune, with 15.2 km of traffic managed by the province and the Central Government. Of which, National Highway 61 passing through the commune is about 10 - 13 km long (km67+150 - Km77+250). National Highway 61 from Ben Nhut Bridge (Long Thanh Commune) to the headquarters of the People's Committee of Dinh Hoa Commune, then to Rach Tia Bridge, Go Quao Commune is seriously degraded.

Mr. Hung said that the locality has recorded peeling, loose, and many deep holes throughout the road, making it very difficult to move, especially for motorbikes or small cars. People and businesses in the area have reported many accidents and vehicle damage, seriously affecting the daily life and socio-economic development of the locality. Many times of contact with voters have reflected and proposed upgrading and repairing, but so far it has not been considered.

"The commune also recommended that the Provincial People's Committee and the Department of Construction consider allocating funds for emergency repairs in the last months of 2025 to ensure smooth and safe traffic, serving the travel needs of people and the needs of goods transportation. Because this is a vital route to transport goods to neighboring areas and connect with provinces and cities in the region," Mr. Hung informed.