Lao Cai - Joining hands to strengthen concrete roads

Concrete roads have opened a new chapter for the new rural development in Muong Lai (Lao Cai), affirming the determination and collective strength of the community in turning simple dreams into reality,

Two days, 225 meters of concrete road.

In Muong Lai Commune (formerly part of Luc Yen district, Yen Bai province), a lively working atmosphere fills the fields. In Lang Sao village, everyone – from the elderly and women to the youth—enthusiastically takes part, turning the effort to complete the village’s concrete road into a true “festival of labor.”

“This road has been long-awaited by the villagers. Now that we can join hands to build it, everyone is delighted,” shared Mr. Luong Van Thao (65 years old) as he pulled a cart of sand, sweat streaming down his sun-tanned face. The whole village has mobilized its strength: some transport materials, others level the ground, while others take care of logistics. Laughter rings out, drowning fatigue and tightening the bonds within the community.

The people of Lang Sao village, Muong Lai commune, Lao Cai province join hands to develop the New Rural Area.

In just two days, 225 meters of concrete village road were completed. The number may sound modest, but for the highland villagers, it represents a great achievement. The old path used to be a rough dirt trail—slippery during the rainy season, where motorbikes carrying farm produce often got stuck. Now, the new concrete road stretches out like a bright carpet before their eyes, connecting stilt houses, fields, and streams.

To achieve that result, alongside the decisive contribution of local residents, Lang Sao Village also received financial support of 90 million VND for construction materials from the SODI project. This assistance helped ease the villagers’ burden, but what truly gave the effort its deeper meaning was the spirit of “the people know, the people discuss, the people do, and the people benefit.” Every bag of cement and every cart of sand and gravel bears the imprint of the villagers’ hands and sweat.

Mr. Luong Viet Bac, Secretary of Lang Sao village, Muong Lai commune, Lao Cai province, shared: “If we had relied solely on government support, it might have taken many more years before the villagers had a proper road. But once everyone realized this was their own responsibility, for their own homeland, they eagerly took part. The road is not just for travel—it represents our faith and the future of our children.”

With the new concrete road completed, children can travel to school more safely, women can transport corn, rice, and vegetables to the market more easily, and the elderly can visit relatives with less difficulty. The whole village feels revitalized. “In the first days, I woke up at 5 a.m., just wishing for daylight so I could get back to the construction site. Now, seeing the clean, beautiful road, I feel so relieved,” Ms. Vi Thị Tuyết said with a bright smile.

Over the past three years, with the support of the SODI project, Lang Sao Village has completed nearly 1.5 kilometers of concrete roads. More than just solid stretches of road, they represent “the road of the people’s hearts,” strengthening community bonds and reviving the long-standing spirit of solidarity among the highland residents.

People’s strength – the foundation of building New Rural Areas

The story of Lang Sao vividly illustrates the core spirit of the new rural development program: the people are the main actors. The government and projects provide only partial support, while true and lasting sustainability must come from the community’s own strength.

In Muong Lai, many village roads, irrigation canals, and community houses have been built through the spirit of “joining hands and working together.” When local authorities propose an initiative, residents discuss and agree on it, then contribute labor, money, or equipment as they can. Those with strength offer their labor; those with money contribute financially; those with machinery or vehicles lend their support. This approach fosters strong consensus, saves costs, and enhances each person’s sense of responsibility.

Many village roads, irrigation canals, and community houses have also been built through the spirit of “unity and collective effort” of the people of Muong Lai commune, Lao Cai province.

Mr. Luong Van Dan from Lang Sao village, Muong Lai commune, Lao Cai province – one of the movement’s pioneers—shared: “In the past, traveling was difficult and transporting farm produce was hard work. Sometimes we made sales but earned little profit because of high costs. Now that we have a proper road, people feel confident to invest more in cinnamon gardens and rice fields. The road not only opens the way but also opens up opportunities for economic growth.”

From the very first projects, the people of Muong Lai have grown increasingly confident. They understand that every road, every bridge, and every community house built is not merely a physical structure but also a symbol of solidarity. The days spent together pouring concrete, leveling the road, and cooking shared meals have left beautiful memories, nurturing the bonds of friendship and neighborliness.

New rural development is not just about meeting criteria or filling numbers in reports – it is about the visible changes in daily life: children going to school safely, people relieved of travel burdens, farm produce fetching better prices, and stronger bonds of community. These very values will continue to inspire and spread the movement, not only in Lang Sao but across the rural areas of Lao Cai (included the formerly Yen Bai's).

As the afternoon sunlight settles over the stilt houses, the new concrete road in Lang Sao gleams like a ribbon of silk. Villagers stroll along it, chatting cheerfully as they go. Joy shines on every face—for they know this is not only the road of today, but also the path leading toward their future.

Ms. Vi Thi Tuyet from Lang Sao village, Muong Lai commune, Lao Cai province, said emotionally: “This road is solid and long-lasting, but what’s more precious is that people have learned to trust one another and believe in their own strength. After this road, we’ll continue to do many more things for our village.”

From those simple stretches of concrete road, a new chapter of rural development has begun in Muong Lai – a chapter of faith, determination, and above all, the power of community. It is a power that can turn humble dreams into reality, making the homeland ever more prosperous and civilized.

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