The rural transport system of communes in difficult and extremely difficult areas has been hardened to the center of villages and hamlets

Currently, in Thai Nguyen province, there are still 34 disadvantaged and particularly disadvantaged communes, concentrated mainly in the Northern area of the province (belonging to the former Bac Kan province). In recent times, through national target programs such as building new rural areas; sustainable poverty reduction; socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas... along with medium-term public investment capital, Central and local budget capital, other capital sources and socialization resources, many essential works have been invested in these communes.

As a result, up to now, the rural transport system of 34 difficult and extremely difficult communes continues to be improved with 676 km of commune roads asphalted or concreted; more than 1,383 km of hamlet axis roads, inter-hamlet roads solidified; 125 km of intra-field roads invested solidly. The irrigation system in disadvantaged and particularly disadvantaged communes is also consolidated with 1,781 works, including 1,697 diversion dams, 52 pumping stations and 32 reservoirs. In addition, 100% of communes have postal - telecommunications and internet service points; 658 centralized water supply works have been put into operation.

Centralized domestic water supply work in Nam Toc hamlet, Phong Quang commune

Along with that, 7 communes have centralized waste treatment zones, meeting the processing demand of about 90 tons/day; 15 communes formed a domestic waste collection and transportation network, reaching 44%; 22 communes have markets or trade points; 26 communes have cultural houses, halls; 34/34 communes meet national criteria on health according to regulations; the school system with 196 facilities is maintained and consolidated.

Despite many positive results, the infrastructure in disadvantaged and particularly disadvantaged communes of the province is still limited. Mountainous terrain is divided, the population is dispersed, investment - maintenance costs are high and frequent impacts of natural disasters make many works lack synchronization and sustainability; connectivity and service for development have not met requirements. Many basic infrastructure criteria are still at a low level. Many alley and intra-field routes have not been solidified. Educational, medical and cultural works are degraded, lacking classrooms, lacking equipment, affecting the quality of education and primary health care for people.

Students of Ban Lu School Site, Tan Ky commune during break time

In the coming time, Thai Nguyen province will continue to mobilize diverse resources, prioritizing investment in essential infrastructure, creating a foundation to promote socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas towards sustainability and inclusiveness