A group of motorcycle service technicians in Da Nang have been active in providing free motorbike repairs for people in flood-hit areas in Central Viet Nam. 

Da Nang’s volunteers repairing motorbikes for residents in flood-hit Phu Loc Village in Thua Thien Hue Province

The idea of establishment of a group of motorcycle service technicians in an effort to provide free motorbike repairs for those who need them in the worst-hit areas in Central Viet Nam was developed by 36-year-old Ho Ngoc Huyen, a resident of Hai Chau District. Her ideas came after she witnessed many motorcycles and electric bikes damaged by being soaked in flood waters in affected areas.

Huyen said that, during her charity trip to worst-hit Phu Loc Village, Phong Chuong Commune, Phong Dien District, Thua Thien Hue Province, in late October, she realised that although the water has already receded in the village, many children here were not able to go to school. The main reason was that their electric bikes or their parents’ motorbikes were badly damaged by flood waters.

The kind-hearted woman said that bike and motorcycle repair service in the flood-prone areas cost a lot. The recent floods have pushed hundreds of residents of affected localities further towards the brink of poverty. So, a charge for motorcycle repair is too expensive for them to pay.

She highlighted the importance of repairing bikes or motorcycles damaged by flood timely because permanent damaged may occur as time passes by.

Thus, Huyen has decided to provide free motorbike repairs for worst-hit flood victims.  

Huyen has asked for donations of both cash and in-kind on Facebook. Additionally, she has encouraged motorcycle service technicians in Da Nang to give a helping a hand to flood victims.

The majority of villagers’ motorbikes are damaged by being soaked in flood waters for a long time

Ms Vu Thi Thuy, the owner of a shop specialising in buying and selling motorcycle parts in Son Tra District, donated some spare parts, including oil, air filter, spark plugs, flame coils and lamp coils, in a bid to make a small contribution to Huyen’s charity scheme.

Huyen said the charity group comprises of 7 motorcycle mechanics who are willing to give a helping hand to those who need it.

Her group provided free repair services for motorcycles and electric bikes for Phu Loc villagers on 9 and 10 November. During the two days, a combined total of over 100 damaged motorcycles and electric bikes in the village were successfully repaired.

Huyen continues to ask for public help in giving people in flood-hit areas in a bid to help them continue with their lives, and allow their children to go back to school soon.

By MAI HIEN - Translated by M.D