Many village paths and alleyways in Da Nang’s Hoa Vang District, once shrouded in darkness at night, are now brightly lit, ensuring safer travel for residents. This transformation stems from the "Lighting Up Rural Roads" initiative carried out by the Youth Union of municipal agencies, contributing to the development of new rural areas.

Many village paths and alleyways in Da Nang’s Hoa Vang District, once shrouded in darkness at night, are now brightly lit,

In June 2024, the residents of Truong Dinh Village, Hoa Lien Commune, Hoa Vang District, celebrated the installation of an 800-metre lighting system along a village road, at a total cost exceeding VND 200 million. Village head Vo Van Thanh expressed delight: “This project is highly significant and has been long awaited by the people. From now on, residents can feel safer travelling at night, and children can enjoy playing freely.” Since the installation of the lighting system, the community has become more conscious of maintaining environmental cleanliness, regularly sweeping streets and alleys to enhance the aesthetics of their rural surroundings.

Vo Thi Nhu Y, Secretary of the Hoa Lien Commune Youth Union, shared that in recent years, as part of efforts to build modern and civilised rural areas, village roads have been illuminated. The streetlights not only make travel more convenient for rural residents but also reduce traffic accidents and social issues, while improving their quality of life. Additionally, the Youth Union of municipal agencies has provided other youth projects to Hoa Lien Commune, including repairs to flood shelters and sanitation facilities at the Truong Dinh Village community centre (costing VND 100 million), the construction of a "Civilised Road" (VND 50 million), and the establishment of a "Clean Vegetable Garden" (VND 50 million).

According to Mr. Nguyen Huu Viet Cuong, Secretary of the Youth Union of municipal agencies, the "Lighting Up Rural Roads" model was launched in 2015 as part of the "Da Nang Joins Hands to Build New Rural Areas" movement. To date, the Youth Union has built 10 public lighting systems in various communes of Hoa Vang District. Each road spans 600 to 800 metres, with 10–15 light fixtures installed, at a total cost of VND 300–800 million. “Over the years, the lighting projects have exemplified the pioneering and volunteer spirit of the youth in social welfare and volunteer movements,” Mr. Cuong remarked.

Annually, the Youth Union mobilises its members to contribute funds to the "Lighting Up Rural Roads" model and seeks support from local authorities and residents. Residents in the installation areas assist by clearing vegetation, preparing roads, and digging pole foundations. Additionally, through the Youth Union's skilful advocacy, local benefactors, businesses, and companies have recognised the practicality of the initiative and actively supported it. As a result, these lighting projects have proved effective, facilitating nighttime travel, improving public security, and enhancing road safety, contributing to the rejuvenation of Hoa Vang's rural villages.

“The 'Lighting Up Rural Roads' model has become a vibrant movement that showcases the spirit of youth from municipal agencies. In the future, the Youth Union will continue to advocate for the construction of 1–2 public lighting systems annually, while also reviewing, maintaining, and repairing previously installed systems. This will contribute to the success of the national target programme for building new rural areas,” Mr. Cuong concluded.

Reported by THIEN AN - Translated by TRUC VY