Implementing the rural electrification project for the period 2024-2026, construction activities are actively underway in Mường Chà district. In Huổi Xuân hamlet, Na Sang commune, the project involves building a 35kV power line extending 2,947m, including 36 pole foundations and 49 reinforced concrete poles ranging from 16 to 18 meters tall. Additionally, a 0.4kV power line will be installed, covering 5,173m, with 145 foundations, 179 concrete poles (8.5-10 meters high), and 95 electricity meters. The transformer station includes two 14-meter poles. As of April 4, 2025, the project completed excavating and constructing all 36 medium-voltage pole foundations and completed excavation at 85 out of 145 low-voltage foundation positions. It is expected to be electrified by June 2025.

In Pú Múa hamlet (Mường Mươn commune), the construction units are installing a 35kV power line extending 4,199m, including 50 pole foundations and 87 reinforced concrete poles, alongside a 0.4kV line stretching 2,720m, consisting of 76 foundations, 96 poles, and 114 meters. Currently, excavation has been completed for all 50 medium-voltage foundations, with concrete foundations completed at 33 positions. Low-voltage excavation is underway at 50 out of 76 locations. Mường Chà district is actively implementing two construction and equipment installation bidding packages within the rural electrification project. The package for Mường Mươn and Na Sang communes has completed electrification at Huổi Vang hamlet and continues in 10 other hamlets. Another packages for Ma Thì Hồ, Sa Lông, Huổi Lèng, and Huổi Mí communes are currently under construction in three hamlets, with eight remaining hamlets yet to begin. For areas under construction, excavation and concrete work for both medium- and low-voltage poles have been finished, and pole erection is in progress, with electrification planned for May 2025 at the earliest. In Hừa Ngài, Sá Tổng, and Mường Tùng communes, the project is currently being adjusted specifically at Háng Mò Lừ hamlet (Sá Tổng commune).

Nguyễn Gia Tuấn, Director of the Mường Chà district’s Land Development and Project Management Board, said: “Following the provincial People’s Committee’s instructions on implementing the rural electrification project, district authorities directed the Board to quickly complete procedures and accelerate project progress. We are coordinating with local authorities to encourage residents to donate land and facilitate land recovery in communes like Mường Mươn, Na Sang, Ma Thì Hồ, Huổi Lèng, Sa Lông, and Huổi Mí. Although there have been some obstacles due to residents requesting compensation, increased coordination and communication have achieved consensus. The district has announced the recovery of nearly 5,000sq/m of land from 373 households.”

Similar to Mường Chà district, Tuần Giáo district is actively implementing the rural electrification project in eight hamlets across five communes: Tênh Phông, Quài Tở, Mường Mùn, Tỏa Tình, and Pú Xi. The project plans to install transformer stations with a total capacity exceeding 420KVA, over 25km of medium-voltage lines, and more than 15km of low-voltage lines, supplying electricity to 460 households. Immediately after project approval, the district instructed the Land Development and Project Management Board to coordinate with local authorities to encourage residents to donate land, achieving 100% consensus to facilitate construction. Originally planned with a duration of 540 days per construction package, the district proactively negotiated shorter timeframes.

Regarding project progress, Ngô Cương Quyết, Director of the Tuần Giáo district’s Land Development and Project Management Board, shared: “Due to dispersed construction locations, rugged mountainous terrain, difficult transportation, and limited availability of electrical equipment, we proactively collaborated with contractors to ensure material availability and shorten implementation timeframes. Consequently, construction package durations have been shortened significantly from 540 days down to just 248 days, ahead of schedule by 292 days. By April 30, 2025, we plan to electrify the first two hamlets, and we expect to complete all items by August 30, 2025. Thanks to residents’ strong support and government determination, we anticipate bringing electricity to remote mountainous hamlets very soon.”

Since early this year, districts including Tuần Giáo, Mường Nhé, Nậm Pồ, and Mường Chà have actively implemented project packages. Despite challenges posed by difficult terrain, unfavorable weather, and limited technical personnel, Điện Biên province promptly directed relevant departments and district authorities to address issues, ensuring swift project execution. Additionally, active participation by residents has significantly contributed to the effectiveness and sustainability of the program. In numerous remote communes, locals have cooperated in providing land and supported construction teams, accelerating the progress of the “Lighting up Điện Biên” program. This directly contributes to poverty reduction, improving local living standards, and reinforcing national defense and security in Vietnam’s westernmost region.