Stretching just over one kilometer, the road has deteriorated to the point where its surface is riddled with potholes and large craters. During the rainy season, even light showers turn the road into a slippery, waterlogged mess with deep puddles forming along several stretches.

“On dry days, the dust is unbearable, and when it rains, stagnant water collects in the deep potholes, making travel not only extremely difficult but also dangerous”, said Phạm Văn Lành, a resident of Thanh Nưa. “The road’s condition is seriously affecting the daily lives of local people.”

The road’s decline has been ongoing for years. One major contributing factor is the frequent movement of heavy trucks carrying soil, rock, and construction materials, mainly from local businesses operating in the area. Designed with a weak foundation, the road has been unable to withstand the strain of constant, overloaded traffic, accelerating its deterioration.

As the main traffic artery for residents of the former Thanh Hưng commune, the road sees thousands of vehicles each day. However, due to its poor condition, especially during rainy months, many sections become impassable for motorcycles. Residents are often forced to take longer detours to avoid the hazardous route.

The road is included in an investment project previously approved by the former Điện Biên Phủ city People’s Committee as part of the expansion of Điện Biên Airport. However, the project has yet to receive funding, delaying any meaningful improvements.

In response to mounting public frustration, the road has undergone multiple temporary fixes. Layers of crushed stone have been spread over the surface to ease travel. But within months, the damage resurfaces, often leaving the road in worse shape than before.

This rainy season has only worsened the situation. To address urgent needs, the Thanh Nưa commune People’s Committee recently allocated over VND 200 million from the local traffic maintenance budget for emergency repairs. Machinery has been mobilized to level and compact key sections of the road, aiming to improve safety and accessibility.

However, these patchwork solutions are short-term and fall far short of what’s needed. Many residents remain skeptical and are calling for a long-term, comprehensive fix, not just surface-level repairs.

Speaking on the issue, Chu Văn Bách, Chairman of Thanh Nưa commune People’s Committee, stated: “For a sustainable solution, we’ve recently submitted a proposal to the Điện Biên provincial People’s Committee, seeking approval to upgrade and rebuild the road connecting National Highway 12 (Km195+150) with branch route 1 under the “key infrastructure road project”.

The proposed plan includes two main routes. The first spans 2.05 kilometers, connecting National Highway 12 (Km195+150) with branch route 1, built to fourth-grade road standards with a 15-meter-wide base and a 14-meter carriageway. The second, a 0.65-kilometer route, links the Thanh Nưa commune center to the key infrastructure road.

The total estimated cost of the project is VND 145 billion to be funded by the central government, provincial budget, and other legal sources. The proposed timeline for construction is 2025-2027.

This long-neglected road has not only disrupted daily life but also hindered local socio-economic development. As such, residents and local authorities alike stress the urgency of launching a full-scale renovation. But until funding is secured and construction begins, Thanh Nưa residents remain stuck, quite literally, in the mud.