All-out effort

At the resettlement site in Háng Pu Xi village, Xa Dung commune, the construction of houses for people affected by floods is taking place at a brisk pace. Following the flash floods, the provincial Military Command mobilized more than 500 officers and soldiers, together with heavy equipment, to level the ground, transport building materials, and erect solid homes for local families. Work continues intensively and in sync.

Lieutenant Colonel Trần Xuân Biên, Head of the Political Affairs at Regiment 741 under the provincial Military Command, explained: “Our officers and soldiers directly involved in construction here have overcome every hardship, from weather conditions to daily living challenges. We are determined to complete 20 houses at the Háng Pu Xi resettlement site on schedule and hand them over by September 30.”

For families such as that of Mùa A Sấu, whose home and belongings were swept away by the floods, the new house being built brings visible relief and joy. “Having the soldiers come to rebuild our house right here in the village is something I am deeply grateful for,” he said, his eyes bright with hope.

In the border commune of Sín Thầu, 15 border guards are racing against time to build new homes for residents. According to plan, the border guard unit stationed in the commune, in coordination with other forces, is building seven new houses for households in Tả Sú Lình Village. At present, the teams have completed the foundations and roofs, and are finishing interior work, with handover expected in mid-September. Despite long distances from their base and intense heat, the officers and soldiers work through every available hour, without pause.

Major Nguyễn Tiến Anh, from the Mass Mobilization Team of Sen Thượng Border Post, noted: “The soldiers are handling 100 percent of the work, divided into teams for different tasks, from carrying materials and laying foundations to roofing and finishing. Each person takes on the job suited to their skills. Despite many difficulties, we have constant support and encouragement from our commanders to complete the task so that the people can soon stabilize their lives.”

Determined to reach the goal

While building houses, the province’s armed forces also emphasize political education, discipline, and close relations with the people.

Captain Phan Văn Long, Deputy Political Officer of the Sen Thượng Border Post, said: “From the outset, we focused on guiding officers and soldiers on discipline and responsibilities while working among the people. Leaders are assigned to oversee daily tasks in cooperation with other units. Once the resettled families are settled, we will continue to assist them in developing livelihoods and improving their new living environment.”

Since the floods, the provincial armed forces have mobilized 26,000 working days, four command vehicles, two logistics vehicles, and other equipment to build or repair homes for affected families. So far, 62 out of 80 new houses are under construction, and 130 out of 241 damaged homes are being repaired, with 42 already completed. Many of the ongoing projects have reached the stage of wall building, flooring, and roofing, with final finishing soon to follow. Ground leveling is more than 80 percent complete, and systems for lighting and water supply are being designed for the resettlement areas. Fourteen plots of land have been handed over for new housing, and another eight will be delivered by mid-September.

Senior Colonel Nguyễn Trung Đắc, Political Commissar of the provincial Military Command, emphasized: “We are striving not only for speed but also for quality and absolute safety. Logistics units take care of every meal and rest for the soldiers on site. The work teams strictly uphold discipline and strengthen military-civilian solidarity, so that the image of ‘Uncle Hồ’s Soldiers’ always shines in the hearts of the people. Building these homes is not only about shelter, it is also about giving people confidence to overcome hardship.”

With the determined involvement of provincial authorities, the active role of all agencies, and the pioneering spirit of the armed forces, efforts to overcome the aftermath of the floods in Điện Biên are being carried out swiftly and decisively, helping affected families settle down and rebuild their lives.