The northern mountainous province of Yen Bai has mobilised 2.5 trillion VND (116.3 million USD) over the past five years to develop rural transport systems, heard a conference held in the locality on June 24.

Of the total amount, 800 billion VND (37.2 million USD) was sourced from the state budget, 515 billion VND (23.9 million USD) from the provincial budget, 600 billion VND (27.9 million USD) was contributed by local residents and the remaining was from official development assistance and other social funds.

The fund has been used to build over 463 kilometres of concrete roads, enlarge over 966 kilometres of dirt roads and build 42 concrete bridges and 19 suspension bridges. Rural transport facilities in the locality have seen stellar improvement, creating an impetus to develop the local socio-economy.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Hong Truong spoke highly of the achievements made by the province in the past few years while calling for further activities to foster rural transport construction to meet local socio-economic development.

He added that the province should mobilise additional social resources and seek suitable mechanisms to improve rural transportation while ensuring traffic safety in the locality.

Ta Van Long, Standing Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, said that the province sees rural transport system development as a key mission for the next few years, adding that transport sector and relevant agencies need to study and build projects to develop rural transportation in 2016.
He also underscored that Yen Bai localities must enhance road maintenance and management to ensure sustainable transport infrastructure.

On the occasion, 12 organisations and five individuals were presented with certificates of merit from the Minister of Transport for their contributions to rural transportation development.-VNA