The first project I would like to mention here is the overpass. The old overpass, which was steep, narrow, and severely degraded by time and fierce annual floods, and located in a remote area, has now been renovated by the skillful hands of the 249th Brigade workers, expanding and lowering the slope. Now, people and vehicles going up and down the Phong Chau pontoon bridge no longer have to wait as long as before.  

Workers of Brigade 249 work in the scorching summer sun at Phong Chau wharf. Photo: MINH NGOC

The second project is the narrow concrete road leading down to the ferry terminal, which has now been widened, paved with asphalt and divided into two lanes from the beginning of National Highway 32 to the two ends of the terminal.  

Workers of Brigade 249 ensure the PMP pontoon bridge operates until 9 p.m. every day, early June 2025. Photo: MINH NGOC

Workers of Brigade 249 work at night. Photo: MINH NGOC

Workers of Brigade 249 work in the summer sun. Photo: MINH NGOC

Workers of Brigade 249 pour concrete on the embankment at night. Photo: MINH NGOC

The interesting things about this campaign were told by Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc, Head of Zone 5 and Mr. Bui Ngoc Sang, Head of Zone 4 (Van Xuan Commune): Previously, the road leading to the station was very narrow, 4-5 seater cars had to go very slowly to avoid each other. Now, two cars can run in opposite directions at the allowed speed.

The residents also said that this was a project with a "rocket" speed of compensation and site clearance because of the high consensus and only took place in 3 days. When the policy was announced, the soldiers came to the houses of the households, most of whom were Catholic, and immediately agreed to the calculated compensation level to return the land to the soldiers to build the road.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Bui Thanh Tung, Deputy Political Commissar of Brigade 249, during the 18 days and nights of construction, people brought fruits, soft drinks and many other things. He asked for their names so that it would be easier to address and thank them, but they refused.

Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc told me that without the pontoon bridge, people would have to take a detour of 25km. I imagine that behind that 25km figure, there is a whole lot of careful calculation. They have to wake up earlier, and they have to spend more time and fuel on the road. The pontoon bridge has helped people avoid the burden of life due to the uncertainties and risks that can happen on that 25km stretch of road that cannot be predicted.

VICTORY

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/phong-su-dieu-tra/ky-su/tinh-quan-dan-o-ben-phong-chau-834788