(VOV) – The central highlands province of Gia Lai is facing numerous difficulties in implementing the 19-criteria new rural development program as most local people, especially those from ethnic groups, are living below the poverty line. Despite hardships, Ayun Ha commune in Phu Thien District has found a way to mobilize local people to develop new rural areas. Pham Duy, VOV correspondent in the Central Highlands, reports.

Ksor H’Nhot’s family in Ju Ma Nai hamlet, Ia Rtô commune are happy for a bumper maize crop. (Photo: Duc Phuong)

Ayun Ha commune is sanitary and tidy from private interiors to village lanes. This is something very normal here but not all rural areas have it. The local lifestyle has been transformed since the new rural development model was launched here. Local villagers have cleared country lanes, built water-closets, and dug wells to provide safe daily water. A number of households have donated land to expand village lanes and build cultural houses. Nguyen Manh Cuong is one of the land donors ‘Thanks to communications by the Party and local administrations at all levels, we have become aware of the Party and Government’s policies. We have realized the harmony of central and local interests and have voluntarily contributed our land to the commune to build roads and cultural houses to make our village cleaner and more beautiful.’

So far this year, Ayun Ha has used the funding of the national target program on new rural development to provide 12 cows to 12 disadvantaged ethnic households,  has encouraged a hundred other households to build breeding facilities for cattle and poultry, and cleared dozens of kilometers of village lanes. The result is a tribute to the effectiveness of the commune’s leaders. Nguyen Sang, Chairman of the commune’s People’s Committee, said ‘We define which criteria are to be implemented first. For example, we sent the staff in charge of the commune’s land issues to the village to mobilize villagers to donate land for building the communal house. To date, we have successfully mobilized people in three communes and will do the same in the remaining villages in the near future. Our next step is to create a master plan for a market which will be located behind the commune’s People’s Committee. We are negotiating with the locals encouraging them to sell the land at a low price.’

Ayun Ha is proud of having the most developed economy in Phu Thien District now with stable living conditions and a paved road system meeting new rural standards. Local irrigation canals have been expanded and the electricity system now ensures dependable power for 98% of local households. Ksor Duong is head of the Agriculture and Rural Development section and a member of the steering committee of Phu Thien’s new rural development program. He said ‘Cooperating with young people, we have boosted communications and held contests about new rural development. The local associations of women, farmers, and veterans have actively participated in helping villagers understand what the new rural development program is and who benefits from it.’

Pham Duy – VOV correspondent in the Central Highlands