Lighting rural roads: Small projects, big impact in Dong Nai

In March, blue-shirted volunteers were present on roads across Dong Nai that still lacked lighting, from rural areas to border localities. Initiatives such as “Lighting Up Alleys” and “Lighting Up Border Areas” are not simply about installing lighting systems, but also about bringing hope and helping change residents' lives.

Tan Trieu Ward Youth Union members visit homes to survey residents' needs for solar lights. Photo: Minh Hanh

"Where there is a need, there is youth; where there are difficulties, there is youth."

In Tan Trieu Ward, the inter-hamlet road 3-4, route 2, running through Binh Long and Vo Sa neighborhoods, is less than half a kilometer long but handles heavy traffic, as many people use it as a shortcut to Back Road 15. During the day, the road is busy, and it becomes congested during peak hours when students at Binh Loi Primary School are dismissed. At night, this stretch poses safety risks due to unreliable lighting.

Nguyen Thi Nga, Head of Vo Sa neighborhood, could not hide her concern when recalling the condition of this road in the past: "Before, there were lights, but they kept breaking, some parts lit, some not. Each household had to pay monthly electricity bills, which was very difficult for us to collect. Sometimes the neighborhood had to pay in advance and only collect at the end of the year."

The old light bulbs, installed by residents themselves, were once hoped to dispel the darkness, but over time, deterioration and misalignment caused the system to operate erratically. Some sections were bright, some dark, and some poles were missing bulbs, leaning precariously as if about to fall.

Tang Thi Kim Lan and Cao Huu Nghia point to a light pole previously installed by residents that has become tilted. Photo: Minh Hanh

Tang Thi Kim Lan, whose house is right at the bend of the road, still remembers an evening a year ago. "At that time, I had just opened the door and stepped out when a motorbike from a distance sped towards me. Because it was a bend, the visibility was obstructed, and the lights here were dim, so I was hit and broke my arm, requiring surgery," Lan recounted.

Recognizing local residents' concerns, the Tan Trieu Youth Union launched the “Lighting Up Alleys” project. With a budget of VND 50 million mobilized from social sources, 20 solar-powered streetlights were installed along the route. Nguyen Vo Ngoc Hoa, Secretary of the ward’s Youth Union, explained: “We chose solar lights to eliminate electricity costs and ensure stable lighting. Residents no longer have to worry about outages or monthly fees.”

Inauguration ceremony of the "Lighting Up Alleys" project in Tan Trieu Ward. Photo: Minh Hanh

On the day of the project's inauguration, Cao Huu Nghia, a resident who has lived in this area for 58 years, stood admiring the new light poles with a radiant smile: "Now it's great, as the lights are bright, and I feel more at ease when the children come home late from school."

Not only the residents but also the local authorities highly appreciate the project's practical significance. Nguyen Quang Phuong, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Council of Tan Trieu Ward, noted that the project to light up the inter-hamlet road in Vo Sa and Binh Long neighborhoods with about 20 light bulbs, approximately 500m long, is a very meaningful project, especially as it was completed just in time for Youth Month. The project has helped residents travel more conveniently at night, ensuring traffic safety and social order and security in the area.

Section 11, Doan Ket Hamlet, Trang Bom Commune, was previously one of the roads without streetlights. When night fell, residents faced many difficulties in traveling, especially students and workers returning late. Not only inconvenient, but the lack of lights also posed a potential risk to social order and security.

After surveying the area, the Trang Bom Commune Youth Union decided to choose this approximately 300m long road to implement the "Lighting Up Alleys" project in 2026, with 10 solar light poles.

Section 11, Doan Ket Hamlet, Trang Bom Commune, after the solar lighting system is installed.

Since early March, the project has been carried out with the joint efforts of the entire grassroots Youth Union system. Each Youth Union chapter contributed 200,000 VND, most of it carefully set aside from the personal savings of Youth Union members and young people themselves. Beyond financial contributions, Youth Union members also directly took part in the entire construction process. From the early days of implementation, the presence of young people along the road became a familiar sight to residents in the locality. They worked together to clear brush, transport materials, and help install each light pole.

Youth Union members from Trang Bom commune participate in clearing and cleaning before installing the lighting system.

Young hands contributed to lighting up rural roads.

After completion, the system of 10 solar-powered lamp posts has shown clear effectiveness. The previously dark road is now well-lit, and people feel safer traveling at night.

Inauguration ceremony of the "Lighting Up Alleys" project in Trang Bom commune.

Le Hoang Phung, Member of the Provincial Youth Union Executive Committee, Secretary of Trang Bom Commune Youth Union, affirmed: "This project clearly demonstrates the pioneering role of young people in building a bright - green - clean - beautiful road. This undertaking contributes to the new rural development program, aiming for a civilized urban area."

Youth hearts toward the Nation's frontline

Unlike roads in residential areas, where light is associated with daily life, in border areas, light is also linked to the task of protecting sovereignty.

The "Lighting Up Border Areas" project at border marker No. 65, Hoang Dieu Border Guard Station, implemented by Dong Nai Provincial Youth Union in coordination with Hung Phuoc Commune Youth Union and Hoang Dieu Border Guard Station, has become a typical bright spot for the pioneering spirit of young people heading to the border.

Inauguration ceremony of the "Borderland Light" project, part of the Border March program, held at border marker No. 65. Photo: Minh Hanh

With a total cost of 130 million VND, 50 solar-powered lights were installed along the road and in the border marker area. The project is the result of clear coordination, with each force undertaking specific tasks.

Dong Nai Provincial Youth Union played the leading role in guiding and organizing the implementation. From developing the project idea, the Provincial Youth Union proactively connected social resources, mobilized funds, and supported necessary equipment to ensure the project was carried out according to plan.

Hoang Dieu Border Guard Station was responsible for field surveys and identifying suitable installation locations based on terrain, especially in the border marker area and along patrol routes.

In parallel, Youth Union members from Hung Phuoc commune directly participated in specific tasks, including transporting materials, assisting with the erection of posts, installing lights, and completing auxiliary items.

According to Dang Thi My Lanh, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Youth Federation of Dong Nai province: "Through the 'Borderland Light' project, young people not only focus on the people but also clearly express their affection, gratitude, and responsibility towards the officers and soldiers of the border guard force, who are silently and persistently performing the task of protecting the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland day and night."

After completion, the lighting system has shown clear effectiveness. The light stretching along the road not only makes travel more convenient but also directly supports the patrol, control, and protection of border markers.

Border marker area No. 65 after lights are installed.

Major Than Van Thanh, Deputy Political Commissar of Hoang Dieu Border Guard Station, expressed: "I hope that in the future there will be many more meaningful projects so that our entire border strip, every border marker, will be illuminated by solar-powered lights. This undertaking will create a border with beautiful light. That light will help officers and soldiers perform their border management and protection duties more easily and conveniently."

The light from these solar-powered lamp posts will be the "thread" connecting the hinterland and the frontlines, between the aspirations of youth and the development goals of Dong Nai, their homeland. The projects that "light up" rural roads and border areas today are the foundation for every young person to continue dedicating themselves, bringing their passion and intellect to more challenging areas, contributing to building an increasingly civilized, prosperous, and peaceful homeland.

By Minh Hanh, Thuy Tien, Thu Hue – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho