An irrigation canal project in Hoc hamlet, Muong La commune.

After administrative merger, Muong La commune covers a large area with complex terrain, heavily fragmented by high mountains and the Da River reservoir. The commune has directed specialised departments to review ongoing rural infrastructure projects, strengthen inspection and supervision of construction progress, and complete procedures for approved projects.

Since 2025, the commune has implemented six projects with a total investment of 19.7 billion VND (748,22 USD). These projects mainly focus on transportation, clean water supply, and resettlement areas for disaster-affected households in Na Cha hamlet (48 households). Of which, 3.3 km of roads have been concreted with a total cost of 4.5 billion VND, including nearly 750 million VND from the State budget and over 3.7 billion  VND contributed by local residents. To date, 49 out of 54 roads from the commune centre to hamlets have been concreted. In addition, roads are regularly maintained and repaired to ensure smooth transportation and facilitate trade and daily travel.

A concrete road in Huoi Hoc hamlet.

In the highland hamlet of Huoi Hoc, a 1.3 km road leading into the hamlet has just been concreted, making travel much more convenient for local residents. The project cost nearly 3.5 billion VND, funded by the National Target Programme for Socio-Economic Development in Ethnic Minority and Mountainous Areas for the 2021–2025 period.

Quang Van Pan, a local resident, shared: “Previously, it was a dirt road; in dry season it was dusty, and in rainy season it was muddy and slippery. In December 2025, the road was concreted, and villagers are very happy and grateful for the support of the Party and the State.”

The road in Huoi Lieng hamlet is concreted.

In Hoc hamlet, the old irrigation canal system was located on uneven terrain with steep sections, so water supply for agricultural production was insufficient. In 2025, the hamlet received 700 million VND to upgrade the dam and build a new canal system, ensuring adequate water supply for farming. Lo Thi Luong, a local, expressed her joy: “In previous years, we used the old canal, and water supply to the fields was limited, so rice growth was uneven. This year, with the new canal, water is more abundant, and my family and villagers are very happy, hoping for a good harvest this season.”

Despite these achievements, rural infrastructure in Muong La still faces difficulties. Some inter-hamlet and intra-hamlet roads in Nong Bau, Pung Quai, Na Tra, Hua Pieng, and Hua Dan hamlets have not yet been concreted. Many roads are degraded and difficult to travel during the rainy season. Some irrigation works are also deteriorating and lack water during the dry season, while many residential areas are at high risk of landslides and need relocation.

Nguyen Chi Thanh, Vice Chairman of the Muong La People’s Committee, said the commune will continue to review and prioritise funding for key and urgent projects; integrate programmes and projects to improve investment efficiency; strengthen communication and ensure transparency in compensation and support policies for site clearance; select qualified and experienced contractors; and enhance inspection and supervision of construction progress and quality. The commune will also improve the management, operation, maintenance, and upkeep of completed works.

Efforts to invest in and develop rural infrastructure in Muong La are gradually creating positive changes, helping to remove difficulties in trade, production, and daily life, promoting socio-economic development and sustainable poverty reduction, thereby improving living standards for local people.