I again visited An Lao after three years. It is still quite deserted at night, but each house is now different. The locals’ dreams not only keep their family fed and clothed but something more important.
When coming to An Lao three years ago, I tried to wander around its town to find its distinctive features, but I was disappointed because the town was too small. In my mind, only a few cafés were covered with the manner of a city.
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A scene of An Lao’s town. Photo V.L |
At that time, I also felt happy when seeing the establishment of a town and two industrial zones, let alone the abundant natural resources. Such a mountainous district was able to develop thanks to its own inner forces.
After three years, I once wandered around An Lao’s town, but with different feeling. It is now busier because the operation of various activities, such as industrial zones, services, and construction.
The Chief of An Lao district People’s Committee Secretariat, Nguyen Truc, said the agriculture still played a main role in the development of the district. The total production value of small scaled industry has reached over VND6.5 billion this year.
The district’s economy depends on the agricultural production. Over 2,384 hectares of wet rice is annually cultivated. In 2009, An Lao‘s total grain output was estimated to reach 12,694 tonnes. Also, the number of livestock is expected to rise rapidly, let alone hundreds of tree grown for raw materials.
There are 18 farms licensed in An Lao. This could help it take full advantage of the natural resources to develop.
Thanks to the concern of the Party and State, the district has invested in the basic construction. The programs No 134 and 135, the implementation of the Government’s Resolution No 30a, and the sustainable poverty alleviation program also helped it improve works in various fields.
An Lao used the financial assistance to help 2,000 poor household rebuilt their houses. The makeshift house elimination program is, therefore, expected to be completed by 2010.
Housing for the poor is now a hot issue across the district. 642 households received an aid of VND31.4 million each to rebuild their houses. The rest, 45 poor households, will be aided next year.
The rate of poor households in An Lao has reduced to 40.02 percent, according to Truc. However, the figure, from my point of view, could be changed if the locals know how to take their advantages.
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