Efforts to Develop Agricultural and Rural Infrastructure

Dien Bien is a mountainous province with complex terrain, frequently affected by natural disasters and climate change. To limit damage, the province has in recent years increased investment in irrigation systems and disaster prevention works to support agricultural production and rural development. The Provincial Project Management Unit for Agriculture and Rural Development (PMU-ARD) plays a key role in these efforts.

A section of the Nam Rom river in Dien Bien Phu ward, part of the Nam Rom River Basin Multi-Hazard Management Project, where river dredging, embankments, stone paving, guardrails, and lighting systems have been completed

Ensuring project effectiveness

The PMU-ARD represents the Dien Bien Provincial People’s Committee in managing specialized agriculture and rural development projects in the province. Its organizational structure has been streamlined and professionalized, with 33 staff members, including technical experts with deep expertise and practical experience, who closely monitor works to support contractors during implementation.

From 2023 to the present, the PMU-ARD has implemented several key projects aimed at developing agriculture, stabilizing livelihoods, and increasing resilience to climate change. A notable example is the Ban Phu-Nam La reservoir cluster project in Muong Nhe, which includes two sub-projects: Nam La and Ban Phu reservoirs. The Nam La reservoir is currently under construction, with a storage capacity of 2.43 million cubic meters and a 36.7 km water conveyance system. It is expected to irrigate approximately 1,800 ha of farmland, including 200 ha of two-crop rice and 1,600 ha of industrial crops, and supply domestic water for about 25,000 people.

In addition, Sub-project No. 12, which focuses on urgent repairs to ensure the safety of Pe Luong, Hong Khenh, and Na Huom reservoirs, is being rapidly implemented to address deterioration and prevent risks during the rainy season.

Another major initiative is the Nam Rom River Basin Multi-Hazard Management Project, with a total investment of over VND981 billion from French ODA, EU aid, and domestic counterpart funds. The project involves constructing 14.7 km of embankments, dredging the river, building two weirs, and completing various auxiliary works. To date, all seven construction packages are being implemented simultaneously, with some components completed, including river dredging, stone paving, bridge construction, installation of guardrails, and lighting systems.

Under the decisive direction of the Provincial People’s Committee, land clearance efforts have involved the entire local administrative system to resolve backlogs and ensure project schedules. Several projects have been completed and are yielding clear results, such as the infrastructure project for the nature reserve, which contributes to ecosystem protection and community livelihoods, and the C9 embankment project in Thanh Xuong, which prevents erosion and stabilizes the population.

Overcoming challenges, accelerating progress, and ensuring disbursement

Difficult terrain, harsh weather, prolonged rainy seasons, and challenges in land clearance have posed significant obstacles for the PMU-ARD in implementing projects. To address these issues, the PMU-ARD established a land clearance task force and coordinated with local authorities on individual cases. Contractors are required to develop disaster prevention plans, maintain on-site staff during adverse weather, and take advantage of favorable conditions to ensure the safety of people, equipment, and works.

The PMU-ARD also assigns staff directly to local People’s Committees to support land clearance. For example, under Decision 1165/QD-PMU dated August 14, 2025, two staff members were sent to the Dien Bien Phu Ward People’s Committee to participate in land clearance for the Nam Rom River Basin Multi-Hazard Management Project.

In 2025, the PMU was allocated VND394.8 billion in public investment, aiming for 100% disbursement. An additional VND250 billion will be allocated to the Ban Phu-Nam La reservoir cluster to complete the project. The PMU-ARD has also developed a 2026 capital plan to maintain progress on key projects.

Looking ahead, the PMU-ARD will coordinate with provincial departments and localities to survey and propose projects with significant socio-economic impact. Regarding funding, the PMU-ARD will advise the province on mobilizing support from the central government combined with local budgets to maximize capital efficiency and accelerate project implementation.

Alongside project execution, the PMU-ARD focuses on building a highly skilled workforce, regularly providing professional training, strengthening Party organization roles, enhancing leadership accountability, and improving discipline and transparency. These measures form an important foundation for successfully fulfilling both political and technical responsibilities.

By Ngoc Tung, Vietnam Business Forum