What are the successes and shortcomings of Programme 135’s first phase?

The first phase of the programme was quite successful, especially in creating changes in infrastructure. It has contributed positively to the social and economic life of people in mountainous and remote areas.

The first phase was implemented over seven years due to limited capital. As a result, the second phase will focus on reaching overall targets to minimise the income and cultural gaps between those in remote areas and those in other areas across the nation.

To do so, we will continue to invest in remote areas and support residents there in their production and lives so that they can make profits from their own lands.

How do you evaluate the capital distribution during the first phase?

In the initial years of implementation, each commune received VND400 million ($25,000) every year on average. Capital then increased to VND500 million every year.

In the second phase, each commune will receive VND800 million or more every year. During the implementation of the second phase, in addition to Government capital, international organisations including the World Bank have pledged an additional $300 million.

In the management policy on Programme 135’s capital, the Government and international donors agreed that all capital must go to the real beneficiaries; poor people. They must receive the benefits directly and indirectly through the improvement of infrastructure.

We plan to reduce indirect expenses. If local authorities have good management capacity, all the capital will be delivered directly to the grassroots level.

However, many beneficiaries of the programme complain that the capital has not met their demands. What do you think about this?

According to the latest decision made by the Government, the average loan for each household was VND30 million ($1,900). If they can submit a good production plan, they can borrow up to hundreds of millions of dong.

I think this has met most people’s demands. The issue of most concern is how to help them use and manage the capital effectively. If not, they will be substantially in debt.

There were many construction projects that were not effective during the first phase. How will this problem be solved in the second phase?

There are some solutions drawn from our pledges and the Government’s guidance on avoiding ineffective construction projects.

Before construction commences, we must collect and study feedback from residents on what their real demands are so that we can avoid ‘imposed’ projects.

When plans have agreement from residents, we will start implementation and closely manage the construction’s quality.

In the past, no one person took care of construction activities. In the second phase, we will change the management plan and assign individuals or organisations to take responsibility for construction and post-construction work.

Source: VNAgency