The floods in november damaged the Phu Kieng wooden bridge, a daily route for hundreds of students. Residents reported that their children had to travel an additional 8 km to reach Cao Thang secondary school, while some independently crossed the river by small boat, posing safety risks.

To ensure safety, Vinh Ngoc commune allocates 12 million VND monthly to rent canoes and cover temporary dock repair costs. Four militia members are stationed at the dock daily to assist students.

Authorities assist in ferrying students across the Cai river on the morning of 23/12. Photo: Ky Sao

The Phu Kieng wooden bridge, 280 m long and 1,5 m wide, spanned the Cai river, connecting Nha Trang city center with the former Vinh Ngoc commune (now Tay Nha Trang ward). A household invested in the bridge in 2001, charging a toll and serving approximately 2,000 households in the Xuan Ngoc, Hon Nghe 1, and Hon Nghe 2 residential groups.

Following heavy rains in mid-november, the bridge owner is expediting repairs, expected to take over one month to complete. For a long-term solution, Khanh Hoa province has approved a project to build a new Phu Kieng bridge, spanning over 271 m long and 21 m wide. The project, with a total investment of approximately 600 billion VND, is slated to commence in Q4/2026.

By Bui Toan