Episode 2: Fostering Public Consensus from the People’s Trust

Difficult but responsible decisions

Under the harsh midday sun, Do Van Tin of Hamlet 10, Bao Lam 2 Commune, remains busy clearing the final belongings from the land his family has just handed over.

More than 1.1 hectares of his family’s total 1.7 hectares of cultivated land are subject to acquisition for the Bao Loc - Lien Khuong expressway.

That land, once covered with coffee, avocado and durian trees, had provided stable annual income worth hundreds of millions of dong. More than production assets, it represented years of hard work, savings and family dedication.

Looking toward his recently cleared garden, Tin shared: “For farmers like us, land is not just property — it is our livelihood. Losing land means losing our primary source of income. But we understand this is a major State project for the future of the entire region. If everyone holds on to their own interests, the project cannot move forward.”

He added: “We are willing to give up some of our own interests for the greater good. We only hope that once the expressway is completed, the State and contractors will invest in connecting roads to ensure convenient travel and continued production for local residents.”

Nearby, Bui Minh Toan continues cutting down long-standing coffee trees, while high-yield durian trees over ten years old are also being removed.

“These trees are still highly productive and profitable each season,” Toan said. “But we must think further ahead. The State is building roads for development, and we cannot prioritize immediate benefits alone.”

The farmer added: “The compensation may not fully meet expectations, but overall it is acceptable. What matters most is that we see this project as beneficial for future generations.”

Similarly, in Bao Thuan Commune, Truong Tam Nghien is dismantling his family home, carefully salvaging corrugated sheets, wooden beams and bricks. The space that once served as both living quarters and a place of production is gradually becoming empty.

“Relocating means changing our entire lives,” Nghien explained. “But after receiving clear explanations, we understand. Once completed, the expressway will create new momentum for local development and open up more economic opportunities.”

These stories are not isolated. Along the expressway route, many households have proactively handed over land for site clearance. Behind each decision lie concerns, sacrifice and regret — but above all, a willingness to put the province’s collective interest first.

For the Bao Loc - Lien Khuong expressway project, most of the inventory work has been largely completed. Many compensation plans have been approved and payments are being implemented, while the cleared land area continues to expand day by day.

Meanwhile, for the Tan Phu - Bao Loc project, although the workload remains substantial, compensation planning and payment disbursement are accelerating. Portions of land, though not yet continuous, have begun to form initial “connected segments,” creating the foundation for contractors to commence work as soon as conditions permit.

As a result, these figures are no longer merely statistics; behind every square meter of land lies a story, a decision and a shared commitment.

From compliance to active partnership

Where land handover once primarily reflected administrative compliance, many households are now proactively participating — in some cases even before all formal procedures are completed.

This transformation stems from synchronized, determined efforts by provincial leaders, local authorities and functional agencies.

During an inspection meeting in Ward 1, Bao Loc City, Ho Van Muoi, Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People’s Committee, commended 10 collectives and individuals for outstanding land clearance efforts.

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The Provincial People’s Committee calls on residents to continue uniting, supporting and accompanying local authorities in successfully completing site clearance tasks, so that these two expressway routes connecting Lam Dong and Ho Chi Minh City can be completed as soon as possible.

Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People’s Committee Ho Van Muoi

Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People’s Committee Ho Van Muoi also requested localities and relevant units to continue strengthening communication and public outreach to encourage residents’ support for the project, while proactively advising on the resolution of citizens’ petitions and proposals in accordance with regulations, ensuring a balanced harmonization of interests among all parties.

Local agencies have intensified transparent communication, ensuring residents clearly understand policies and their rights.

On that basis, the Lam Dong Provincial Land Fund Development Center has carried out communication efforts in a close, targeted manner, providing clear explanations of each policy and the practical benefits for residents.

Huynh Van Minh, Deputy Director of the Lam Dong Provincial Land Fund Development Center, noted that timely, transparent information has played a foundational role in strengthening public trust.

At the grassroots level, the “go to every alley, knock on every door” approach continues to be implemented effectively, with officials directly listening to and resolving citizen concerns.

Coordination among relevant units has been strengthened in a more cohesive, flexible and substantive manner. From the Land Fund Development Center and compensation councils to local authorities, regular communication is maintained to promptly address issues arising at the grassroots level, minimizing backlogs and avoiding prolonged procedures.

Consensus — the key to unlocking progress

Despite significant progress, challenges remain.

As of April 23, the Tan Phu - Bao Loc expressway requires approximately 472 hectares of land, with 393.61 hectares located within Lam Dong. However, only about 38.7 hectares — equivalent to roughly 8% — had been handed over.

Moreover, this land remains fragmented, requiring contractors to organize multiple separate construction fronts.

For the Bao Loc - Lien Khuong project, site clearance has reached nearly 50%, but the remaining areas involve more complex issues related to residential land, production facilities and public infrastructure.

Importantly, the current approach has shifted from administrative processing toward genuine consensus-building.

Vice Chairman Nguyen Hong Hai stated during a working session in Da Huoai Commune: “Practical implementation shows that where public communication is effective and consensus is achieved, site clearance progresses much faster. Conversely, if residents do not fully understand or agree, even with complete mechanisms and policies, project schedules remain difficult to guarantee.”

He stressed that localities must continue closely monitoring each case, resolving issues promptly and treating residents as the central focus.

Provincial leaders are now shifting from generalized mobilization toward case-specific engagement to improve implementation efficiency.

These directives are increasingly becoming the guiding methodology throughout the system, reaffirming that public consensus is not merely supportive — it is the decisive key.