Noc Soa 2 Bridge in Cao Bang, the 11th bridge in the “Bridge to Knowledge” project series by Bridgestone Vietnam, has been officially inaugurated. This project not only facilitates safe travel to school for 40 children but also contributes to rebuilding transportation infrastructure and revitalizing the spirit of over 51 local households severely affected by Typhoon Yagi. With this new bridge, Bridgestone Vietnam continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting communities by improving living conditions and fostering sustainable development in disadvantaged areas across the country.
Ho Chi Minh City, December 6, 2024 – The Noc Soa 2 Bridge, located in Noc Soa Hamlet, Ca Thanh Commune, Nguyen Binh District, Cao Bang Province, has been officially inaugurated. With a length of 25 meters, a width of over 3 meters, and a load capacity of 6 tons, the bridge brings renewed hope to the community, ensuring safety and convenience in transportation after the challenges posed by Typhoon Yagi.
Bridge inauguration ceremony
Nearly 330 residents and children in Noc Soa Hamlet have faced years of difficulty and danger using makeshift bridges for daily travel. These temporary bridges were the only path for children to attend school. However, during the rainy season, rising water levels and strong currents would wash away the bridges, disrupting transportation, isolating residents, and forcing children to miss school. They were even at risk of accidents while attempting to cross streams.
Old bridge and the new bridge during the inauguration
Understanding these challenges, Bridgestone collaborated with E-X-PRO Advertising Co., Ltd., and local authorities in the bridge construction process, emphasizing technical standards. Improvements included reinforcing embankments to prevent erosion and expanding the wings on both sides of the bridge to minimize flood impacts, ensuring durability and longevity.
Ly Thi Xuan Mai, A student from Ca Thanh Commune shared: “I hope our hamlet will have a new bridge, so I won’t have to miss school anymore. When floods come, I must wait for the water to recede before crossing, but during heavy floods, I can’t go to school at all.”
Bridgestone Vietnam representatives and local at the inauguration
Sharing his joy at the inauguration, Mr. Hoang Ton Sao, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ca Thanh Commune, emotionally said: “We are truly happy because the bridge is what our community has wished for a long time. The new bridge gives our people peace of mind while traveling, especially during the rainy season, protecting lives and property. It is more than just a bridge; it is joys and a reflection of care and support. Moreover, the bridge also helps local farmers reduce transportation costs, increasing their income and stabilizing their lives.”
Residents joyfully transporting goods across the new bridge
Mr. Naoki Inutsuka, General Director of Bridgestone Tire Sales Vietnam LLC, expressed his happiness: “We are very happy that the 11th bridge of the “Bridges of Knowledge” project has been completed and handed over to timely support the local community here after the hardships caused by natural disasters. We hope that this bridge will contribute to local economic recovery and growth, providing more convenient conditions for residents to develop agriculture and helping children go to school more safely, giving them better development opportunities. We commit to continue providing value to society and customers through our products, services, and community activities, fulfilling our mission of ‘Serving society with superior quality,’ which we are dedicated to pursuing.”
The Noc Soa 2 Bridge, and the broader “Bridge to Knowledge” project, reaffirms Bridgestone’s commitment to its core values of “Empowerment” – contributing to a society where everyone’s dignity and access are guaranteed, and “Ease” – providing comfort and peace of mind for all movements in life, as part of Bridgestone E8 Commitment announced in 2022.
About Bridgestone Vietnam
Bridgestone is one of the leading global corporations in the tire and rubber industry, striving to become a provider of safe and sustainable mobility solutions worldwide.
In Vietnam, Bridgestone operates through Bridgestone Tire Sales Vietnam LLC and Bridgestone Tire Manufacturing Vietnam LLC, offering a wide range of high-quality tires for passenger and commercial vehicles.
With its mission of “Serving Society with Superior Quality,” Bridgestone delivers premium tire products and a diverse range of service solutions through innovative technologies, aiming to enhance the way people move, live, work, and play.