Construction Ramps Up Under Scorching Sun on Vietnam's Border

Under the relentless sun of western Quang Tri, where temperatures soar above 40 degrees Celsius, construction workers are pushing forward with the urgent building of the Dân Hóa Primary and Secondary School boarding facility. The air on the construction site in Tà Leng village buzzes with the sounds of concrete mixers and metal cutters, a stark contrast to the oppressive heat that forces workers into thick protective gear, sometimes augmented with cooling vests.

Despite the harsh conditions, the project, with a total investment of over 285 billion Vietnamese dong (approximately $11 million USD), is progressing. Workers begin their day before sunrise, take a short break during the midday heat, and continue through extended afternoon and night shifts. "There are times when the heat makes us exhausted, but we encourage each other to keep going," said Nguyễn Văn Quảng, a team leader. "We are determined to overcome the heat and rain to meet the deadline."

The school, which broke ground in November 2025, is designed to accommodate around 910 students initially, with plans to serve nearly 1,500 by 2030. It will feature administrative areas, dormitories, classrooms, specialized labs, and a multi-purpose hall. However, the overall progress has reached only about 40%, with time running out.

Project managers face significant hurdles, including complex mountainous terrain, unfavorable weather patterns, and volatile prices for fuel and construction materials. These factors have considerably impacted the construction schedule. To combat this, the project management board is closely monitoring the site, urging the contractor to boost staffing and secure necessary materials. They are implementing an intensified "100-day high-pressure campaign" to accelerate work, with approximately 265 engineers and workers currently on-site, and an additional 100 laborers expected to join in early June.

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There are times when the heat makes us exhausted, but we encourage each other to keep going. We are determined to overcome the heat and rain to meet the deadline.