Bridge Building Program
Vietnam Foundation’s Bridge Building Program replaces unsafe ‘monkey bridges’ with sturdy concrete structures, ensuring safe passage for pedestrians and vehicles. These bridges connect communities to essential facilities such as schools and bolster the local economy.
Since its launch in 2011 the program has funded the construction of 35 bridges across 10 provinces in Vietnam. The Mekong Delta in Southern Vietnam relies on a canal network for irrigation but also creates divisions in the landscape. People currently use monkey bridges or homemade rafts to cross these canals, hindering transportation for locals and schoolchildren. It’s estimated that over 200 monkey bridges exist in the Mekong. Vietnam Foundation want to replace as many Monkey bridges as possible and as fast as our funding allows
Impact
Vietnam Foundation collaborates with local charities who use pro-bono bridge design engineers to sustain its ongoing Bridge Building program. The foundation funds bridges constructed by local contractorswith location selection based on poverty levels and remoteness.
Typically, districts where Vietnam Foundation facilitates bridge construction have populations ranging from 8,000 to 12,000 people. It’s estimated that hundreds of thousands of villagers benefit from these bridges daily, improving accessibility and connectivity for numerous communities.
Kênh Cùng Bridge, Long Mỹ District, Hậu Giang Province
Crossing the old Kênh Cùng “bridge” was a daily hazard and a tragedy waiting to happen. Hundred of school children were required to face the daily gauntlet of crossing the bridge just to attend school on the other side of the river.
With funding from Vietnam Foundation, the new 5-tonne, 30 m concrete bridge opened in January 2019. This bridge has transformed the life of local villagers and connected communities, stimulating local commerce.
Xà Phiên Bridge, Hậu Giang Province
Funding from Vietnam Foundation facilitated the construction of a new concrete 5-tonne bridge, which was designed pro-bono by an experienced local bridge engineer.
Local children and villagers celebrated the opening of the new Xà Phiên bridge in 2018, signally the end of hazardous daily crossings.
Discover how you can help today
Donate: The construction of bridges ranges from $AUD 4000 to $AUD 15,000, contingent on their length and the depth of the canal/river. Fully funding a bridge earns you recognition with the bridge plaque bearing names nominated by yourself. Every donation, regardless of size, contributes significantly to building bridges. Your support, big or small, is greatly appreciated in advancing our bridge-building efforts.
Spread the Word: Help us raise awareness about Vietnam Foundation’s Bridge Building Program. Sharing this page can highlight the impact of safe access to essential facilities like schools and medical assistance. Join us in making a difference by spreading the word within your networks.