Efforts Made to Save Isolated Ethnic Minority

Authorities in Ha Tinh Province have agreed to submit a project plan to the government to build a road that would link the Chu ethnic minority group to the rest of the world. The proposal was made by Tu Van Dien, Chairman of the local Fatherland Front at a recent meeting of the provincial People’s Council. If the proposal is adopted, a 15-km road will be built to link the village of Chu ethnic minority in to save them from inbreeding which has had a serious impact on the children of the community. Mr. Dien said that Rao Tre Village, where Chu minority live, at has 45 households with 137 residents. Despite the support of local authorities, living conditions there are still difficult. The most serious problem for the villagers is inbreeding. Up to 60% of local people suffer from asthma, while the rate of the disabled people has been on the rise. The construction of 15-km road is expected to give the community access to the outside world and hopefully help solve this problem. Local authorities have shown support for the project and will submit it to the government for consideration. (dtinews.vn July 18)