People in mountainous areas in northern Lao Cai province are enjoyinga better life with improved customs and hygienic toilet facilities asthe result of a local project carried out from 2011-2015.

After five years of implementation, the project has proven effectivein contributing to the recognition of nine communes as modern ruralareas.

Since 2011, the locality has seen asignificant increase of certified marriages, accounting for nearly 96percent of local marriages.

Meanwhile, aremarkable reduction has been recorded in child marriages, from 233couples in 2011 to 151 couples in 2014, or 3.2 percent. The majority arein Bac Ha district of Sa Pa town.

The districtalso recorded fewer marriages among people of the same direct blood lineor among relatives within three generations, only 0.08 percent.

Thanks to the project, clean water supply has been ensured for 84.5percent of local households. Roughly 77 percent of the local householdshave been equipped with hygienic toilet facilities, 56.5 percent ofwhich are standardized.

Giang Seo Thao, Head ofthe provincial Ethnic Minority Department, highlighted the contributionthe project has made to improving the spiritual and material lives oflocal residents.

Local children under six, theimpoverished and ethnic minority people in disadvantaged areas havereceived health insurance coverage.

The localpoverty rate has also been halved since 2011, posting at 17.61 percentin 2014 thanks to practical assistance offered to local residents.-VNA