Volunteer Lê Văn Hòa Repairs Potholes Free of Charge in Nghệ An, Vietnam

For many years, Lê Văn Hòa, a resident of Kim Liên commune in Nghệ An province, has led a volunteer team that patches potholes on local roads at night. Using reclaimed asphalt from nearby construction sites, the group cleans the damaged area, measures the hole, and compacts new material to restore the surface. Hòa and his volunteers work without formal training, learning techniques online and coordinating material donations through the village cultural house. Their efforts have expanded beyond their home district, with residents from Vinh and other areas requesting assistance. The initiative has drawn attention on social media, prompting community members to report road damage, bring water, or contribute extra material, thereby reducing accident risk.

Hòa says the work fills gaps left by road‑maintenance authorities, noting that a quickly repaired pothole can prevent injuries. While some initially criticized the volunteers for “doing the job of the road agency,” the team continues to operate, motivated by the desire to keep local roads safe for everyone.