The District 9 Youth Union in HCM City established volunteer groups last year to help people repair tires punctured by sharp objects deliberately scattered on Hanoi Highway and other highways in the city.
A young volunteer from Thu Duc Youth Union mends a rider’s flat tire by the highway. (Photo: SGGP)
It is common for vehicles driving on the highways to lose control when a tire blows out because of nails placed on the road by unscrupulous puncture repair men.
Members of the volunteer group of district 9 try to prevent motorists with flat tires from being ripped off by puncture repairers and reduce the risk of punctures by removing nails on the road.
Lien Minh Thuan, a member of the volunteer group said after replacing a girl’s motorbike tire the girl said she didn’t have any money and asked if she could return later to pay. Thuan said it was a common story and did not expect the girl to return, however, two hours later the girl’s brother called to organize the payment.
Thuan said he was very happy because it showed that some people appreciated the volunteers’ efforts, which sometimes included intervention with puncture menders who were charging exorbitant prices.
Some repairers charged VND20,000-25,000 (US$1-1.2) to repair a puncture and VND60,000-75,000 ($3-3.4) to replace a tube while the accepted price is VND5000-10,000 and VND35,000 respectively.
He said the tire menders often got angry when volunteers tried to intervene.
Some of the tire menders who were illegally spreading nails on the highway had begun to wear the same uniform as the volunteers, causing some confusion, Thuan said. Volunteers always wear a badge and carry a name card, he said.
Volunteers also have to tolerate drunks making prank calls to get them to come out to the highway for nothing, he said.
Tran Thi Kim Chi from the District 9 Youth Union said apart from helping people mend flat tires the team also picks up nails on the roads and prevents nail crimes.
Le Minh Duc from Thu Duc District said the Thu Duc district’s team plans to administer first aid for accident victims on the roads.
People in need of repairs can call 01226682626, 01226682727, and 0975352020 to reach young volunteers. Help arrives within minutes.
The groups have been hailed as heroes for their welcome assistance and services to the community.
