Laos begins upgrading water pipe system in capital

A ground-breaking ceremony for Vientiane's water pipe system extension and improvement of system management project was held in the Lao capital on Wednesday.

Tap water system in Vientiane is relatively backward as many areas in suburb and rural areas have no access to tap water.

In order to improve the quality of water for local residents, the China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) and the Lao Ministry of Finance as well as Vientiane Water Supply Enterprise signed a contract on water pipe system extension and improvement of system management project.

The 100-million-U.S. dollar project includes extension of water pipe system, water pipe replacement, construction of water towers and water supply system in rural areas, among others.

Speaking at the ceremony, General Manager of Vientiane Water Supply Enterprise Khampheuy Vongsakhamphoui said this is a strategic task which will help turn Vientiane into a civilized city.

As many as 900,000-1,000,000 people will be able to access tap water once the project is completed, accounting for 95 percent of population within pipe system coverage.

For his part, Luo Xiangdong, Asia-Pacific Region Deputy General Manager of NORINCO, said NORINCO pledged to ensure smooth implementation of the project as well as quality, schedule, safety, cost and environmental protection among others.

Member of Politburo of Lao People's Revolutionary Party and Vientiane Mayor Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune, Chinese Ambassador Guan Huabing attended the ground-breaking ceremony. Endit