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Construction of the new recreational hub in Vientiane is on track, with the project manger confident the area will appeal to both tourists and locals.

Construction of Chao Anouvong Park is on track, and will provide a new recreation area for Vientiane.

The Chao Anouvong Park along the Mekong riverbank on Fa Ngum Road will provide a new face for the capital, with more than 300 metres of seating for 4,000 people.

Project Manager Mr Bounchan Keosithamma said the new space will be able to accommodate large festivals, as well as providing an atmospheric setting for visitors and locals to enjoy.

He explained that the park will be a recreational area and the centre of Vientiane, providing facilities for the public including shops, restaurants, and a viewing point.

Officials from the Water Resources and Environment Administration and Vientiane Vice Mayor Mr Somvandy Nathavong met with project officials in Vientiane this week. They evaluated the environmental impacts and discussed the progress of the project, which incorporates a 12.4km riverside embankment.

Mr Bounchan said he was satisfied with the progress of phases one and two, especially Chao Anouvong Park, which is running on schedule.

Work on the embankment began in 2009 and is due for completion in 2013, while the park is expected to be finished later this year.

When complete, the embankment will run from Dankham village in Sikhottabong district to Km 3 on Thadeua Road.

Work is currently being done on the 3km section from the Pakpasak junction to Mahosot Hospital in Thatkhao village, which includes the 14.5 hectare park.

The aim of the project is to protect the city from the threat of flood, while also improving the life of local residents as well as the overall appearance of the city.

“In 2008, the water level was higher than it was in 1966, and there were no measures in place to protect the city from that flood, which reached as far in as the Patuxay Monument,” Mr Bounchan said.

The project will try to avoid cutting down trees along the riverbank to protect the environment and create natural shade for people who use the park.

“The government has made sure the project includes many native tree species. Next week we will be planting a large number of trees to add to the existing ones,” Mr Bounchan said. Stones have been ordered from China to help decorate the park, and the Ministry of Information and Culture has designed a statue of Chao Anouvong, which will be unveiled when the park is finished.

Concrete ladders will also be placed every 50 metres to give people access to the embankment, and two sluice gates will allow water to flow in and out of the city.

Workers are now racing the clock to prepare the ground before the arrival of the rainy season.


By Vientiane Times, Phonesavanh Sangsomboun
(Latest Update April 7 , 2010)

Construction of Chao Anouvong Park is on track, and will provide a new recreation area for Vientiane.