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Work on some projects set for completion by Vientiane's 450th anniversary as capital this year has fallen short of expectations, according to municipal authorities.

But the authorities have confirmed that efforts will be stepped up to ensure most of the 21 projects are completed before the celebrations in November, which mark the anniversary of the transfer of the Lao capital from Luang Prabang to Vientiane.

Phongtong Road is now 99 percent complete.

King Xaysetthathirath moved the capital of the Lane Xang Kingdom in 1560.

Projects that have seen slow progress include the new 450-year town at That Luang marsh, Nongtha development project, and the restoration of Hor Pha Keo Museum and Xieng Khuan Buddha Park.

The construction of Nangchan Park by a Korean company has still not begun. The company signed a memorandum of understanding with authorities for a project concession on August 5, 2009.

Other projects have been completed or seen great progress, however.

Finished projects include Xaysettha Park and the long completed paving of the That Luang esplanade and construction of the SEA Games sports grounds, which are considered 450-year projects as preparations began in 2007.

Construction of the road linking Savang to Dongdok village through Phontong village and linking Phontong to Phonphanao village is now 99 percent complete, while the major 450-Year Road is 65 percent complete.

This 20km highway will link Dongdok Road to the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge in Dongphousy village, Hadxaifong district, and is scheduled for completion before November.

But the construction of a 302m road link between Asean Road from the Phonsa-at traffic lights and an area near the Ministry of Finance is still under survey.

The 450-Year roundabout at Phonkheng T-junction is now in the process of ground- levelling and design.

Meanwhile a survey to determine and demarcate the urban area of Vientiane is planned to start in the middle of this year. The area is expected to cover 201 villages.

The second phase of the Talat Sao Shopping Mall is more than 30 percent complete while authorities and investors are in the process of reaching an agreement for construction of a new That Luang market.

The design for a flower garden at Sikeut T-junction is complete and the results of evaluation for the project will be sent to the Indian Embassy in Vientiane to seek financial support.

Surveys for a border market in Dongphousy village are complete and preparations are underway to relocate villagers from the project zone. The border market will cost about US$50 million to build and cover an area of almost 54 hectares.

Non-construction aspects of the preparations that have seen little progress include decorative lighting, which has not yet started, and awareness raising to encourage public participation in keeping the city clean.

Project delays are related to insufficient responsibility and motivation on the part of various sub-committees responsible for the work, according to the report.

 

By Somsack Pongkhao
(Latest Update May 13, 2010)