Vientiane Capital to Tackle Persistent Flooding Issues

In response to the persistent flooding in Vientiane Capital throughout the yearly wet season, native authorities have begun to implement complete measures to mitigate the damages.

The Lao capital typically experiences flooding because of a mixture of things reminiscent of fast metropolis enlargement, unregulated building, improper soil filling, and altering climate patterns.

Bounyavath Nilaxay, head of the Vientiane Public Works and Transport Division, addressed these points and outlined plans to mitigate flooding on the seventh abnormal assembly of the Vientiane Individuals’s Council held from 8 to 12 July.

The Vientiane Water Division plans to take care of and usually clear each predominant and backup canals, take away particles from roadside waterholes, and strengthen drainage infrastructure.

The federal government will even launch public consciousness campaigns that may encourage residents to take part in common upkeep and keep away from improper waste disposal. With complete planning and group involvement.

Moreover, town has collaborated with worldwide companies and firms for analysis and help, notably Japan Worldwide Cooperation Company and Korea Worldwide Cooperation Company. Nonetheless, Bounyavath emphasised that native efforts are nonetheless vital, together with cleansing roadside ditches and predominant drainage canals in a number of districts.

To make sure success, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport has proposed 15 new drainage cleansing initiatives for 2025, with a complete price of LAK 44.46 billion (USD 1.9 billion). These initiatives embrace drainage enhancements in a number of districts within the capital, together with Saysettha, Sikhottabong, Chanthabouly, Hatsaiyfong, Sisattanak, and Sangthong.

In line with the official, Vientiane Capital makes use of 52 canals and 13 swamps and ponds for drainage. Town’s flat land, with a slope of solely 2 %, makes it exhausting for water to empty shortly throughout heavy rains. Over time, growth has stuffed in pure areas like creeks and ponds, which used to assist handle rainwater. Moreover, local weather change has led to elevated rainfall every year.

There are two main forms of flooding in Vientiane: overflowing floods and concrete floods. Overflowing floods occurred notably in 1966 and 2008, with water ranges reaching 170.75 meters and 171.71 meters, respectively.

In the meantime, city flooding outcomes from outdated infrastructure, with six predominant roads within the metropolis affected by blocked and shallow drainage methods. Many pure canals haven’t been systematically improved, and a few have been closed off by residents. Points reminiscent of inconsistent drainage pipe sizes and unconnected water pipes additional exacerbate the issue.