Authorities removed illegal signs on T 2 Road in Vientiane. - Vientiane Times/ANN
VIENTIANE: Authorities in Vientiane last week began dismantling illegal awnings, signs and vending stalls along T2 Road in Oumoung village of Sikhottabong district.
The operation followed repeated warnings to business owners who were violating city planning regulations, and was part of a broader effort to prepare for the 8th Party Congress of Vientiane and improve urban order across the national capital.
The operation was conducted by the Department of Public Works and Transport of Vientiane, in collaboration with the Sikhottabong District Office and a special task force for urban order.
The Director of Public Works and Transport Department of Vientiane, Bounyavat Nilaxay, said in an interview during the operation: “To address urban disorder in Vientiane, we have partnered with relevant sectors to remove signs and dismantle extended awnings and haphazard vending stalls along T2 Road.
“This is due to previous educational efforts and warnings being ignored by business operators. This marks the fourth such operation.”
Bounyavat said authorities aim to ensure that business owners comply with established laws, thus making roads clean and aesthetically pleasing, while also guaranteeing the safety of pedestrians and commuters.
This initiative is part of preparations for the upcoming 8th Party Congress of Vientiane and efforts to implement urban planning regulations to ensure that the city is orderly, clean, beautiful and liveable.
The dismantled signs and awnings will be stored at the Department of Public Works and Transport. Owners will have 20 days to retrieve their property.
This drive will continue along major roads acrossVientiane. In Sikhottabong district alone, nine roads have been identified, with more than 1,400 listed obstacles.
Authorities have called on business owners, enterprises and residents living and trading along major roads and other routes to take ownership of the issue and actively participate in enforcing the laws. This will help create order, cleanliness and beauty, and transform Vientiane into a liveable and civilised city for everyone, officials said.
The operation was led by the Acting Governor of Sikhottabong District, Inpong Thoumma, who also participated. - Vientiane Times/ANN
