Japanese Ambassador Koizumi Tsutomu (left) gives a symbolic vehicle key to Minister of Public Works and Transport, Leklay Sivilay. - Vientiane Times/ANN
VIENTIANE: The Japanese government has donated road and bridge maintenance equipment worth 1,500 million yen (US$69,424) to Laos to help improve the country’s infrastructure and support sustainable road development.
The funds were handed over on August 8 at the Road No. 8 Construction State Enterprise in Tanmixay village, Xaythany district, Vientiane, underscoring Japan’s ongoing commitment to Laos’ socio-economic growth.
The equipment was provided by the government of Japan under the 2023 socio-economic development project.
The event was attended by the Vice President of the National Assembly, Sommad Pholsena.
Speaking on the occasion, the Japanese Ambassador to Laos, Koizumi Tsutomu, highlighted Japan’s long-standing support for infrastructure development in Laos, including landmark projects such as the Second Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, the Pakse Bridge, the Xekong Bridge, and the renovation of Wattay International Airport and Road No. 1 in Vientiane.
He noted that these structures have gradually deteriorated over time and explained that, in response to a request from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the Japanese government had provided US$10 million for the procurement of a full set of heavy construction machinery.
This equipment is intended to enhance and prolong the lifespan of roads across the country.
Minister of Public Works and Transport, Leklay Sivilay, accepted the donation and expressed his gratitude.
He said the ministry had requested the equipment, marking the second time it had received such assistance from the Japanese government.
The goal is to repair and upgrade roads that have been damaged by severe weather, using modern, efficient and environmentally friendly machinery.
Leklay pledged to use the equipment to its maximum potential for sustainable infrastructure development and to strengthen Laos’ state enterprises.
The equipment has been handed over to three state enterprises under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to enhance their operational capacity and help them become model state-owned enterprises in the fields of road survey, improvement, maintenance and construction, in order to gradually improve the quality of roads across Laos. - Vientiane Times/ANN
