VIENTIANE: A road and a bridge across the Xekaman River will be built in Xanxay district, Attapeu province, according to a report in the Pathetlao Daily newspaper.
A groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction took place on Saturday, led by the Governor of Attapeu province, Lieutenant General Vanthong Kongmany.
According to the provincial Public Works and Transport Department, the combined length of the road and bridge, to be built between Vanxay and Nongkai Aok villages close to the Laos-Vietnam border, will be 135 kilometres.
The construction cost is estimated at US$149 million, with work to take place over the next three years until September 2028.
The contractor employed to undertake the project has previously built three other small roads in the same area.
The bridge across the Xekaman River in Souksavang village will be 165 metres long and able to carry loads of up to 10 tonnes.
Following completion of the project, the contractor will collect service fees for the use of the road for the next 50 years, as agreed with the Attapeu Provincial Administration.
At that time, ownership of the project will be transferred to the Attapeu Provincial Administration.
Construction of the road and bridge is an important component of the province’s 2025-2030 development plan. It represents a significant upgrade to the transport network and will improve the transport of goods, including the export of agricultural produce and minerals, as well as being a boost to tourism.
The new road will strengthen the link between neighbouring provinces in Laos and Vietnam. It is also envisaged that the Vang Tad border crossing will be upgraded in the future. - Vientiane Times/ANN
