Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR, November 29, 2024 – The  Vientiane City Office for Management and Services (VCOMS), Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)  held a regular progress update meeting to review the implementation of two key projects: the Wastewater and Solid Waste Treatment Capacity Building Project for City Environment Improvement in Lao PDR (Phase I) and the Scaling Out Sustainable Solid Waste and Wastewater Management to Improve Public Health and Environment in Lao PDR (Phase II).

The meeting took place at the VCOMS headquarters and brought together stakeholders from national and local government agencies, as well as community representatives. Attendees reviewed the progress made under both projects, identified challenges encountered during implementation, and explored strategies to address emerging priorities for 2025.

Phase I, which ran from 2019 to 2024 with KOICA’s funding of $6.5 million, significantly improved urban environmental and public health outcomes in Vientiane Capital and Pakse City. Achievements include the development of Green City Action Plans, the development of the Vientiane Solid Waste Management Strategy and Action Plans 2021 – 2030, the introduction of Waste Recycling Banks in 75 schools in Vientiane Capital, the establishment of decentralized waste collection systems the construction of Integrated Resource Recovery Center (IRRC) and decentralized wastewater treatment systems and fecal sludge treatment plant in Pakse which is nearing completion. This project has benefited over 236,000 residents with improved waste and sanitation services.

Building on these outcomes, Phase II was launched in October 2023 with an additional $10.5 million investment from KOICA. This phase aims to extend these benefits to Sangthong District and Sikhottabong District in Vientiane capital Vangvieng District in Vientiane Province, and Kaysone Phomvihane City. By expanding infrastructure and supporting green city initiatives, this phase will benefit an estimated 227,000 residents, enhance access to essential services, create green jobs, and contribute to the Government of Lao PDR’s broader sustainability goals.

Dr. Viengnam Douangphachanh, Director General of the Department of Housing and Urban Planning (DHUP), MPWT, addressed, “These projects demonstrate the power of partnership in overcoming critical challenges in urban management. By addressing waste and wastewater issues comprehensively, we are laying a foundation for cities that are not only more sustainable but also healthier and better prepared for the future needs of our communities.”

Mr. Panya Manivong, Deputy Director General of VCOMS, emphasized the broader implications for local resilience. “These initiatives are transformational for urban development and Lao PDR public health. By incorporating sustainable waste and wastewater management practices, we provide communities with the essential resources and systems needed to thrive in an increasingly urbanized environment.” Our city is increasing its capacity to process organic waste which otherwise would be burned to cause pollution. This project is also helping us to extend the much-needed waste collection services to our residents in Sangthong district. This will be important to reduce waste management costs in this district and improve the wellbeing of the residents.

Mr. Rowan Fraser, GGGI Lao PDR Country Representative, underlined the strength of partnerships in advancing these initiatives. “Phase I has shown how targeted investments in waste and wastewater management can transform urban environments and improve public health. With KOICA’s generous support and strong collaboration from VCOMS, MPI, DHUP, and our partners, Phase II is scaling these successes to benefit even more communities. The partnerships forged here today are vital to overcoming challenges, building resilient systems, and advancing sustainable urban development in Lao PDR,” he said.

The meeting marked the kick start and initial consultation on the sustainable solid waste management strategy for Sangthong district with the collection of the views, suggestions and proposals of senior government and city officials into what issues the strategy should address, its scope, stakeholders to be consulted and the endorsement process.

The meeting concluded with a focus on priority actions for the remainder of 2024 and the upcoming 2025. Key discussions included kickstarting the process of developing the sustainable solid waste management strategy for Sangthong district, intensifying public awareness campaigns, building local government capacity, and rolling out the designs and construction of waste management infrastructure which will maximize community and public health impact.