What should we do to keep the city’s streets clean?

When the rainy season ends and the dry season arrives, dust collects all over the city, especially on roads, while haulage trucks add to the mess by spreading dirt. Vientiane Times asked some local residents for their thoughts on this chronic problem.
 
Ms Somphet Sonesackda, a government official: It’s quite hard to keep Vientiane’s streets clean because most people simply don’t care and aren’t motivated to do anything to improve the situation. And the regulations aren’t tough enough to make people care. Most of the streets in Vientiane are now surfaced with asphalt or concrete but they’re still full of dust and mud. Sometimes I see people cleaning the roadsides, but only a few. Some areas have a lot of dust but it seems that no one really cares about this problem.

Mr Soulisak, a government official in Chanthabouly district: As we know, the quality of road construction in Laos is substandard and roads always need to be repaired just a few years after they are built. There are many roads that are still not paved with asphalt, which means that many areas are dust traps. I think all roads in the city should be cleaned at least twice a month. It would also be good if there were places where vehicles could have the dirt removed from their wheels. The authorities should do more campaigning to ensure that all drivers understand the regulations in this regard.
 
Ms Phouthong Chanthavong, a government official in Nathom village, Xaythany district: It’s not just dust that makes our roads so unattractive; there are also random objects that get in people’s way and look messy, as well as ugly advertising signs, which should be removed. The authorities are finally getting rid of some of them following the Mayor’s instructions, to make the city more attractive. There are rules on this and I think the authorities should conduct checks along roadsides and take strong action against offenders. Everyone should be aware of this issue and cooperate with the authorities. We should work together to keep our city clean and the streets uncluttered, to create a more pleasant environment for everyone.
 
Ms Boutsady Sihathep, a resident of Xaythany district: Children are our future so we should teach them to respect their environment and adults should set a good example in caring for our surroundings so that the city is clean and green. We should advise children to dispose of waste and litter in the right ways, and to never throw things away carelessly. If they adopt good habits, when they grow up they will pass on these lessons to the next generation.
 
Ms Somchin Khamphouvong, an employee in Xaysettha district: As a road user, I think it’s important to ensure that our roads are kept clean. I know the authorities have issued regulations to address this issue but unfortunately many drivers don’t pay attention to the rules. I urge all sectors of government to ensure that everyone respects the rules, including village authorities, who should ensure that roads in their area are kept clean by asking local residents to pick up litter and cut weeds twice a month, or more often if possible.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update October 27, 2022)