What should be done to tackle chronic flooding in Vientiane?

Drainage channels in Vientiane are often blocked by debris because many are near construction sites, while increasing urbanisation is leading to more flooding after heavy rainfall. Though the authorities frame plans every year to improve drainage, this problem continues to affect the city. Vientiane Times asked local residents what they think should be done to remedy the situation.

Mr Vixay Adthanaxay, an official in Xieng Khuang province: Most of the streets in Vientiane are now surfaced with asphalt and concrete but they’re still covered in dust and mud. Sometimes I see residents cleaning the streets, but only a few of
them. The sides of some roads have a lot of plastic bags but it seems that no one cares about this problem. When it’s windy or it rains, all these plastic bags and dust get into the drains and block them. Then the streets get flooded. I think everyone should do more to clean up our roads to prevent such problems.

Mr Bounthan, an official in Xaythany district of Vientiane: It’s essential to clear away dust and mud from the main roads. There is so much dirt and rubbish on our streets and they look like a mess. I urge people not to sweep soil and waste into drains because it obstructs the flow of water. It would be good if everyone showed more responsibility and made sure the streets and drains remain clear of dirt and other waste.

Ms Vilaythong, a government official from Oudomxay province: It’s quite hard to keep Vientiane clean because most people aren’t educated about the problem and our regulations aren’t tough enough to make them care about keeping the streets and drains clean. Children are our future, and so we should teach them about this issue, especially understanding about and caring for our surroundings so that the city stays clean and green. Of course, we must set a good example for them because youngsters always do what their elders do. We should advise them to play a part in keeping their surroundings clean and tidy, and when they grow up, these lessons will be passed on to the next generation.

Mr Soukthavy, a resident of Xaysettha district: Everyone wants to drive on an asphalt or concrete road, but will anyone think about how to take care of them in the long term? Everything has a limited life span, but things will last longer if they’re well maintained. Sometimes, I see people cleaning roads but they push their garbage and waste into drains, which is not a good thing. When drains get clogged, there’s always a problem. It will be better if everyone joins forces to keep our streets clean and tidy so as to prevent flooding and damage.

Ms Bounmy, a resident of Xaythany district: The authorities employ people to clean the streets but local residents need to be more responsible and make sure their rubbish doesn’t get into drains. If everyone did this, it will ease the flooding problem and help reduce the amount of dust and mud on our roads. The authorities need to pay more attention to drains and do a better job of cleaning them before the rainy season begins.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update May 18, 2022)