How can we solve the problem of dirty roads?

Most roads in Laos are dirty and dusty, which causes problems for road users and those who live alongside roads. Although there are regulations concerning cleanliness, many people ignore them. This is a matter of public concern and there is pressure on the authorities to rectify the situation. Vientiane Times asked some local residents for their thoughts on the matter. 

Mr Kham Silimanotham, a government official in Xaysettha district: As we know, the quality of road construction in Laos is poor. They always need to be repaired just a few years after they are built. There are many roads that still do not have asphalt and this makes roads very dirty. I think all roads in the city should be cleaned at least twice a month. It would be good if there were places where vehicles could get their wheels washed, in order to clean off the dirt. The authorities should do more to ensure that drivers understand the regulations when it comes to driving muddy vehicles.

Ms Soukdavanh, a resident of Xaythany district:  There are so many trucks driving through my village every day, sometimes more than 400 times a day, and this makes the air very dusty. I’m concerned about my health and that of my neighbours. Although the roads are sprayed with water about three times a day, it’s not enough to get rid of all the dust. Besides this, I have never seen any trucks that have their loads covered, and there are also many overloaded trucks. This results in more dust and dirt on the roads. It is quite hard to tackle this issue because most haulage companies don’t bother to comply with the regulations and the authorities don’t penalise them. It would be good if all parties paid more attention to this problem and worked out ways to resolve it.
 
Mr Thamphone Xayavong, a government official in Xaythany district: I have heard that the police have instructed trucks, trailers and container trucks not to travel within the city between 7am and 6pm, in order to ease traffic congestion. I don’t know how this works, but I have seen many trucks driving through the city centre at these times and some trucks are overloaded with soil and without any covers. However, I hope that the government’s monitoring system will soon improve. The departments involved should strictly fine violators and conduct regular checks. In addition, everyone should work together to respect the traffic regulations and pay more attention to lane markings.
 
Ms Lut Vilaysack, a resident of Sikhottabong district: As a road user, I think this is an important matter and we should seek ways to resolve it as soon as possible because it also results in accidents. I know the police work hard and the authorities have introduced regulations to address this issue but unfortunately many drivers take no notice of the regulations. I would like to ask all sectors of government to ensure that everyone respects the rules, including village authorities, who should get local residents to help clean roads twice a month, or more if possible.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
   (Latest Update February 9, 2021)