KPL
The Lao State Water Supply Enterprise in Sekong Province has announced that nearly 8,000 households across the province now have access to clean water services.
(KPL) The Lao State Water Supply Enterprise in Sekong Province has announced that nearly 8,000 households across the province now have access to clean water services.
The achievement was disclosed during a recent mid-year review meeting, highlighting the progress and challenges faced by the enterprise in the first half of 2024.
The report revealed that Sekong Province has four service areas with a total of 8,824 water metres, surpassing the planned target by 1%. As a result, 7,999 households, or 94% of the target, are currently receiving water services across 37 villages.
Overall, water access in Sekong Province has reached 32%, aligning with the planned goals, while water service coverage in municipal areas stands at 85%, achieving 92% of the set objectives.
In terms of water distribution, Sekong Province managed to sell a total of 669,753 cubic meters of water, reaching 99% of the planned target. Specifically, Lamam District accounted for 440,319 cubic meters, followed by Thateng District with 104,952 cubic meters, Dakcheung District with 76,398 cubic meters, and Kalum District with 48,066 cubic meters.
Mr. Bounseang Keosouvann, Deputy Director of the Sekong Provincial Water Supply Enterprise, reported that despite various challenges such as inflation, the depreciation of the Lao Kip, rising prices of materials and labour, and the aging water infrastructure, the enterprise has made significant strides in maintaining and improving water services. The province currently operates five water production plants, which together produced 866,357 cubic meters of water in the first half of 2024, achieving 93% of the plan. Out of this, 831,364 cubic meters were distributed, reaching 94% of the target.
Mr. Bounseang also highlighted efforts to ensure the quality of the water supply, with regular daily, weekly, monthly, and annual quality checks being conducted. These include monitoring parameters such as pH levels and microbial contamination at both the source and distribution points.
Additionally, the enterprise replaced 153 water meters, repaired 140 meters of pipelines, and conducted 485 maintenance activities on the main and distribution pipelines. Over the past six months, there were 199 reported leaks, of which 34 occurred in transmission lines and 20 in distribution pipes. The enterprise was able to fix all identified issues promptly.
KPL
