The issues were raised during the 10th Session of the 4th Vientiane People's Council on December 16. The meeting was chaired by Mr Anouphap Tounalom, President of the council.

Mr Bounyavat Nirasay, Head of the Department of Public Works and Transport of Vientiane Capital, responded to questions from National Assembly members for Constituency 1 and members of the People’s Council.

Mr Bounyavat said the department carries out inspections of heavy goods vehicles at fixed weigh stations and special checkpoints. Vehicles found to be overloaded are fined, and their cargo is transferred in accordance with regulations.

However, he said enforcement remains difficult, particularly for trucks transporting laterite, red soil and sand. Many operators avoid fixed weigh stations by using alternative routes, a problem worsened by the expansion of the road network across Vientiane Capital.

He said fixed weigh stations at Ban Koksivilai on Route 13 South, Ban Jengsavang on Route 13 North and Ban Dongphosy on Thadeua Road have become less effective as drivers bypass them. The department is also constrained by limited equipment, tools and personnel.

On flood prevention, Mr Bounyavat said planning had been completed and funding approved by the Vientiane Capital Administration for 68 drainage-related projects. Construction work is expected to be completed before the 2026 rainy season.

The projects include cleaning main and secondary drainage canals, clearing roadside ditches on selected roads, reconstructing and upgrading blocked or undersized culverts, repairing pump stations and sluice gates, and restoring flood protection embankments along riverbanks.

He added that a comprehensive drainage map covering seven urban districts has already been completed.

Survey and design work has also been finalised for several district-level drainage projects. In Sikhottabong district, improvements will focus on draining floodwater from areas surrounding Wattay International Airport.

In Xaythany district, works are planned for Talat Phrakao, Fai Dang Dongdok and the canal between Don Tiou village and neighbouring communities. In Sisattanak district, upgrades are planned for the Kheeinaymo canal to improve drainage into the Vientiane canal. In Xaysetha district, projects will cover Viengchalern village, the Kaek canal and Fai Dang Thatluang.

Mr Bounyavat said the department is also working with Hadxayfong district on designs to raise flood protection embankments, with budget proposals being prepared for Had Dok Kaew and Don Kerd villages.

He added that technical training and flood risk management modelling have been carried out in cooperation with the Department of Waterways and the World Bank. Further cooperation is planned to develop a comprehensive flood management master plan for Vientiane.

KPL