Speaking during the First Extraordinary Session of the 10th National Assembly on July 8, the minister said the ministry will focus on two key priorities: improving strategic transport networks and expanding access to safe drinking water, particularly in rural communities.
He said priority will be given to upgrading national highways, international transport corridors, provincial and district roads, as well as roads linking subdistricts, villages and key development areas to facilitate trade, tourism and public mobility.
The ministry will continue implementing ongoing road projects financed through the Road Fund and other approved investment programmes. Future road rehabilitation and construction will be financed through multiple sources, including the Road Fund, state budget, official development assistance (ODA), public-private partnerships (PPP), BOT arrangements, local government funds and private sector contributions.
The minister said the Road Fund is expected to provide between 2 trillion and 2.5 trillion kip annually to support road maintenance and development nationwide.
In addition to transport infrastructure, the ministry will accelerate the expansion of community water supply systems, particularly in subdistricts and villages that still lack reliable access to safe drinking water. Efforts will also focus on reducing water losses, improving urban planning, and addressing urban challenges such as flooding and solid waste management.
Leklay said the ministry will work closely with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and local authorities to improve roads leading to tourism destinations, while coordinating with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to develop road networks serving agricultural production areas.
To expand water supply infrastructure, the ministry will also cooperate with local administrations and mobilize financial support from development partners, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), alongside government funding.