Chittaphong Xayalard

(KPL) A Laos-Japan Friendship Bridge spanning the Xekong River was officially opened for public use on Feb 12 following more than three years of construction.

Built with US$ 16.20 million, a financial grant from the Japanese government, the bridge is located in the district of Lamam, Xekong Province.

An opening ceremony for the bridge was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Bounthong Chitmany, Minister of Public Works and Transport Bounchan Sinthavong, Minister of Planning and Investment Souphan Keomixay, Japanese Ambassador to Laos Takeshi Hikihara and JICA Laos Office Chief Yoshiharu Yoneyama and relevant officials of the two countries.

Stretching 300 m long and able to withstand up to 800 tonnes, the bridge has been built to better the transport and communication between the districts of Lamam, Dakcheung and Kaleum in Xekong Province.

“I would like to express sincere gratitude to the Japanese government and JICA for giving this precious gift to the Lao people and I would like to take this opportunity to hand it over to the governor of Xekong to manage and use for maximum benefits of local people,” said Minister Bounchan Sinthavong.

“The bridge will not only help local people living on the both sides of the Xekong River better access health care, marketplaces, but also ensure the communication and transport between southern provinces of Laos and the Da Nang Port in Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand,” said Governor of Xekong Province Mr Khampheuy Boutdavieng.

KPL