Khammuan road repair bill estimated at 33 billion kip

Khammuan province: Authorities in this flood-stricken area say at least 33 billion kip is needed to repair damaged roads in five districts.
Director of the province’s Public Works and Transport Department, Mr Phitsamai Khongsadath, told media “We expect to need a budget of over 33 billion kip to repair flood-damaged roads in Mahaxay, Nongbok, Yommalath, Bualapha and Xebangfay districts.”
Some 52 roads in these districts suffered varying degrees of damage. Repairs to 10 roads in Mahaxay are estimated to cost 4 billion kip, repairs to 11 roads in Nongbok will cost about 6 billion kip, six roads in Yommalath will need 3 billion kip worth of work, 15 roads in Bualapha will cost 15 billion kip to repair, and 10 roads in Xebangfay district will require 3 billion kip to restore to good condition.
Eight bridges also sustained damage amounting to 590 million kip.
National Road No. 12, arterial Road No. 13 South and road nos. 11, 1E, and 1F suffered subsidence in places while some sections were washed out by the floodwaters or were blocked by landslides, according to a report from the Public Works and Transport Department.  
Officials at the provincial and district levels have teamed up to carry out emergency repairs and resurface roads so that local residents can get from place to place.
Main roads linking districts are now open to all vehicles but motorists travelling in flood-affected areas are advised to proceed with caution and drive at slower speeds appropriate to the conditions, while keeping their eyes open for road damage and repair crews.

By Phomphong Laoin
(Latest Update October 7, 2019)