MPI and GGGI launch US$10 million project funded by KOICA to increase waste and wastewater management capacity in Laos

The Department of Planning of the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) hosted the launch of a project with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) on ‘Scaling Out Sustainable Solid Waste and Wastewater Management to Improve Public Health and Environment in the Lao PDR (Phase II)’.

The launch ceremony took place on March 28, 2024, at the Muong Thanh luxury hotel. Participants from the national government, provincial governments of Vientiane, Champassak, and Savannakhet, and sub-national entities gathered to reconfirm the project details and the governance structure, strengthen the commitment of all stakeholders, and share a brief progress update.
From 2019 to 2024, GGGI, with funding from KOICA, has been implementing Phase I of the project, namely ‘Wastewater and Solid Waste Treatment Capacity Building for City Environment Improvement in the Lao PDR’ . The successful implementation of Phase I and the strong impact achieved in transitioning the Lao PDR towards a green growth pathway, encouraged the Lao government to seek further cooperation and extension of the partnership with the Republic of Korea (RoK). The second phase of the project is a doubling of the ambition and outcomes targeted under Phase I. To this end, the project value has been scaled up to US$10.5 million. The project duration remains five years and will deliver the following three outcomes:
1.    Strengthening the capacity of the Lao government in establishing enhanced green city plans and attracting green city investments.
2.    Improving the capacity of local governments in decentralised waste management and waste disposal and collection services. (in Vientiane and Vientiane Province)
3.    Enhancing the capacity of local governments in wastewater treatment and wastewater treatment services. (In Pakxe City and Kaysone Phomevihane City).
This significant event was co-chaired by the Deputy Director General of the Department of Planning, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Mr Oula Somchanmavong, Deputy Country Director of KOICA, Ms Nayoung Kim, and Deputy Country Representative of GGGI Lao PDR, Ms Eva Diaz Ugena.
The ceremony also included the participation of key stakeholders’ representatives from the Government of the Lao PDR, such as Mr Boualy Phetsongkharm, the Mayor of Pakse, Mr Pasongsin Chalernsouk, Mayor of Kaysone Phomvihane, Dr Buavone Souklaseng, Director General of the Department of Planning and Investment of Vientiane, and Mr Bounchanh Malavong, Vangvieng District Governor.
The Lao government remains steadfast in its commitment to pursue green growth for the country. However, there is a pressing need for infrastructure development in areas such as public health, sanitation, and environmental improvement.
Expansions and scale up efforts made in Phase II of the project are crucial as they will enhance the country’s capacity to achieve its sustainable development objectives outlined in the National Socio-Economic Development Plan.
Moreover, this project is in line with the partnership strategy of the Republic of Korea and KOICA for the Lao PDR. The strategy prioritises support for improving health, sanitation, and water management which is aligned with the joint efforts of the two countries to contribute to the inclusive and sustainable development of the Lao PDR.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update April 3, 2024)