Together for clean water: New alliance strengthens water sector in Laos PDR
In October, the TA ADB Institutional Strengthening & Capacity Development PNP Xaisomboun, Xiengkhouang project was launched in Laos to improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation across five provinces. The kick-off events were held in Vientiane and Xaisomboun, with representatives from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the Department of Water Supply (DWS), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and project partners in attendance. The ADB is investing €48.3 million in the project.
From expertise to impact
The technical assistance (TA) is led by Ramboll (Singapore), with World Waternet (Netherlands) and Specity Solutions (Lao PDR) serving as sub-consultants. Together, they are supporting Laos in the implementation of the Water Supply and Sanitation Improvement Sector Project, with a focus on both infrastructure and sustainable capacity building. The project is scheduled to run until 2028.
"By combining international expertise with local knowledge, we are building a robust, future-proof water sector that reaches all communities," said Dr Souksamay Manhmanyvong, Project Director of Water Supply and Sanitation Improvement.
13,000 households with improved water facilities
During a field visit to Xaisomboun, the challenges faced by the local water companies (Nam Papa Xaisomboun and Nam Papa Xiengkhouang) were examined. CWL provides improved, affordable, and climate-resilient facilities for approximately 13,000 households (around 70,000 people), including 800 vulnerable households. The five provinces involved are Bokeo, Houaphan, Salavan, Xaisomboun, and Xiengkhouang.
"We are delighted to be part of this alliance. Our strength lies in collaboration. Through peer-to-peer knowledge exchange and a train-the-trainer approach, we ensure knowledge is retained locally and create a lasting impact supported by the community," said Peter Jansen, Managing Director, World Waternet.
Four pillars for sustainable change
The technical assistance focuses on:
- Capacity building at the Department of Water Supply (DWS) and provincial water companies (PNPs), with an emphasis on climate-adaptive management and maintenance.
- Improving operational performance, including asset management and the reduction of non-revenue water (NRW).
- Strengthening governance at all levels.
- Developing and training water professionals through peer learning and on-the-job training.
Why this matters
More than 1.5 million people in Laos lack basic sanitation facilities, and 15% have no access to safe drinking water. By 2030, 90% of the population in provincial and district areas should have access to safely managed drinking water. CWL contributes to this goal and aligns fully with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6 and SDG 13).
This press release was originally published by World Waternet.
