Vientiane authorities promise better life at Km 21

Vientiane authorities will develop a new satellite township at Km 21 on the outskirts of the capital as a more liveable community, according to a senior city official.

Deputy Director of the Vientiane Land Management Authority, Mr Somphone Khounvilom, said yesterday authorities would not only build roads, and water and electricity supply systems in the area, but also schools, a hospital and markets.

“The area will become a new community in the capital,” he told Vientiane Times.

About 300 families will be resettled at Km 21 after losing their property to developments such as the National Stadium and the expansion of the That Luang esplanade.

Many families forced to relocate have expressed concerns that they will face difficulties in earning a living if they move to an area where public infrastructure, state services and trade opportunities are limited.

Residents have called on the Vientiane authorities to build a market and bus station, along with schools and public parks in the new residential area.

Mr Somphone said basic infrastructure, including new roads, electricity supply and a primary school, is already in place.

“We are looking for funding to build a hospital and other public facilities in the area. All of these facilities are included in the development plan.”

He said the authorities believe the provision of public infrastructure and other facilities will encourage more people to move to the satellite community to create a new residential and commercial hub.

An official working on the Km 21 resettlement project said authorities had provided each of the relocating families with a small piece of land to build a house.

He said future residents had not yet been issued land titles for their new property due to fears they would sell the land. “They are not permitted to sell the land granted to them,” the official said.

Vientiane authorities are seeking to develop areas outside the city centre to reduce congestion. Chinese and Vietnamese companies have expressed interest in investing in the development of the new community at Km 21, as well as establishing a new industrial and commercial centre nearby.

The government is in the process of turning land into capital as a means to speed up development.

However, this policy has led to numerous families being forced to relocate to make way for development projects.

While the government provides new land for those who have to move, the rising cost of land in the city is driving out low wage earners and many are forced to live on the outskirts.

By Ekaphone Phouthonesy
(Latest Update March 9 , 2010)