Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (left) strikes a gong nine times to officially open upgraded roads in Pakse city, Champasak province.

PM opens community concrete roads in Pakse

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and his wife on Friday presided over the opening ceremony of newly concreted sections of road in Phonexay village, Pakse city, Champasak province, marking a significant step in road upgrades to benefit the local community.
The resurfacing, costing 10 billion kip, replaced asphalt with concrete on key roads in the village, making them more durable, while drainage was installed and footpaths built alongside these roads.
The initiative was made possible through a collaborative effort between the government, local organisations, and community members.
Speaking at the ceremony, Secretary of the Pakse city Party Committee, Mr Souphap Thammahaksa, delivered a report on the upgrades.
The work involved laying concrete on Road No. 24 which runs for a distance of 320 metres fromthe Daovieng Hotel to the four-way junction near the Kannon restaurant. The new road surface is 12 metres wide and 23 centimetres thick and has a U-shaped drainage system and 1.5-metre-wide pedestrian walkways on both sides.
Road No. 46 covering a distance of 420 metres from the Phonbok junction to the back of Phonexay Secondary School has been resurfaced with concrete over a width of 9 metres and a depth of 23 centimetres. It is also equipped with a U-shaped drainage system and pedestrian walkways.
To officially declare the roads completed and open, the Prime Minister joined local leaders and guests in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, after which he struck a gong nine times—a traditional symbol of prosperity and good fortune.
As part of the event, attendees also toured an exhibition of goods produced under the One District, One Product scheme, highlighting the importance of improved infrastructure forcommercial production.
The road upgrade was financed by the Lao Development Bank which provided 7 billion kip, the provincial administration contributed 1.5 billion kip, and the Pakse city administration office, Phonexay villagers, and nine other villagesprovided 1.5 billion kip.
The successful completion of the project reflects the government’s commitment to improving urban infrastructure while fostering community participation and partnership with social entities.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update September 1, 2025)