Dr Khamphachanh Vongsana (sixth from right), Mr Kim Myung-won (sixth from left), trainers and trainees pose for a group photo at the closing ceremony.

Laos, Korea strengthen dam safety management to protect communities, boost agriculture

Laos is strengthening its capacity to inspect and manage irrigation dams through technical cooperation with the Republic of Korea, aiming to improve infrastructure safety, protect downstream communities and support sustainable agricultural production.
The initiative marked an important step on October 30 with the completion of a two-month training course under the Project for Establishment of Dam Safety Management System in Lao PDR (EDSMS Project).
The course on Dam Safety Inspection, Diagnosis, and Management Capacity Building brought together Lao irrigation officials and Korean experts to develop practical skills in dam inspection, structural assessment, risk identification and safety monitoring.
The closing ceremony was attended by Director General of the Department of Irrigation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Dr Khamphachanh Vongsana, Head of the Korea Rural Community Corporation (KRC) Laos Office, Mr Kim​ Meyeongwon and other participants.
Dr Khamphachanh stressed that effective dam safety management is essential for agricultural development, food security and protecting the lives and property of downstream communities.
He said the training marked an important step forward for Laos’ irrigation sector, which previously lacked specialised knowledge and practical experience in dam safety inspections.

“Through this training course, I firmly believe that all trainees have acquired theoretical knowledge, practical experience, modern scientific techniques, and essential skills in dam inspection, risk assessment, and safety monitoring, particularly in operating related instruments and technology.”
A key component of the programme was a detailed safety inspection of Nam Chim Dam in Vientiane province, providing trainees with practical experience in assessing irrigation infrastructure.
The findings, presented by Korean expert Mr Young-mo Kim from Hongik Technical Consultants, showed that the dam received an overall safety rating of Grade C, indicating fair condition, with no major critical structural defects identified.
However, inspectors identified maintenance concerns, including erosion, cracks in spillway structures, deteriorating protective facilities and leakage associated with the intake system.
The assessment recommended targeted repairs, improved drainage and continued monitoring to ensure the dam’s long-term safety.
The findings will also provide practical lessons for future inspections at six additional pilot dam sites.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Kim​ Meyeongwon praised the commitment of Lao officials and Korean experts, highlighting the importance of combining theoretical instruction with practical fieldwork.
“I believe today is more than just the end of a training course. It is a meaningful occasion to look back on the effort and achievements you have built over the past two months by learning together and sharing experiences, and to commit ourselves to future progress,” he said.
Mr Kim expressed hope that participants would share their expertise with colleagues, strengthening dam safety management across Laos. A second training course is scheduled for 2027.
Representing the trainees, Training Class Leader Mr Thatsany Vong-onkeo said the programme had strengthened their technical capabilities.
“We have significantly enhanced our knowledge, skills, and methodologies, which we will effectively apply to future irrigation dam safety inspection duties with maximum efficiency,” he said.
The initiative is expected to contribute to safer irrigation infrastructure, more reliable agricultural water supplies and better protection for communities living near dams.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update November 2, 2026)