Laos, Korea launch dam safety project for improved agriculture

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has launched a four-year project to improve irrigation dam safety and raise agricultural productivity, with funding support from the Republic of Korea.
A ceremony to mark the start of the Dam Safety Management Project took place in Vientiane on April 30, attended by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Dr Chanthakhone Boualaphanh; Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Laos, Mr Jung Yung Soo; Deputy Director of the Global Agricultural Development Team under Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Mr Moon Kyungduk; and Director of the International Agricultural and Food Development Cooperation Centre at the Korea Rural Community Corporation, Mr Choi Chanwon.
The project, to run from 2024 to 2028, is funded with a grant of 5.5 billion Korean won (about US$4.6 million) from the Korean government’s Official Development Assistance programme.
It will be carried out by the Department of Irrigation and will focus on developing a master plan for dam safety, setting up a central monitoring and management centre, and inspecting eight key irrigation dams in Vientiane, Khammuan, Savannakhet, Champassak and Xekong provinces.
The targeted dams are Ban Tham, Nam Cap, Houay Akai, Nam Tien, Nam Tong 2, Nam Chim, Nam Phouk and Houay Thoat. The project will also provide diagnostic equipment, specialised software, and technical training programmes for Lao engineers and government staff, to be held in both Laos and Korea.
Dr Chanthakhone said the support comes at a critical time, as climate-related challenges are increasing.
“This support will help prevent disasters caused by ageing reservoirs while enabling more efficient water use, better crop yields, and improved incomes for farmers,” she said.
She also said the project reflects the strong friendship between Laos and the Republic of Korea, as this year marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Ambassador Jung Yung Soo reaffirmed Korea’s strong commitment to rural development in Laos.
“Korea is Laos’ third-largest development partner, implementing over 80 projects with a combined value exceeding US$100 million, including 13 rural development projects in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry,” he said.
He expressed the hope that the dam safety initiative will protect local communities, strengthen irrigation systems, and contribute to the socio-economic development of rural areas. He also highlighted the project’s inclusion in the Korea-Laos 30th anniversary celebrations, alongside the Korea-Lao Policy Forum and the upcoming “Net Zero Partnership Korea-Laos 2025” tree-planting event in June.
Mr Moon Kyungduk highlighted the strategic goals behind Korea’s support.
“This initiative aims to help the Lao government build an autonomous and systematic dam safety management system,” he said.
 “We hope it will lead to legal and institutional reforms, the establishment of dedicated oversight units, and the training of skilled technical personnel,” he added.
He said the new Dam Safety Management Center will act as a national hub for smart monitoring, enhancing Laos’ ability to proactively respond to climate change.  Dr Sathathep Thammachak explained that the project was initially proposed in 2021 and secured funding in July 2024.
The initiative addresses long-standing gaps in dam safety management, such as the absence of a dedicated authority, lack of regular inspection systems, and limited technical equipment, he said.
The Department of Irrigation will work closely with lead consultant Hong-Ik Consulting Company and other partners to ensure the project’s successful implementation in line with the technical roadmap.
The project is expected to significantly contribute to the long-term stability of agricultural infrastructure in Laos and strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries. Through continued collaboration and technical exchange, the initiative aims to foster sustainable rural development and improve the livelihoods of farming communities in Laos.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update May 5, 2025)