This week, the TA ADB Institutional Strengthening & Capacity Development PNP Xaisomboun, Xiengkhouang project was launched in Laos to improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation in five provinces. The kick-off took place 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. 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) as sub-consultants. Together, they are supporting Laos in the implementation of the Water Supply and Sanitation Improvement Sector Project, with a focus on infrastructure and sustainable capacity building. The project will run until 2028.
‘By combining international expertise with local knowledge, we are building a robust, future-proof water sector that reaches all communities.’ – Dr. Souksamay MANHMANYVONG, Project Director of Water Supply and Sanitation Improvement Sector Project of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport / Department of Water Supply (DWS)
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 explored. CWL provides improved, affordable and climate-resilient facilities for approximately 13,000 households (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 secure knowledge locally and build lasting impact supported by the local community.” - 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 a focus on climate adaptation in management and maintenance;
• Improving operational performance such as asset management and reducing non-revenue water (NRW);
• Strengthening governance at all levels;
• Strengthening and training water professionals through peer learning and on-the-job training.
Why this matters
More than 1.5 million Laotians lack basic sanitation facilities; 15% have no access to safe water. By 2030, 90% of the provincial and district population must have access to safely managed drinking water. CWL contributes to this goal and is fully in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6 and SDG 13).
