Building climate resilience in La District: Climate Adaptation Fund Phase 2
20 February 2025La District in Oudomxay Province, Lao PDR, is taking the next step in strengthening its water supply infrastructure against climate risks. Following the pilot studies conducted in Phase 1 of the WaterWorX Climate Adaptation Workstream, Phase 2 (2025–2026) will implement practical solutions to enhance water infrastructure resilience against floods, landslides, and forest fires. The project focuses on strengthening intake and pipeline structures using nature-based solutions, advanced materials, and slope stabilisation techniques. By working with the Provincial Department of Pulic Work And Transport (PDWT) and local communities, this project will secure water access for 3,835 residents and serve as a model for climate adaptation across Lao PDR.
Addressing water supply climate threats in Oudomxay
The La District’s water supply is under growing pressure from two major threats: severe flooding and landslides, and prolonged droughts that fuel forest fires.
In 2022, heavy rains triggered floods and landslides that destroyed the district’s intake and pipeline system. While reconstruction is underway, climate risks were not initially factored into the design, leaving the new infrastructure just as exposed to future disasters. At the same time, rising temperatures and slash-and-burn agriculture are increasing the risk of forest fires, which could damage pipelines made from non-fire-resistant materials. Having recognized the new projects' climate risk shortcomings, the PDWT has initiated and is cofinancing a new project with World Waternet to build the new intake and pipeline with climate resilient measures.
Turning climate risk research into action
World Waternet’s work in the first phase of the Climate Adaptation Fund, funded by WaterWorX, assessed climate risks in La District and provided a roadmap for adaptation. The research, conducted with local partners, highlighted that climate-related damages already cost La District’s water utility (NamPapa) 42% of its annual revenue. Estimations of the climate risk assesments revealed costs of $10,140 per year, with projections showing significant increases under future climate scenarios. These costs will keep rising without action; thankfully, this second phase of the project is all about implementation.
Reinforcing La District’s intake and pipeline
Phase 2 will enhance La District’s new water infrastructure using a mix of structural and nature-based solutions:
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Resilient Intake: Implementing sub-river water intakes will enhance resilience against seasonal flow variations and reduce vulnerability to extreme river conditions.
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Pipeline Reinforcement: Upgrading the water supply network with deeper pipe burial, stronger materials, and strategic pipe replacements will improve durability and flood resistance.
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Slope Stabilization: Nature-Based solutions in collaboration with local farmers will refine bamboo gabion techniques and identify optimal vegetation for long-term riverbank protection.
These solutions combine engineering with ecosystem-based approaches to anticipate and overcome future climate challenges. The next step is ensuring climate risks are factored throughout Laos.
Scaling up in all Laos
The experience in La District is shaping a new approach to climate adaptation for water utilities across Lao PDR. Other regions face similar risks, and this project provides a foundation for scaling up solutions nationwide.
Through collaboration with PDWT, Nam Papas, and local communities, we are applying lessons from past disasters to create stronger, smarter infrastructure. The challenges ahead are significant, but so are the opportunities. With the right investments and partnerships, we can rebuild for the needs of tomorrow.