Financial, technical and operational resilience for Public Water Utilities in Lao PDR

This project supports PNP Luang Namtha and other provincial water utilities in Laos to become more (financial) resilient, data-driven, and climate-adaptive. Key focus areas include asset management using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), non-revenue water (NRW) reduction, and improved water quality monitoring. A major outcome is the development of a Lao-specific GIS manual and the creation of a nationwide Community of Practice with a Train-the-Trainer programme to expand GIS knowledge and application across all 18 PNPs. For NRW and water quality on the job learning and workshop are organized. Lessons learned are disseminated through the CoP. Climate resilience is addressed through a detailed climate risk analysis and two pilot adaptation projects, with attention to infrastructure protection and Nature-based Solutions. In addition, fundraising support is provided for investments in climate adaptation and operational improvements. 

A major goal is the nationwide use of a standardized GIS model to support efficient asset management, guided by a locally developed GIS manual and a train-the-trainer approach. In PNP Luang Namtha, we aim to reduce non-revenue water through better monitoring, targeted investments, and improved operations. Additional goals include improving water quality monitoring and process optimization. Two pilot climate adaptation projects will serve as learning cases to identify practical solutions, nature based solutions and innovative technical solutions with the goal of scaling successful strategies nationwide. By building staff capacity, a community of practice and encouraging greater autonomy, the project supports long-term sustainability. These efforts align with Laos’ national strategies for climate adaptation, digital utility transformation, and reliable water service delivery.