Xieng hon: Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone visited Xieng Hon district in Xayabury province to assess developmental progress, examine disaster recovery efforts, and bolster the morale of local authorities and residents.
According to Lao News Agency, the Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by Mr. Phongsavanh Sitthavong, Governor of Xayabury, and Mr. Seng-a-thit Laobiayatho, Party Secretary and Chief of Xieng Hon District. During his visit, the Prime Minister inspected the strategic Thong Kap-Huay Tong road, engaged with residents in Thong Kap-a community slated to become a new commune-and reviewed a six-month development report presented by district officials.
The report highlighted steady economic growth in Xieng Hon during the first half of 2025. The district recorded 2,980 million kip in revenue collection, which constitutes 64.93% of the annual plan, and spent 1,354 million kip, or 47.06% of the planned expenditure. Key priorities included agricultural production, infrastructure development, and food security.
Significant achievements in agriculture included the planting of lowland rice on 3,358.20 hectares, meeting the target, and the cultivation of upland rice on 320 hectares. Job's Tears (Mak Deuy) were grown on 600 hectares, and cassava was planted on 1,500 hectares.
Despite these advancements, Xieng Hon faced significant challenges due to two major floods in July. From July 16-17, torrential rains flooded 30 villages, impacting 1,877 families, totaling 9,051 people, including 4,416 women, and causing damages worth 17.7 billion kip. A second storm on July 22-23 led to further damage, with losses estimated at 4.6 billion kip.
Prime Minister Sonexay commended the local community for their effective disaster response and economic resilience. He addressed district leaders and residents, offering encouragement and support. Additionally, he donated household appliances and a desktop computer to facilitate the administrative work of the soon-to-be-established Thong Kap commune office.