Vientiane: The Department of Irrigation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment held a temporary handover and acceptance ceremony for the Huay Dueua and Huay Mak-hiao Irrigation Rehabilitation and Repair Projects in Vientiane on August 17, 2026.
According to Lao News Agency, the projects were financed through a loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Development and Watershed Management Project (SRIDWMP). The ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Dr. Chanthakhone Bualaphan, alongside local authorities, relevant officials, and project stakeholders.
The Huay Mak-hiao project was officially handed over by Mr. Somlasy Chaleunnith, Managing Director of Chaleunnith Construction Sole Co., Ltd., and accepted by Dr. Khamphachan Vongsana, Director General of the Department of Irrigation, together with Mr. Saeng-aloun Souliyavong, Head of the Vientiane Agriculture and Environment Department. Similarly, the Huay Dueua project was handed over by Mr. Vilaysack Lathalack, Director of Southern Stone Survey, Design and Construction Co., Ltd., and accepted by the same representatives.
Valued at more than US$1 million, the Huay Mak-hiao project involved clearing obstructions, constructing flood-protection dikes and a pump station, installing six water pumps and a 500-kVA transformer, repairing eight water gates, and executing erosion protection, pipe installation, and fencing works. The Huay Dueua project, with a value of US$938,043.38, comprised dredging and clearing works, construction of a pump station, installation of water pumps and electrical systems, bank erosion protection, and rehabilitation of upper and lower water gates.
Both projects have been fully completed, passed technical inspections, and undergone trial operations. The completed works are anticipated to improve irrigation stability, enhance water pumping and management, reduce bank erosion, and provide better conditions for local communities to use water efficiently for agricultural production.
After the temporary handover, the projects will be transferred to the relevant local authorities for operation and maintenance to ensure their sustainable use and long-term benefits to local communities.