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Thongkhankham market to move to new site
The government is opening up construction of the new Thongkhankham market to private investors, and has allocated Nongping marsh in Chanthabouly district, Vientiane, as the site of the new development
Construction is slated to start next year, and a concession document is being drafted for government approval, said Chanthabouly district Governor Mr Saithong Keoduangdy.
The new market will be a lot more modern than the old one, will sell organic vegetables and will have good road access. This area will become an economic zone in the future, he said.
“We want to develop the existing site into a trade centre to attract investment and tourists, but we're still awaiting government permission,” Mr Saithong said.
There are no families living on the proposed site, so no relocation will be necessary.
There is no market in this area at present so rebuilding Thongkhankham market here will help to boost trade in the local community. More businesses will move into the area and villagers will have a better life, Mr Saithong said.
Thongkhankham market will be relocated to the marsh because Chanthabouly district is becoming increasingly built up and there is no room for expansion.
According to the plan, the current Thongkhankham market area will be developed as a trade centre.
In October, the government hired Nikken Sekkei Civil Engineering Ltd. of Japan to conduct a detailed plan and survey of the Nongping area, at a cost of more than seven billion kip (US$990,000).
The survey will produce a detailed land use plan, design of a public park, and plans for overall development of the area.
An agreement between the Vientiane Public Works and Transport Department and the Japanese firm was signed in October in Vientiane by department Director General Mr Keophilavanh Aphaylath and Director of Nikken Civil Engineering Ltd. Mr Hideki Asami. The signing was witnessed by the Mayor of Vientiane, Mr Som bat Yialiher.
When the plan and survey are complete, the department will have a clear idea of how best to develop the area with environmental protection in mind.
The plan and survey will involve socio-economic information collection, and land use and infrastructure planning.
Vientiane Times
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