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EDL opens new headquarters, load dispatch centre
Electricite du Laos (EDL) officially opened its new headquarters in Sisattanak district, Vientiane, on Monday after two years of construction that cost 440 billion kip (US$55 million).
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| Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad cuts a ribbon at the opening ceremony of the new building. |
The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad, officials from ministries, embassies and international organisations, the Mayor of Vientiane and representatives from the private sector. The event also marked EDL's 50th anniversary.
At the ceremony, EDL Managing Director Mr Sisavath Thiravong said that a low interest credit agreement funded by the EXIM Bank of China had enabled the project to go ahead.
“This is one of the projects for which we have received assistance from China to mark the 50th anniversary of Laos-China diplomatic relations,” he added.
Alcatel-Lucent Shanghai Bell (ASB) Co Ltd of China was contracted to build the new office block.
The new headquarters was built to take into account the electricity development programme forecasted from now until 2020, along with the need for additional materials and technical expertise.
This new phase in EDL's operations will contribute to creating a modern working environment that will improve working conditions and provide a sound springboard to meet all future and long term demands.
Mr Sisavath said “We wish to sincerely thank the Chinese government for providing us with assistance and support through the funding of our new headquarters.”
Construction of the headquarters building and load dispatch centre started in November 2009.
With power development in Laos growing rapidly, the centre will control all electricity systems nationwide. It will enable EDL to work efficiently on energy generation and supply, when and where necessary.
The centre was designed by the local company Building Concepts, but was built by ASB. To ensure Laos' future economic development, an advanced power grid control centre will also be built.
Speaking at the building's foundation stone laying ceremony in 2009, former EDL Managing Director Mr Khammany Inthirath said the moment marked the beginning of a modern era in power control in Laos. Modern technology and computers would be used to assist in the assessment of long distance control and measurement of electrical output.
The new centre will enable EDL staff to better identify and solve problems as and when these arise.
EDL was established in 1961 and is a state-owned corporation under the Ministry for Energy and Mines. It owns and operates the country's main generation, transmission and distribution outlets in Laos and manages electricity imports and exports through its station grid systems.
vientiane times
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