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Water Supply Enterprise gearing up to meet industrial growth
Vientiane Water Supply Enterprise has reassured businesses and residents that it has the necessary capacity to supply sufficient water to meet the needs of the growing industrial sector.
Enterprise Director Mr Daophet Buapha told the Vientiane Times this week the installation of several new treatment plants was planned to supply industry and to cater to the rapid expansion of the capital.
“We are working closely with the industrial sector to assess their exact requirements in terms of water use in different areas, and the growth in demand that is expected over time,” he said.
He said he was aware there would be a strong demand for water in the Xaythany special industrial zone, Vientiane Long Thanh Golf specific economic zone in Hadxaifong district, and the That Luang Marsh specific economic zone, as well as in other development projects that are slated along the 450 Year Road.
However, demand from these development projects is expected to increase gradually over time, he said, which will give the enterprise ample time to increase output in line with demand.
It is planned to expand the capacity of the plant in Donggmakkai village, Xaythany district, from about 20,000 cubic metres per day to more than 100,000 cubic metres. Work is expected to start this year and is set for completion next year.
The enterprise also plans to build another plant in Saendin village, Naxaithong district, which will have a capacity of 20,000 cubic metres per day, which should also be operational next year. They will also study the upgrade of another plant in Dongbang village, Xaythany district, as well as other areas where there is potential need.
Enterprise Deputy Director Mr Khamseng Pakitkhounnouvong said the enterprise currently has the capacity to supply about 180,000 cubic metres of water per day, which is far below demand of almost 300,000 cubic metres per day.
He admitted that water consumption was growing more quickly than expected, meaning the sector is now struggling to meet the needs of both a burgeoning residential population and rapid industrial expansion.
In 2010, the enterprise projected the demand for water would be 300,000 cubic metres per day by 2015, but present-day consumption is already nearing this amount.
“The capital authorities want us to be able to supply 90 percent of the projected water demand by 2015. I think we can do that but we need to find more funding to expand our capacity so that we can meet the needs of businesses and local residents,” Mr Khamseng said.
Vientiane has undergone a growth spurt over the past five years. GDP growth has reached 12.1 percent and annual per capita income now stands at US$1,755.
vientiane times
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