Deputy Director General of DWS, Mr. Vanhsaveng Outthachack; Ms. Eva Diaz Ugena, Deputy Country Representative of GGGI Lao PDR; and Ms. Jeongyi Choi, Deputy Country Director of KOICA in Lao PDR co-chairing the Technical Working Group on Sanitation (Wastewater) Workshop.

Vientiane, Lao PDR on November 5, 2024, The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Lao PDR, in partnership with the Department of Water Supplies (DWS), convened a Technical Working Group Workshop to foster collaboration within the sanitation sector for the development of Lao PDR’s new National Wastewater Treatment Law. The law aims to address growing urban sanitation needs and wastewater management, aligning with national goals and supporting sustainable development across the country.

Urban sanitation and wastewater management have become priority sectors for the Government of Lao PDR, which has set ambitious targets in the National Urban Sanitation Strategy to ensure sustainable access to sanitation services. By 2030, the strategy aims for 100% of the urban population to have access to sanitation services and for 50% of wastewater from urban areas to enter treatment systems. Achieving these targets not only requires coordination among various stakeholders but also a solid regulatory framework as legal basis for programs, action plans, and activities to be built on.

Mr. Vanhsaveng Outthachack emphasized the importance of cooperation among stakeholders, particularly in ensuring a collaborative drafting process for the new National Wastewater Treatment Law so that it fully encompasses the diverse needs and priorities of various groups. He also called for a strong commitment from all participants toward advancing developments in the sector.

“Under the mandate of the DWS, with funding from KOICA, GGGI is committed to sustain the development of a new National Sanitation Law. This initiative aims to assist the Ministry of Public Works and Trasport in ensuring that every citizen of Lao PDR has access to affordable and reliable sanitation services, in line with the National Socio-Economic Development Plan targets.” Said Ms. Eva Diaz Ugena, Deputy Country Representative of GGGI Lap PDR.

This workshop is part of GGGI’s efforts supporting the Government to improve access to sanitation services and enhance environmental conditions through wastewater treatment and management. GGGI, with funding from Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), has been implementing Phase I of the Wastewater and Solid Waste Treatment Capacity Building Project for city environment improvement from 2019. This project assisted the Government of Lao PDR translate high-level commitment for sustainable urban development into actionable plans.

Presenters and participants at the Technical Working Group on Sanitation (Wastewater) Workshop

The workshop agenda covered an introduction to the drafting process of the National Wastewater Treatment Law, outlining its goals and proposed impacts. The session provided a platform for discussing roles, responsibilities, and coordination mechanisms to be observed during the drafting process. The law, which will be supported by GGGI and KOICA through Phase II of the Wastewater and Solid Waste Treatment Capacity Building Project, is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening Lao PDR’s sanitation framework, benefiting public health, environmental protection, and sustainable growth.

Ms. Jeongyi Choi expressed optimism about the successful partnership with GGGI in supporting the Government of Lao PDR, especially for the larger impact by broadening the interventions to in project scope and area. She also stressed the value of the bringing together diverse stakeholders to address challenges and seek solutions, focusing on the new National Wastewater Treatment Law and its expected impact.

The workshop was co-chaired by the Deputy Director General of DWS, Mr. Vanhsaveng Outthachack; Ms. Eva Diaz Ugena, Deputy Country Representative of GGGI Lao PDR; and Ms. Jeongyi Choi, Deputy Country Director of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the project donor. The event welcomed participants from various line ministries, including the Ministry of Investment and Planning (MPI), Ministry of Health (MoH), and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), along with development partners and NGOs from the water sector.

Participants are networking at the workshop

Through structured collaboration and active engagement, the workshop has set the stage for enhanced sector cooperation, which will be vital for translating the National Urban Sanitation Strategy into actionable programs and tangible positive impacts on the communities. The forthcoming National Wastewater Treatment Law is anticipated to reinforce these collaborative efforts, offering a legal framework that will significantly advance sanitation and public health, protect natural resources, and contribute to Lao PDR’s commitment to green growth.