Champasak, Lao PDR — November 12, 2025 – The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), in partnership with the Department of Water Supply, held the first Project Management Committee (PMC) meeting in Pakse City.

The meeting brought 36 representatives from provincial and city governments across the project sites, Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT), Provincial Nampapa, Ministry of Finance, along with KOICA together key partners to coordinate the next steps of a project that improves sanitation and public health through better wastewater management. They reviewed roles under the ministerial directive, shared project updates, and discussed challenges such as land acquisition and potential mitigation strategies.

The meeting was part of the KOICA-funded project Scaling out Sustainable Solid Waste and Wastewater Management to Improve Public Health and Environment in Lao PDR. One of its main goals is to build two new wastewater treatment systems, known as Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems (DEWATS) in Pakse and Kaysone Phomvihane cities. These systems reduce the concentration of pollutants in household wastewater before it is discharged, helping to protect the environment and safeguarding community health.

“The additional DEWATS facilities in Pakse will be critical in improving sanitation services, protecting our environment, and enhancing the health and well-being of our communities,” said Mr. Basi Phonekeo, Deputy Director General, Department of Public Works and Transport, Champasak Province.

As a next step, the project will move into the construction phase of the DEWATS systems, with continued coordination among stakeholders to ensure timely delivery and long-term benefits for communities across two cities.
 

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