Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR, August 20, 2025 – The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the Department of Housing and Urban Planning (DHUP), with support from Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), convened the second Project Management Committee meeting for the project “Scaling Out Sustainable Solid Waste and Wastewater Management to Improve Public Health and Environment in the Lao PDR.” The meeting served as an important step in aligning stakeholders on the governance structure and strengthening collaboration for Outcome 2 of the project. 
 
Outcome 2 of the project aims to foster sustainable urban services in Vientiane Capital and Vang Vieng District by establishing and scaling up Decentralized Waste Collection Service (DEWACS) systems alongside waste recovery facilities, thereby contributing to improved public health and environmental management.

The workshop focused on clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the Project Management Unit (PMU) and Project Implementation Unit (PIU) established under the Vientiane Capital Mayor’s directive. In addition, participants reviewed the updated work plan, introducing the consulting firms who will design and build the decentralized waste systems and organic waste composting facilities. Participants also discussed progress and challenges experienced by the project in 2025.

Speaking at the meeting, Ms. Bannaseng Syphoxay, Deputy Director General of DHUP, stated that, “this project will serve as a role model for waste management at the provincial level and across the nation. Through the DEWACS approach, we are promoting waste separation, turning waste into resources, and sustainable solutions.” 

“Clear governance and transparent communication are essential to keeping the project on track and addressing challenges proactively. Today we will review progress made, the workplans, planned milestones and introduce consulting firms which will help us to design and build infrastructures to address the major waste management challenges in the city” said Ms. Eva Diaz Ugena, GGGI’s Deputy Country Representative.

Following the meeting, participants joined a field visit to the Integrated Resource Recovery Center (IRRC) and Lao Chaluen Recycling Company to observe practical models of waste recovery and recycling in action. 

Looking ahead, the project will move into the next phase of implementing decentralized waste systems and finalizing construction plans for waste recovery facilities, ensuring timely progress and long-term benefits for urban resilience.