Water flowing into previously barren fields from these systems not only brings hope for abundant harvests but also symbolizes the enduring Vietnam–Laos friendship. It stands as a vivid testament to the close-knit bond between the two nations.
The total investment capital for the project was nearly VND 159.3 billion, of which almost VND 157.3 billion was provided through aid from the Vietnamese Government. The project holders are the Military Region 4 Command under the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense and the Xaysomboun Provincial People’s Committee. The project was executed by COECCO Construction One Member Company Limited, a Laos-based unit of the Economic Cooperation Corporation under Military Region 4.
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Representatives of Military Region 4 of the Vietnam People’s Army and Xaysomboun Province of Laos inspect the irrigation system at Demixay Village, Thathom District. |
Construction included four main and auxiliary weirs in four villages, reinforcement of embankments, installation of river water diversion and intake structures, and water division valves. These facilities span a 30-kilometer main canal, providing irrigation for hundreds of hectares of farmland.
Phan Hong Son, Director of COECCO Construction One Member Company Limited, said the project commenced in late 2022. Despite numerous challenges, harsh weather, difficult terrain, poor transport infrastructure, hard geological conditions, and prolonged rainy seasons causing landslides, the construction was completed in May 2024, seven months ahead of schedule, while ensuring design quality standards. He attributed the achievement to the great effort and determination of the team to bring water to the fields.
Witnessing water flowing into their fields, local residents were overjoyed. Duolor Yiaphao, a resident of Nam Theng 3 Village in Thathom District, shared: “In the past, during the dry season, fields lacked water, leading to poor crops and low yields. Now that water reaches the fields, we are delighted. This year’s crops will surely be bountiful.”
Pho Phai, owner of Muong Suom field in Anouvong District, said emotionally that due to water shortages, villagers could grow only one crop per year. They had long awaited the day when their fields would no longer be parched. “With water now available, we can grow two rice crops and three to four vegetable crops a year. This is an immense joy for the villagers,” he said.
The inauguration and handover of these irrigation systems meet essential local needs and reflect the attention of senior leaders from both countries toward promoting socio-economic development in Xaysomboun Province. It also demonstrates the commitment of the two governments and the Vietnam–Laos, Laos–Vietnam Cooperation Committees to advancing agricultural cooperation.
These systems open new opportunities for development in the Lao province.
According to Viengsan Chantha, Chief of Office of the Laos–Vietnam Cooperation Committee, the operation of the systems not only supports agricultural production in the two districts but also helps improve living standards, contributes to hunger eradication and poverty reduction, and positively enhances the local ecological environment.
He expressed gratitude to the Party, Government, military, and people of Vietnam for their comprehensive cooperation and support to Laos. He also thanked Military Region 4 and the Economic Cooperation Corporation for building infrastructure, creating jobs, and assisting locals in disaster and disease prevention and poverty reduction.
These irrigation systems, bringing water to Lao communities in border areas, are not just lifelines for hundreds of households but also powerful symbols of the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two parties, states, militaries, and peoples. Every stream running through the Xaysomboun fields carries the spirit of friendship, fostering sustainable development and cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.
Translated by Mai Huong