Brunei 's government has granted US$1.7 million to the Lao National Sports Committee (LNSC) to build a new sport complex in Vientiane for the 25th SEA Games to be held from December 9-18.
LNSC President Dr Phouthong Seng-akhom reported developments at a meeting held at the Prime Minister's Office on Saturday.
The Brunei Embassy to Laos has come to an agreement with the Lao SEA Games Organising Committee (LAOSOC) to build a new sport complex.
Currently the LNSC is looking for a suitable area to build the complex. It is believed to be looking at options in Sikeuth village, Naxaithong district.
Also discussed were other pre-games construction and upgrade projects including those for the indoor stadium, national football stadium and golf course.
Athletes' preparation, transportation and other necessary activities for the SEA Games also made the agenda.
Dr Phouthong said the Thai government will support weightlifting, cycling and archery events at the games.
Vientiane Mayor Sombat Yialiher was appointed Vice President of LAOSOC, while Deputy Vientiane Mayor Bounchan Singthavong was also formally welcomed to the committee as a member.
These developments came following agreements between Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh and Standing Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of LAOSOC Somsavat Lengsavad.
Mr Somsavat requested public security officials, Vientiane authorities and LAOSOC to remain aware and to keep safety and security concerns uppermost in their minds as the event drew near.
Other challenges remain regarding venue location.
The LNSC is seeking to rent facilities at Don Chan Palace to hold the billiards and snooker events, but baulking at the US$2,000 per day price tag.
Meanwhile, Cosmo hotel in Vientiane is offering facilities for between 20 and 30 million kip per day.
LAOSOC will check electricity and water systems at the athletes' dormitory at the National University of Laos after finishing construction in July.
This month, the LNSC sent judo and wrestling teams and trainers to Mongolia ; and is training athletes and officials in shuttlecock, karatedo, shooting and fin swimming. The men's football teams are training in Vietnam .
Mr Somsavat suggested the LNSC assist in monitoring and assisting athletes during training at camps in Laos and other countries.
The Lao government has 94 billion kip allocated for event, of which it has used more than 13 billion kip so far.
The LNSC technical committee will buy electrical equipment to be installed in each stadium.
Vientiane authorities will use 7.2 billion kip to decorate the city ahead of the games.
The capital will provide food for athletics teams from 11 countries while they are staying in the athletes' dormitory.
The Budo Centre and the indoor stadium in Beungkhayong village will be built and ready for use in October.
The Budo centre will host martial arts of Japanese origin (judo and karatedo) while the stadium will be used for the muay (kickboxing) events.
By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
Vientianetimes
