The Lao SEA Games Organising Committee (Lao SOC) has nearly completed preparations for the 25th SEA Games to be held in Vientiane from December 9-18.
The committee held a meeting at the Prime Minister's Office on Friday to report on preparation works on road construction projects, cleaning, security, marketing, transportation, electrical systems and logistics for athletes and teams.
The meeting was attended by Standing Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of Lao SOC, Mr Somsavat Lengsavad, committee members and officials from the Lao National Sports Committee (LNSC).
Most roads and buildings for the games are now complete; however a major road in Phontong village of Chanthabouly district is yet to be finished.
Mr Somsavat said the construction company responsible for the road has been urged to finish the project promptly.
Lao SOC has reached an agreement with Lao World Company to supply food to athletes during the games.
More than 5 billion kip has been set aside to ensure Vientiane remains ship-shape during the games.
Mr Somsavat said the games will be an historic event for Laos and provide a chance to showcase the nation's beautiful cultures and traditions.
LNSC is currently busy helping athletes improve their personal bests in various training camps. Teams are training at the National Sports Training Centre, the National University of Laos and overseas facilities.
Committee members also visited the game's athlete's village on Friday.
The village, based at the National University of Laos, is now complete after construction began in July 2008.
The Hoang Anh Gia Lai Company granted US$400,000 and lent US$5 million to the Lao government to build the village.
The committee is now overseeing the laying of grass and planting of trees and flowers around the village which will officially be opened in October.
Head of the Prime Minister's Office and Director of the Athlete's Village Construction Project, Dr Boviengkham Vongdara said the village was of a high standard and contained modern facilities to ensure the comfort of all athletes.
The furnished accommo-dation includes air conditioners, laundry facilities and hot water showers.
Lao SOC is looking to purchase further laundry equipment to install at the village.
Four thousand athletes and officials will stay in the eight four-storey dormitories during the games.
By Sangkhomsay Bubphanouvong
Vientianetimes
