The Vientiane Urban Development and Administration Authority (VUDAA) said yesterday that they will decorate the city with flags beginning in October in preparation for the SEA Games to take place at the end of the year.
VUDAA Vice President, Mr Ketkeo Sihalath said that they will wait for the end of the rainy season to put the flags up. Now, they are proceeding to prepare the city for welcoming the games in other ways.
The authority was assigned by the SEA Games Organising Committee in the last few months to enhance and clean the city for the upcoming event.
VUDAA workers are busy with their beautifying efforts around the city, planting a variety of flowers along the median strip from the Patuxay monument to the Presidential Palace (Horkham).
After completion, the floral median strip will look similar to that on Kaysone Phomvihane Road . VUDAA also plans to install ornamental flower pots along Souphanouvong Road .
The project is expected to be complete in October, according to the authority.
Officials in Vientiane aim to inspire the capital's residents to do their part in improving various aspects of the city in preparation for the anniversary.
SEA Games Organising Committee Vice Chairman, Dr Phouthong Seng Akhom said there will be about 10,000 guests participating, and that hospitality preparations for them and the athletes are underway.
He said 95 hotels with 3,616 rooms and 169 guesthouses with 2,474 rooms have been constructed in central Vientiane . Another 26 hotels with 966 rooms and the Athletes' Village with 4,000 rooms are now complete, which should provide adequate accommodation.
“Decoration and the road construction to welcome the games are proceeding and are scheduled to be complete soon. There's been a bit of delay with road construction caused by the rainy season, so completion will be later than expected, but I am confident that they will be ready for the games,” Dr Phouthong explained.
“We extend our apologies to motorists in the area that might face traffic jams. We get some complaints about the construction, but we are trying our best to complete it as soon as possible,” he added.
“ The event is an opportunity for Laos to increase solidarity and friendship amongst Southeast Asian nations. Hosting the games is important for political matters, foreign affairs, and socio-economic and cultural development, as well as national security and promoting a peaceful society,” Dr Phouthong explained.
The games will take place from December 9 to 18 in Vientiane , and will comprise of 383 events in 25 sports.
By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes
