Standing Deputy Prime Minister and SEA Games Organising Chairman Somsavat Lengsavad has asked the committee concerned to replace the flowerpots that line the median strip on Souphanouvong Avenue in Sikhottabong district. Local people and officials have complained the shrubs and their containers were unsuitable and did not make the street look as attractive as it should be. Addressing the SEA Games Organising Committee last Friday, Mr Somsavat said that thousands of containers and shrubs should be removed and the committee concerned should find new containers and green trees to replace them.
“When something is not beautiful, we should make it better. In this case we need to use other containers with green trees to create a good environment with plenty of greenery,” he advised. After containers along the road were painted, so many people complained about the result that the committee agreed with the chairman’s suggestion and is now working to solve the problem as soon as possible. Other problems were also raised at the meeting. The chairman gave advice and told the committees to pay closer attention to their work before the SEA Games begin next month.
“From now on, I will be close to this work and control all the committees so they are successful in their activities. I will work at the Lao National Sports Committee as my temporary office so that if any committee needs advice I will be on the spot and they can ask me and we will work to remedy the situation immediately,” Mr Somsavat said.
He asked the various committees to nominate representatives to work with him in making decisions in the lead-up to the SEA Games. “We will make sure that work proceeds smoothly before the games.” Vientiane Vice Mayor and SEA Games Decoration Committee Chairman Bounchan Sinthavong said they had chosen the containers and shrubs because the median strip on Souphanouvong Avenue was very narrow and they couldn’t plant the same kind of shrubs as on Lane Xang Avenue. The Vice Mayor said decorative work around Vientiane was almost 100 percent complete. This included planting shrubs, displaying the national flag of each guest country and displaying the SEA Games logo. He urged everyone to help clean up and beautify Vientiane for the games.
“Five districts in central Vientiane have assigned village officials to sign contracts with people who have promised to clear and clean their land, which will help to spruce up Vientiane before and during the games,” he said.
Vientianetimes
