All schools and state or private education institutions in the four main districts of Vientiane including the National University of Laos will close temporarily during the 28th and 29th ASEAN Summits back-to-back from September 6-8.The Ministry of Education and Sports recently announced that all classes at kindergarten, primary and secondary schools and colleges in the four districts of Chanthabouly, Sikhottabong, Xaysettha and Sisattanak in the capital will be temporary suspended, with the closure extending from September 5-10.
Meanwhile the National University of Laos and two target secondary schools of Sathit and Tanmixay in Xaythany district, Vientiane will also be closed temporarily during the summits.
The ministry said the announcement aims to reduce traffic jams along the main roads in the capital to create convenience for the ASEAN Summits. Teaching and learning will be back to normal after the summits are complete.
According to the Vientiane Urban Management and Administration Office, the capital has been accelerating its clean up and other preparations such as decorating main roads with flowers and the flags of ASEAN member countries to welcome attending leaders.
Before the ASEAN Summits coming next month, heavy truck bans have also come into force, with heavy vehicles banned from using 15 main roads in Vientiane.
The types of vehicles banned from August 22 to September 10 include all trucks over seven tonnes, as well as heavy f loat trucks and trailers.
They are prohibited from using the following thoroughfares: Souphanouvong, Setthathirath, Samsenthai, Chao Fangum, Donchan, Thaduea (Nonghay to Thatkhao traffic lights), ASEAN, Sithong, KaysonePhomvihane, Lane Xang, Nongbone, Dongpalan, 23 Singha, Lao-Thai, and Dongpayna.
Vientiane authorities have been notifying companies, state-enterprises, shops and people living in the capital to raise awareness of the issue.
Vientiane Public Works and Transport Department has advised heavy vehicles to avoid sections of Thadeua Road and instead travel via Dongdok using the 450 Year Road and Nongbeuk Road.
Heavy trucks crossing the First Laos-Thai Mekong Friendship Bridge near Vientiane bound for the northern or southern provinces are also directed to use the 450 Year Road to avoid the capital’s streets.
Source: Vientiane Times
