The town of Kaysone Phomvihane, capital of Savannakhet Province, has been officially declared a city after the government recently announced the upgrade of three provincial capitals to city status.
A ceremony was held on May 25 to announce the new status of Kaysone Phomvihane City, and to celebrate the one millionth child born in the province.
Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith issued three decrees last month approving the upgrade of three districts into cities, including Kaysone Phomvihane of Savannakhet Province, Pakse of Champasack Province, and Luang Prabang in Luang Prabang Province.
In order to attain city status, a district or municipality must have a population of at least 60,000 people, and be financially self sufficient in regard to administration costs.
Kaysone Phomvihane City has a population of 125,76 people. Most households have access to electricity, water supply, telecmmunications, education, and health services.
The annual per capita income of Kaysone Phomvihane City is US$ 2,041.
The ceremony announcing the city’s status was attended by President Bounnhang Vorachit, President of the Lao Front for National Development Xaysomphone Phomvihane, and Savannakhet Governor Santiphab Phomvihane, as well as senior officials, and local people.
