The Vientiane Department of Public Works and Transport issued a notice temporarily banning the excavation and transportion of soil and sand throughout the capital throughout the rainy season, from 15 June to 15 October 2018.
Violation of the ban will result in warnings and/or fines commensurate with the severity of the violation. Starting 16 October (until 14 June 2019), after the ban period is over, those intending to use or transport soil for construction purposes must seek written approval from the proper authorities – to district-level authorities if the soil volume is less than 2000 cubic meters and to the departmental (Vientiane capital) level if the volume exceeds 2000 cubic meters.
Authorities expect that this ban should reduce muddiness on the capital’s roads and decrease clogging in the sewer system.
