A Mekong riverbank protection project in Thakhek, Khammouane Province is progressing toward completion, reaching over 60 percent completion, official reports
The project is a part of the Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project Phase IV (GMS4). Aimed at improving urban infrastructure and strengthening economic connectivity along the Greater Mekong Subregion, the program is funded through a grant from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Total project value stands at USD 54.06, with USD 48 million from ADB and an additional USD 6.06 million from the Lao Government. Under GMS4, corridors in Laos, including Thakhek district and Paksan district in Bolikhamxay Province, are receiving investments in urban infrastructure and riverbank protection.
Within Thakhek, approximately USD 20.94 million has been allocated for the riverbank protection works, supported by USD 2.84 million in Lao government counterpart funding.
Originally scheduled for implementation between 2019 and 2023, the project timeline has since been extended and is now expected to be completed by 30 June.
While most of the areas are at 70 percent completion, Viphaphone Inthilad, Deputy Department of Urban Planning, said global economic instability and rising fuel prices have created challenges for project implementation, making it difficult for contractors to maintain full construction capacity.
Beyond Riverbank Protection
In addition to strengthening the riverbank along the Mekong River, the program also includes several supporting infrastructure projects in the city.
These include the construction of a sanitary landfill facility, the development of urban drainage systems, and the installation of a wastewater treatment pond. Officials confirmed these components of the programme have already been completed.
At the same time, restoration and heritage conservation work in the old town area of Thakhek has reached 34 percent completion.
Authorities say the combined projects are intended to improve urban infrastructure, protect riverbank areas, and support long-term urban development in corridor towns across Laos.


