The enlargement and improvement of Road No.21in Borikhamxay province, which runs from Phameuang village to Road No.1D in Thasi village, Borikhan district has encountered further delays due to problems being experienced by the contractors.
The problems include extensive delays due to wet weather and also the time taken to clear up after landslides in the area after heavy rains.
Meanwhile the installation of electricity poles has also been slow while estimates related to rock cutting also fell short of what is required.
Road No.21 is some 28.77 km in length and eight metres wide. It is being built at an expected cost of some 138 billion kip, which is being funded through the state budget.
An official from the Public Works and Transport Department told Vientiane Times yesterday that “Vehicles travelling via Road No. 21 to Road No.1D can pass but they will experience some difficulties due to the heavy rain, which has made the road slippery and there is a lot of mud.”
“Despite the difficulties, some buses are still using the road,” he added.
This road upgrade project was commenced in September 2015 and is targeted for completion in September 2017. Currently it is almost 30 percent complete.
The link provided by Road No. 21 connects with Xaysomboun and Xieng Khuang provinces as well as other northern provinces.
Once it is completed it is expected to create convenience for road users travelling through the area and facilitate the transport of farmers’ crops and livestock as well as opening up the area for infrastructure and investment projects.
Due to the current weather conditions, all travellers through the area should take heed of weather forecasts and other reports from authorities as well as checking conditions via newspaper, television or radio.
Source: Vientiane Times
