VIENTIANE, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Laos' Ministry of Public Works and Transport, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), organized a national workshop on strengthening the financial sustainability of water assets through institutional development and capacity building in the urban water sector.
The workshop, held in Vientiane on Tuesday, aimed to exchange lessons learned and promote good practices among provincial water utilities, as well as identify practical solutions to strengthen financial and asset management, the local Pasaxon newspaper reported on Tuesday.
At the meeting, Lao officials emphasized the need for cost-recovery tariffs, reduced non-revenue water, and stronger utility management to ensure sustainable service delivery.
In addition, ADB highlighted its long-standing support to the urban water supply sector in Laos, noting that infrastructure development alone is not sufficient. Sustainable service delivery, financial viability, and strengthened provincial utilities are essential for long-term progress.
During the meeting, participants also discussed measures to improve the financial sustainability and operational efficiency of provincial water utilities across the country. ■