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The lack of clean and safe water sources, coupled with the lack of proper water sanitation facilities, remains a huge problem for the people of Laos.
Background
Figure 1.1: “Proportion of Population Using Safely Managed Drinking Water Services, by Economy Income Grouping” (ADB, 2022)
Health sector
- Resulted in 2,949,089 disease incidences
- Lead to 6,064 deaths
[5712 for children age <5, 352 for age>5]
Education sector
- Inequality and wary for the quality of future
- Out of 8,857 primary schools, only 66% have both water supply and latrine facilities.
- Lowered enrolment, retention rates, educational achievements, high repetition, and low overall completion rates.
Economic development
- LAK 1.9 trillion (USD 193 million) financial losses (~5.6% of Lao PDR’s GDP)
Health costs
> Healthcare costs - treatment rates
> Productivity costs - value attributed to leave/absences
> Premature death costs - economic outputs attributed to the loss of a member in the workforce
Water costs
> Boiling of drinking water
> Bottled water consumption
> Treatment of municipal water
Other welfare (time use)
> forgone income and value of time in finding a secluded spot for open defecation
Tourist loss
> better sanitary conditions attract more tourists and improve the length of their stay
The Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Climate Change Resilience programme is working to support policy implementation and advocacy in order to build an enabling environment. It seeks to leverage resources to scale up decentralized WASH approaches.
Three Components:
1. WASH in Schools and Early Childhood Education Centres,
2. WASH in Communities,
3. WASH in Emergencies and Climate Change Resilience.
1. 2021: National WASH Committee
2. 2022: National WASH Trust Fund
3. 2025: Open Defecation Free Environment
1. Achieved the first open defecation free province in Borikhamxay; Open defecation also fell from 38% in 2011/12 to 24% in 2017.
2. The proportion of households accessing a basic water supply has increased from 69% in 2012 to 78% in 2017.
3. 7 in 10 households now have access to a basic sanitation facility
4. 4 in 5 schools have water (78%) and sanitation facilities (80%)
1. 2019 National Policy on Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene
2. 2019-2030 Strategic Framework for Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene: sets out the policy and planning framework up to 2030.
3. A Climate Change and Health Adaptation Strategy (2018-2025)
4. Action plan (2018-2020)
5. The National Disaster Management Law was also adopted in 2020.
Laos, like many developing countries, faces challenges in terms of water hygiene and sanitation. However, the generous support and assistance provided by other countries have played a significant role in alleviating these problems.
Researchers from Griffith University collabartion with Partners in Laos
Supported by the Australian government
Japan has been supporting the development of waterworks in Laos
Water hygiene and sanitation are critical issues that require immediate attention in Laos - as evidenced with discussions in the previous sections. To effectively resolve these challenges, Laos should consider implementing a comprehensive course of action.
Improve infrastructure and access to clean water sources
Laos should focus on expanding and upgrading their water infrastructure, including the construction of wells, pipelines, and treatment plants. These will help ensure a reliable and safe water supply for the population. Additionally, efforts should be made to increase access to clean water sources in rural and remote areas, where the problem is often more pronounced.
According to the World Bank, the LAK 1.9 trillion losses reported in 2006 could be mitigated by 45% of its value once basic sanitation and improved hygiene is successfully achieved.
Implement comprehensive education and awareness programs
Raising awareness about water hygiene and sanitation is crucial for sustainable change. Laos should develop and implement educational programs that target different age groups and communities that focus on the importance of clean water, proper sanitation practices, and the prevention of waterborne diseases. These programs should also include training for local health workers and community leaders who can further disseminate information and promote behavioral changes within their smaller communities.
Attract foreign investments or partnerships
(1) Attract foreign investments by presenting economic stability
(2) Enter into foreign partnerships, especially with ASEAN member states, through bilateral agreements.
The feasibility of the first option plummet with the public debt increasing to critical levels of almost 20 percent rise of GDP since 2010 driven by low rates of revenue collection and debt-financed investments in the electricity sector.
Nevertheless, Lao PDR can highlight their main economic drivers to advance negotiations for economic aids or agreements - such as on the agriculture sector, service industry, food industry, and their natural resources with consideration for sustainable practices.