No Plans Yet For Repair Of Kasy-Nan Road After Landslides

Source: Vientiane Times

The road between Kasy district in Vientiane province and Nan district in Luang Prabang province is likely to remain in poor condition in the wake of several landslides, as local authorities still haven’t made plans for repairs.

Director of the Public Works and Transport Department in Vientiane province, Mr Soumontha Somchanmavong, told Vientiane Times last week there are no plans to repair the road because it’s a difficult area to work on.

“This section of road, which runs for 68km between the two districts, is mountainous and frequently affected by landslides in the rainy season. But we have arranged for excavators to be on standby in case the road becomes impassable,” he said.

“We have to discuss ways to repair the road with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport,” Mr Soumontha said.

In the meantime, the department is warning heavy trucks and vehicles with two-wheel drive transmission not to use this road.

People travelling from Vientiane to Luang Prabang are advised not to use the road unless they have a four-wheel-drive vehicle. However, in the reverse direction from Luang Prabang to Vientiane, motorists in two-wheel-drive vehicles should be able to get through.

This section of Road No. 4C is not only mountainous but also has many bends, so motorists should take great care, especially in wet conditions.

Officials urge the public to use caution when travelling in the area as poor road conditions can lead to accidents.

A safer route to the northern provinces is Road No. 13 North via Phoukhoun, authorities advised.