February 9, 2008

Massive erosion along the Mekong River has forced a number of families in Laos’ Bonkeo province to move and the situation is getting worse, according to Vientiane Times.

A senior official from the Lao National Mekong Committee, Sourasay Phoumavong is quoted saying the average extent of erosion this year was about 10 metres wide and up to one kilometre long.

Officials have said the increase in river transport has played a part in erosion, and authorities are greatly concerned about the continued loss of land every year.

“In some areas, the erosion extends to around 20 metres, he said. “If the situation continues like this, more villagers will be forced to move up to the mountains.”

In response to the problem, the Lao National Mekong Committee, in cooperation with the Mekong River Commission’s Flood Management and Mitigation Programme, will conduct a survey on Mekong river bank erosion in Tonpheung district of Bokeo province in June or July.

Government seeks aid for bank stabilization

Once the survey is complete, a project proposal for an embankment building project will be submitted to various donors for assistance.

Sourasay said several countries had expressed interest in funding this project, including the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Belgium and Finland, but all were waiting for more detailed information about the project.

Bank erosion is also a serious issue in Vientiane and the provinces of Khammuan and Borikhamxay, where some villagers have lost their farmland.