Laos lawmakers seek faster road works and tighter checks on heavy vehicles
National Road 12 is about 30 per cent complete, while three weighbridges in Khammuan province are reportedly out of service.
Lawmakers in Laos urged the government to speed up road construction and repairs and address problems with heavy-vehicle controls during National Assembly discussions on October 6. They also sought better funding arrangements for economically important routes.
Khammuan representative Phaymany Phommasan said work on National Road 12 had reached about 30 per cent completion. He proposed splitting future construction into several contracts to reduce delays. In the province, mineral transport by 13 companies involved in iron mining has put pressure on roads, particularly in Bualapha district, creating difficulties for residents.
Lawmakers asked the relevant authorities to inspect affected locations and address the problems. Three weighbridges on National Roads 12 and 13 in Khammuan are reportedly not functioning, despite provincial authorities raising the issue with ministries. Some vehicles pass without proper weighing, while some drivers leave vehicles outside checkpoints and enter only to process documents.
Xaysomboun representative Phoykham Houngbounyuang suggested seeking investment from other economic sectors for commercially viable roads. He proposed arrangements allowing investors to recover their spending, leaving public funds available for routes that communities need but that offer less commercial appeal.
Presenting the proposed 2027 National Socio-Economic Development Plan on October 5, Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith said construction and repairs would continue across road, rail, waterway and air transport infrastructure. Priorities include economic corridors and connections between communities, production sites and service centres. Named routes include the Vientiane capital-Hanoi expressway and Routes 13 North, 13 South, 8, 9 and 12.
