The planned development project at the Nam Phou fountain square in Vientiane has been delayed after authorities rejected the project design as unsuitable.
Deputy Director of Vientiane’s Department of Public Works and Transport Mr Nouanta Hompathoum told Vientiane Times on Friday that the proposed development did not correspond with the concept plan for that area of the city, and needed to be changed.
The authorities want low-key facilities to be provided where tourists can order drinks while sitting in the square, Mr Nouanta said.
The proposed development included the construction of buildings around the fountain, which would serve as restaurants and shops. The authorities want to exclude these buildings as it is feared they will destroy the appearance and laidback ambience of the area.
The authorities had originally granted a concession to a private company to redevelop the square because they wanted to cut the costs of maintenance, including electricity and water bills and the cleaning and upkeep of the fountain.
The project developer, Asia Investment and Service Company, gave an interview to the Socio-Economic daily newspaper in Vientiane last week to explain its intentions concerning the new features and facilities it intended to provide.
The company said it would spend 10 billion kip on the project and that work was expected to be finished before the Asia-Europe Meeting Summit in Vientiane next November.
The Nam Phou fountain was built by city authorities many years ago, to serve as a focal area for the capital’s residents. Centrally located, Nam Phou has been a popular public recreation area and local landmark.
Vientiane authorities spent several million kip to restore Nam Phou ahead of the 25th South East Asia Games in 2009.
Since the square was walled off two weeks ago, it has sparked public debate, with many people concerned that this long cherished public space will be lost forever, in the name of commercial development.
