That Luang Marsh to be developed into more livable town
Even though That Luang Marsh will be developed into a specific economic zone (SEZ), it will continue to play an important role in draining water to prevent flooding in surrounding areas.
The Lao National Committee for Special Economic Zones (NCSEZ) released a statement to media yesterday, explaining that two-thirds of the 365-hectare zone will be allocated for a large lagoon.
Shrubs and trees will be planted around the lagoon to provide a pleasant public area for people to relax and enjoy their free time.
Under the agreement signed between the government and a Chinese developer late last month, only one-third of the zone will be used for real estate development and business activities.
The Chinese developer, Wan Feng Shanghai Real Estate Company, will spend 12,000 billion kip (about US$1.6 billion) to develop That Luang Marsh into an area of natural beauty and culture, in a bid to create a tourist attraction.
The development is in line with the master plan to develop That Luang Marsh over the next 20 years and the government’s policy to convert land into capital.
The SEZ project will cover an area of 365 hectares, of which 303 hectares will figure in the first phase, with the remaining 62 hectares to be reserved for future project expansion.
Although the SEZ project covers the six villages of Nonvai, Meuang Noi, Nonkhor Neua, Phonthan, Phonpapao and Donekoi in Xaysettha and Sisattanak districts, it does not intrude on the houses of local people, only some parts of their farmland.
According to the Land Law, all marshes belong to the state, but some villagers have encroached on That Luang Marsh.
Although Vientiane authorities issued a notice in 2003 to stop villagers intruding on the marsh, some people continue to do so as a means to earn a living.
Government spokesperson Ms Bounpheng Mounphosay said that even though villagers have intruded on state land, the government will compensate them reasonably.
A major objective of the That Luang Marsh plan is to speed up socio-economic development by creating job opportunities so that locals can earn income to alleviate their poverty. This will enable Laos to free itself from its least developed country status by 2020.
The development will see the building of roads, drainage, a sports centre, and a trade and service centre comprising five-star hotels, shopping facilities and entertainment venues.
Special and specific economic zones are forms of economic development which aim to attract investors from home and abroad by offering tax and import duty incentives to promote infrastructure development, services, production, skill development, and the transfer of modern technology.
