Japan to help Laos with environmentally friendly public transport
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has suggested that Laos adopt a new environmentally friendly public transport system in order to bring the country long-term socio-economic benefits.
JICA yesterday staged a meeting in Vientiane to discuss the findings of a basic study on a low-emission public transport system, likely to involve electrically powered vehicles.
“Electric vehicles will help to improve energy use, air quality, the economy, and livelihoods, which will lead to growth in tourism,” ALMEC Corporation Team Leader Dr Shizuo Iwata, whose consulting firm assisted in the study, said in introducing the project.
Laos' swift economic growth has resulted in growing demand for transport, causing traffic congestion, air pollution, noise, and road accidents, which pose a threat to the environment, economic activities, and tourism.
The larger number of vehicles on the nation's roads has also led to increased carbon dioxide emissions, which hinders sustainable development and economic growth.
Statistics show that in 2010 there were about 1 million vehicles in Laos, including 804,000 motorcycles, indicating a growth rate of 12.2 percent a year.
According to JICA, Laos has the strength to develop a low-emission public transport system due to its high capacity for hydropower generation, the government's strong commitment to realising a clean, green, and beautiful Laos through environmentally sustainable transport, and high appeal for both domestic and international tourism.
However, the project is faced with some challenges, namely the country's undeveloped technologies and industries, low income level, weak infrastructure, a small market, lack of specific regulations, and the unclear business plans of bus companies.
The government previously teamed up with Russian experts to look into the feasibility of introducing trolleybuses in Vientiane, but the move was deemed impractical due to weak infrastructure.
A pilot project for the use of battery-powered minibuses by the Vientiane Bus Company continues to run, but no definitive conclusions have been determined.
According to Japanese experts, Laos must seize the opportunity to develop its transport system because the country's economy is expected to grow, causing higher demand for better public transport, especially in Vientiane.
JICA Office Laos representative Mr Yuzurio Susumu said the commitment of the Lao government and all officials involved will be key to the success of the project.
The feasibility study will take eight months, during which time JICA will help in collecting basic data on a low-emission public transport system by analysing best practices worldwide then appropriating them for the local context.
“I personally hope the project plays an important role in setting the pace and promoting the use of electric vehicles, pushing Laos towards realising its goal of bec oming the battery of Asean,” Director General of the Department of Transport Mr Viengsavath Siphandone said.
