Project News

Over 2 days of 2nd and 3rd March 2011, at Vientiane Capital, a training session and seminar on "Survey and Planning of Riverbank Protection Works" and "River Engineering and River Management" was organized by Department of Waterways (DoW), Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) and JICA. The seminar was very well attended and ended with a great success.

In total of 37 participants were attended, who were Mr. Vanthong SOMPHAVATH, Deputy Director General as the head and six (6) officials from DoW, 20 officials from Department of Public Works and Transport (DPWT) of local governments (one capital city and 16 provinces), two (2) officials from JICA Laos office and one (1) JICA expert dispatched to MPWT, also included one (1) translator and seven (7) JICA experts delegated for the Project.

The seminar was held as a part of training to improve ability of counterpart (C/P) officials assigned to the Project from the target group which consists of DoW, DPWT of local governments such as Vientiane Capital, Bokeo Province, Luangprabang Province and Bolikhamxay Province.

For the above mentioned objective, lecture programs on "Survey and Planning of Riverbank Protection Works" were presented by C/P officials from the target group as instructor under the guidance of JICA experts. On the other hand, lecture programs on "River Engineering and River Management" were presented by JICA experts as instructor. In addition, Mr. Shingo OHASHI, JICA expert on Traditional Riverbank Protection/ Construction Advice demonstrated fabrication of Soda Mattress (fascine mattress), one of the Japanese traditional riverbank protection works.

The main program of the first day was the demonstration of Soda Mattress fabrication. With enthusiasm, participants recorded the way that Mr. OHASHI binds each Rensai (binding of Soda) with ropes by taking notes and photos, and also filming with mobile phones and digital cameras. Some questioned to the other JICA experts attended about the feasibility of construction using this technique at their own province.

Mr. Taketoshi MATSUNAGA, Chief Advisor/ River Management explained the fabrication process of Soda Mattress

Participants received hands-on training under the instruction of Mr. OHASHI

While waiting for the fabrication of Soda Mattress to be completed, participants visited Dongphosi Village where pilot riverbank protection work has been conducted at the Development Study from 2001 to 2004. More than seven (7) years have past since its construction, the protection work has been still in good condition and vegetations have established excellently on the riverbank slopes. Ms. Ikuko KAWABATA, JICA expert on River Vegetation Works/ Maintenance explained the idea employed at that time for the establishment of vegetation. After returning form the site visit, participants exclaimed in admiration to find the completed Soda Mattress.

Vegetation establishment technique was explained by Ms. KAWABATA

Completed 4m x 4m Soda Mattress (Minimum Size)

A Ceremonial Photograph with Soda Mattress (Left) (Friendship Bridge to the back)

Second day was mainly lectures at MPWT meeting room. Despite the short preparation period for presentations as the first seminar of the Project, excellent presentations were given by Lao instructors. Respond to the presentations, some participants addressed sharp questions to instructors and JICA experts offered additional explanations.

Instructors from Lao Side and Japan Side

The Lecture Scene

After the seminar, a ceremony was held for the handover of equipments procured for the Project such as personal computers, portable GPS, total station for topographic survey and so forth. The seminar was closed after taking a ceremonial photograph.

The Handover Ceremony of Equipments Procured for the Project

A Ceremonial Photograph after the Closing