Public urge govt to solve problems

The public have taken the opportunity to express their opinions via a telephone hotline to the National government’s performance, which they feel could be improved.

            According to a summary from the telephone hotline team , these calls have added up to at least 13 proposals in total since the 2 ^nd Session of the 6 ^th  Legislature of the National Assembly officially  opened on 11 December.

            One complaint had been that cars used by government officials are too luxurious, and  that the government should learn lessons from Vietnam and other countries on how to economise on the use of utilities.

            Furthermore , some retired officials have worked for 30 years but still don’t have proper accommodation, while others who have been working for just three or four years, in particular those involved in trade or finance, such as customs officers, own many houses and cars.

            People are asking where the money for these houses has come from, and call on the sectors concerned to investigate this issue.

            Urban environmental and planning issues are another concern.

            The government should build roads connecting towns with rural areas to ensure travel is possible throughout the wet and dry seasons. Roads are an important issue in rural development work.

            Also , the garbage collection system in Vientiane is ineffective; trucks do not work properly and garbage is often left strewn on the road. The people  have called on the sectors concerned to solve the problem.

            Larger environmental issues are equally worrying. Many have called on the government to conserve the trees in Nongchan Park.

            Recently, the Danish government gave US$1 million as financial assistance to develop the wetlands conservation area at Nongchan, but Malaysian investors have gained a concession to develop the land to establish an amusement area. This seems inappropriate in light of the purpose of the foreign assistance.

            Another concern has been the sand mining activities on the Nam-ou River in Nongkhiew, Ngoy district, Luang Prabang province , which have had negative impacts ; the government should inspect this mining project.

            Regarding environmental protection, many believe the media should make a greater contribution in addressing these sorts of issues.

            Community safety is also a major concern. The police have issues several warnings for motorbike riders to wear helmets, but they do not. In addition, police should carry out more technical inspections of vehicles in Vientiane.

            Many have also found the management of the food and drug sector to be ineffective; sectors concerned should put more effort into this area because these are issues that are directly connected to the health of citizens.

            National interests are also playing on the minds of local residents, with one concern being that the government should play a greater role in the development of the mining sector by employing foreign investment alone.

            The National Assembly welcomes comments from all people around the country during the session, to give people the opportunity to exercise their rights. The National Assembly will raise these issues for further discussion.

            People who wish to comment can call the Na on (021) 413526 and email : na_sesion@na.gov.la