More Public complaints reach NA

The public continued to report their problems through the National Assembly telephone hotline this week, and illegal logging remained a primary concern for many.

            Villagers in Xayabury province were unhappy with the fact that watershed areas in the province’s Phieng district had been cut down completely by traders, and the river levels were way down, affecting, in turn, local farming activities.

            World Anti-Corruption Day falls during the 4^th NA session, and a number of Vientiane residents calling through requested those NA members take the opportunity to engage n a debate over the issue and warm offenders.

            Callers also wanted stricter measures to be implemented when inspecting major government construction projects.

Electricity companies were called on to change the type of electricity adaptors used in Thongpong village, because the power fluctuations were damaging air conditioners, CD players and other electrical equipment.

            There were a number of complaints that police had been observed operation paring services, many found this is an inappropriate activity for the country’s police.

            Residents in Savannakhet province urged the government to monitor foreign investment projects that covered thick forests and their farmlands.

            Rubber plantations and their clearance of natural forests to plant eucalyptus trees were also considered not worthwhile where local livelihoods were concerned, and villagers called on the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to address the issue.

            People in Xekong province reported tat illegal logging activities were on the rise in their province, and complained that offender in the forestry sector were only punished by being moved to other sector, where they would n doubt continue their corrupt activities.

            A number of retired officials from Luangnamtha province also used the hotline to report that district leaders and police had conspired with foreign investors to take over state owned land and local farms.

            Callers also questioned whether the actions of forestry officials were appropriate when they seized illegal wildlife from village traders, and then ate it themselves.

            Villagers in Luangnamtha province complained about the high fees for installing electricity and water supplies, ranging from 400,000-500,000 kip.

            Another complaint related to the Xienkhuang provincial authorities, who informed villagers of a new road construction project in Paek district and told residents they would no longer be permitted to build houses along the new road. The authorities maintained that they would allocate new living areas for villagers affected by the project, but these new allocation areas were yet to be determined. (Vientiane times)