Project Description
ICEM assembled a team of Lao and international water quality experts to support the Government of Lao PDR in strengthening institutional and operational systems for safeguarding rural drinking water quality. Drawing on experience from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, the project aimed to ensure sustainable access to safe water in rural areas through improved governance, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building. The project was conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Health’s Nam Saat department and the World Bank’s Water and Sanitation Program (WSP) under the Sanitation and Water Partnership for the Mekong Region (SAWAP).
Objectives, Activities and Results
The project was delivered in three phases. Phase 1 involved a situational analysis of rural water quality management in Lao PDR, including a review of regional best practices. Phase 2 implemented two pilot projects to test and refine new institutional arrangements using WHO Water Safety Plan guidance. Phase 3 focused on documenting and disseminating lessons learned. The project strengthened national water safety frameworks and supported Nam Saat in overcoming key institutional and technical challenges. A regional workshop was held to link findings with national reviews and promote knowledge sharing. Results informed the national rural water supply strategy and laid the groundwork for safer rural water management across Lao PDR.
