(KPL) The planned construction project of the third Lao-Thai Friendship Mekong River Bridge between central Khammouane province of Laos and Nakhon Phanom province of northeastern Thailand has been put on hold due to the high price of construction materials.
After the completion of the second Lao-Thai Friendship Mekong River Bridge in Savannakhet province, the Lao and Thai governments decided to build a third bridge, the Third Lao-Thai Friendship Mekong River Bridge. It will connect Veuntay village, Khammouane province, Laos, with Hom village, Nakhon Phanom province’s Thailand.
Mr Nongsavanh Thammavong, Deputy Director of the Third Lao-Thai Friendship Mekong River Bridge Construction Project in Khammouane province told KPL news yesterday that the survey and design of the third bridge was completed in early 2008 and construction work should commence soon. However, because of the sudden increase in the prices of construction materials the project might be delayed for two months, he added. He also said that after the announcement of the tender, many Thai construction firms bought the bid envelopes and submitted them but they would not be opened because of the economic situation.
According to the time table, the construction work should commence in September 2008 and its completion date should be 2011.
The Thai government has agreed to invest 1,400 billion baht in the construction of this bridge, 780 metres long and 7 metres wide.
If the bridge completed officially it would increase opportunities in trade, investment, tourism and transport between Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. This bridge will facilitate transport and communication to Vietnam, Vientiane and southern provinces of Laos.
