EDL, WB strengthen partnership for power grid upgrade
EDL, WB strengthen partnership for power grid upgrade
The World Bank and Electricite du Laos (EDL) signed an agreement on Thursday to implement power grid improvement projects nationwide.
The project signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from EDL and World Bank Country Manager to Laos, Ms Sally Burningham.
Managing Director and CEO of EDL, Mr Sisavath Thiravong, said the World Bank's contribution to Laos continues to be important.
By supporting various projects in Laos the bank is extending help for power grid improvements which will cost US$30 million and have three components.
These components are smart metering distribution improvements and distribution loss reduction, electric utility information systems and institutional capacity building and project implementation support.
Mr Sisavath said the progress being made during the project launch phase gave assurance of an equally rapid and effective implementation.
He thanked the Lao government for their outstanding leadership and support through the Ministry of Energy and Mines and the Ministry of Finance.
He said that in the coming years EDL expects to improve electricity distribution by reducing power losses and expanding and improving power supply.
He reiterated the commitment of EDL at the highest level to strengthen the partnership with the World Bank.
Ms Sally Burningham highlighted the partnership with EDL and appreciated the efforts of EDL in successfully implementing World Bank supported projects with highly satisfactory results.
She congratulated EDL for successfully carrying out the Rural Electrification Project-II, which has just been completed.
She also congratulated EDL and the World Bank team for designing the power grid improvement project in a very short time.
Both the World Bank and EDL have enriched their partnership and agreed to continue it into the future.
