MMG LXML Sepon Brings Clean Water to Vilabouly

On 11 February 2016, MMG LXML Sepon (LXML), in partnership with the Lao Government and UNHABITAT, opened a clean water supply system in Vilabouly District, Savannakhet Province. This significant US$1.5 million community project reinforces LXML’s commitment to progress by supporting the Lao Government’s rural development objectives.

Vilabouly is located in a mountainous part of Savannakhet Province. Most households in Vilabouly rely on wells or access to rivers and streams. Family members walk with containers to collect water for household use, and sanitation facilities are limited. 

The new facility includes a treatment plant processing 1,000m³ of clean water per day, river embankments, and 15 km of pipe networks. The project will directly benefit 7,000 people in four villages close to Sepon mine and extends LXML’s ongoing support for water and sanitation in local communities. 

Families in Vilabouly were overjoyed to now have reliable access to clean water. 

“I am very pleased, as this project will now provide clean water for the community all year round,” said Savannakhet Province Vice Governor, Mr Thonekeo Phouthakayalath. 

“The project was designed to support the Lao Government’s plans to provide clean drinking water and improve sanitation in rural areas,” said Mr Noopeuak Virabout, Deputy Director of the Water Department (Nam Papa), Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

LXML invests in community programs in consultation with over 46 villages, benefitting more than 14,000 people.  Programs include agricultural development, schools, roads, latrines, fish ponds, and access to clean water. 

LXML supports 26 local businesses in Vilabouly, which collectively earned US$3 million in 2015 (over US$17 million since 2002). In February 2015, the Lao Government acknowledged that Vilabouly District, where Sepon mine is located, graduated from the list of 46 poorest districts in the Lao PDR. Household surveys confirm that incomes in Vilabouly have increased tenfold since Sepon mine commenced operations in 2003. 

In cooperation with a local Lao contract partner, Hommalar Community Development, and Boart Longyear (BLY), LXML constructed a separate water supply system for Vilabouly Hospital. This will provide reliable access to clean water for the important medical facility. 

MMG is also extending its unique partnership with the Lao Ministry of Health, Lao Women’s Union, and UNICEF, to support maternal and child health in several provinces, including Vilabouly, Nong, Phine, and Sepon Districts in Savannakhet, through the ‘1000 Day Project’. 

“I am very pleased Vilabouly residents now have reliable access to clean running water,” said MMG LXML Sepon General Manager, Suresh Vadnagra. 

“LXML is working in close partnership with the Lao Government to support its objective of graduating from least developed country (LDC) status by 2020. This investment reinforces our commitment to progress and ensuring communities lead healthier lives.”

 (Ends)

The water supply system opening ceremony in Vilabouly was attended by Mr Thonekeo Phouthakayalath, Vice Governor of Savannakhet Province; Mr Noupheuak Virabouth, Deputy Director of Water Department, Ministry of Transport and Public Works; Mr Suresh Vadnagra, General Manager, MMG LXML Sepon; Dr Avi Sarkar, Regional Chief Technical Advisor, UN; Mr Phandola Khouanmeuangchanh, Deputy Director, Provincial Lao Water Enterprise (Nampapa Lao); employees and authorities from concerned organizations.