Laos - Land issues Laotians' top concerns

Land arrangements, concessions and compensation was the top issue raised by the public on the National Assembly (NA) hotline.

It was stated during the Third Ordinary Session of the NA's 7th Legislature.

NA Office Deputy Head Viseth Savengseuksa relayed this to media representatives at a press conference yesterday adjacent to the NA session..

"There were more than 280 calls on the hotline from members of the public giving their opinions and concerns during the 17 days of the session. Most of the calls related to land issues," he said.

Explaining further, Viseth said that people generally understand about the country's development process, but it often affects their livelihood as land management is not sufficiently effective and there is no other way to respond to new resettlement and land usage arrangements.

"The people require the government to review compensation amounts for any new arrangements already agreed upon, taking into account all criteria."

Another major concern relates to social justice, believed to be not always supported by decisions of the courts. Some people are suspicious that loopholes in the laws exist which were intentionally created by some of those involved in law drafting, to benefit themselves.

Viseth did not accept that point of view, saying NA members have made the effort to get better regulatory control, and amendments to drafted laws have been made in response to the situation each time.

“It is conceivable that some law drafters may use their power and position to try to influence things for their own benefit but the NA oversees them so this cannot happen,” he said.

Env ironmental protection, especially in relation to mining and illegal logging, comes in third place among public concerns. Callers doubt that the government can achieve forest cover of 65 per cent by 2015, and 70 per cent later on, if natural resource management continues in the manner that exists today.

The next concern is about the ethics of civil servants in all professions and sectors, as the public have observed the abuse of role and power in some positions, citing corruption, extravagance, and excesses by government officials and civil servants.

In this regard, Viseth said the government has considered formulating a civil service code of conduct regarding ethical behaviour.

As education and employment issues came in fourth place, Viseth gave his opinion that this subject might have improved as only a small number of complaints had been received.

Land management by foreigners is als o a matter of public concern, especially relating to the use of hormones and chemical fertilisers in agriculture and food production.

Other public concerns mainly relate to social services such as electricity, water supply, sanitation and urban administration. Viseth said these issues are being improved and remain under the oversight of NA members.

Somxay Sengdara 
Vientiane Times

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