Had Nya (Phase 2)
Completed: September 2016
Completed: September 2016
Location and Access
Access to the community is relatively straightforward. The distance from Luang Prabang city is around 20km northbound on route 13 and the community is accessible by a decent dirt track that meanders off the main road. The village is on the bank of the Nam Ou River, and the local school sits atop a hill providing panoramic views of rolling mountains towards the Mekong River and a view overlooking the community below. Access should be straightforward all-year round making supply runs in wet season achievable.
Access to the community is relatively straightforward. The distance from Luang Prabang city is around 20km northbound on route 13 and the community is accessible by a decent dirt track that meanders off the main road. The village is on the bank of the Nam Ou River, and the local school sits atop a hill providing panoramic views of rolling mountains towards the Mekong River and a view overlooking the community below. Access should be straightforward all-year round making supply runs in wet season achievable.
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The Economy
The economy is predominantly farming and fishing. With such close proximity to the Nam Ou River fishing to sell locally or at the market is a main source of income. The surrounding mountains and valley’s provide grounds for agriculture. Valleys of paddy fields juxtaposed by hills steeped in teak trees. Slash and burn is evident and indeed prevalent during the month of March. |
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Demographic
The village is home to 128 families with a total population of 625. Two ethnicities reside in the community, Khmu and Lao Lum. There are a variety of houses ranging from semi-concrete and wooden structures through to wooden shacks. |
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The Project:
To assist the local community with the renovation and general improvement of the village water system.
To assist the local community with the renovation and general improvement of the village water system.
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The current water system, known locally as Nam Lin, has become degraded and inefficient. It currently dispenses unsafe and dirty water that is not fit for consumption, cleaning or washing. Thus, Volun-Tour Laos sees an opportunity to renovate the current running water system with a view of greatly improving the safety, cleanliness and quantity of the water supply.
We also see this as a great chance to educate villagers on the maintenance of the pipeline and to run workshops on how to manage the system effectively. By doing this we justify the project by highlighting the potential longevity of the new system. In essence, by educating the locals and updating the facility we see the potential for the villagers to take care of the water system for the |
long-term.
As part of an effort to help this local community volunteers will have the opportunity to be involved in helping to rebuild the water filtering system, replace worn water pipes and expand the water tank. Teams will help dig trenches, assemble casting frames for concrete, mix concrete and help lay down piping. This is the second phase of project work being done in Had Nya Village. Previous to this, the local primary school underwent a comprehensive renovation. Combined with this subsequent project, we are pleased to be able to provide continued support to assist in the development of this rural community. |
Our previous project:
In September 2015, the school renovation was completed. In time for the start of the new school year, the students and teachers are now enjoying studying and working in a much improved learning environment.
Work commenced in November 2015. Locals began by constructing the framework for the new 4x4x4 water holding tank. When complete the new holding tank will hold approximately 64,000 litres. Which is a dramatic increase in the village's capacity to store water.
By December the water holding tank neared completion, with locals and contractors casting the unit and waiting to remove the scaffolding.
With the new water tank in place our volunteers have assisted work on constructing pipeline for the system.
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Huge thanks to Mentone Grammar School from Australia who donated a play-set to the school in Had Nya Village!
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The water project was completed in September. In early October the VTL team travelled to the village for a handover ceremony, both for the school renovation and the water system.
