(Vientiane Times) The Water Resource and Environment Administration (WREA) has drafted a national water resource policy and strategy for the period of 2011-15.

A national consultation workshop reviewed the draft policy and strategy on June 14 to seek comments before the document is submitted to the government for final approval.

Over 100 participants attended including deputy provincial governors, heads of provincial water resource and environment offices, representatives of central ministries and agencies, international development organisations and private sector developers.

“Water consumption is increasing in Laos and many other countries as a result of population and economic growth. This growing demand for water is starting to put pressure on the resource and on its environmental value,” said Mr Sisavath Vithaxay, Deputy Head of WREA.

With a population of over six million, Laos has an abundant supply of water on an annual per capita basis – approximately 55,000 cubic metres. But very little of this resource has been developed and there are growing indications of periodic seasonal water shortages. Floods are also a serious problem in many areas.

“If this development continues to increase at the current rate and there are insufficient means to allocate and manage water, along with standards for the protection of water quality, problems will be faced in sustaining development and preserving our valuable environment,” Mr Sisavath said.

The impact of continued water resource development, especially on the quality of water, human health and the natural environment will significantly increase. Climate change is also expected to increase the frequency of natural disasters such as floods and droughts, Mr Sisavath said.

“We have seen that in the past the management of our water resources has not kept pace with the rate of development throughout the country.”

The government is attempting to strengthen water resource management and is expecting in the near future to update the Law on Water and Water Resources and other legislation.

The government also strengthened its organisational structure for water resource management by setting up WREA in 2007.

The administration is working with many other agencies and interested groups at all levels to coordinate effective management of water resources throughout the country, as well as in cooperation with neighbouring countries.

The draft national water resource policy and strategy are important for WREA, which has been preparing the documents in consultation with interested groups for more than a year, Mr Sisavath said.

Once approved, the policy and strategy will provide guidance to WREA and concerned organisations and groups throughout the country in order to achieve a more coordinated and effective water resource management system.

The policy and strategy will also help to support the government's efforts to reduce poverty, protect and rehabilitate the aquatic environment and also improve the security of water resources as a basis for continued economic growth.

WREA will promote the incorporation of the policy and strategy into national socio-economic development plans at all levels as well as through private sector investment management.

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