Dongbu completes ODA infrastructure project along Mekong River in Laos

Dongbu has completed an infrastructure improvement project along the Mekong River in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, further demonstrating its capacity to execute overseas civil infrastructure projects under official development assistance frameworks.

The company announced Wednesday that it had successfully completed the Mekong River Comprehensive Management Project Phase 2.

The project was an ODA-based infrastructure initiative designed to rehabilitate the Mekong riverfront in Vientiane, prevent flood and riverbank erosion damage, and improve residents' living conditions and urban infrastructure.

Work included the construction of embankments and revetment reinforcement along 9.3 kilometers of the riverfront. The project also created a 4.3-hectare riverside park, 4.4 kilometers of riverside road and 1.01 kilometers of pedestrian walkways.

The client was the Vientiane Department of Public Works and Transport. Funding came through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF). Dongbu served as the lead contractor with a 60 percent stake. The total project cost was 58.2 billion won ($38.1 million), with a construction period of 55 months.

The project is notable for combining flood-control measures with urban space improvements. The embankment and revetment work is expected to reduce the recurring risk of inundation, while the riverside park, road and pedestrian infrastructure are expected to enhance convenience and waterfront accessibility for Vientiane residents.

Dongbu said it focused on schedule management and quality assurance, taking into account fluctuations in the Mekong River's water level, the monsoon climate and local construction conditions.

A completion ceremony was held in Vientiane on Wednesday, drawing about 150 attendees from the Lao government, the client agency and the Korean side.

Lao representatives included Vientiane Mayor Sililath Thong Thongphenh and Namphasong Muangmany, deputy minister of public works and transport. The Korean delegation included Jung Young-soo, South Korea's ambassador to Laos; Lee Ji-eon, head of EDCF Asia Division 1; and Cho Hong-bin, head of Dongbu's civil engineering business division.

Dongbu said the completion reaffirmed its ability to execute overseas ODA infrastructure projects. The company is expanding its construction capabilities in overseas markets, drawing on accumulated technical expertise and project management experience in civil infrastructure such as roads, bridges and ports at home and abroad.

Dongbu has also been building its track record in Southeast Asia. Starting with a rural comprehensive development project in Savannakhet, Laos, in 2019, the company has carried out a flood damage reduction project commissioned by Cambodia's Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, as well as the Mekong River Comprehensive Management Project Phase 2.

The company is further strengthening its presence in the region through projects such as the My An–Cao Lanh road construction in Vietnam.

"The completion of the Mekong River Comprehensive Management Project is a meaningful achievement that demonstrates the technical capabilities and execution capacity Dongbu has built in overseas civil infrastructure," a company official said.