The increasing rate of urbanization has strained urban infrastructure facilities and services in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. This is especially true in small towns, largely as a result of limited capital investments. Urban development in small towns can be achieved by improving basic infrastructure and services, and increasing physical investments to attain a reasonable quality of life for the population. These physical investments should be able to increase the poor's access to urban centers, thus enhancing livelihood opportunities.
The Small Towns Development Sector Project was designed to improve the urban environment and living conditions, and to promote reforms for sustainable and responsive urban management in about 10 small towns in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. The specific objectives of the project were to (i) improve the living conditions of the small towns' communities, especially the poor, by improving the urban environment, increasing access to essential urban infrastructure and services, and enhancing livelihoods; and (ii) support the establishment and development of decentralized and dedicated institutional and management frameworks for effective, responsive, and sustainable provision of urban infrastructure and services in small towns.
This report validates the completion report's assessment of the project. IED overall assessment: Successful