In the lush valleys of Luang Prabang, Laos, Xienglom Village faces a paradox: surrounded by natural beauty, its residents grapple with extreme water shortages for half the year. During the dry season, villagers trek hours daily to collect water, leaving little time for education or economic growth.
A Leader’s Lifelong Mission
Village chief Bentanong, 64, has spent decades seeking solutions. 'Without water, our children can’t study and our farms can’t thrive,' he says. His latest effort involves rallying the community to build rainwater collection systems while negotiating infrastructure support from regional authorities.
Hope on the Horizon?
Recent collaborations with NGOs have brought solar-powered pumps to nearby streams. While progress is slow, residents say even small improvements – like a new communal well – feel 'like finding an oasis in a desert.' 🌞🚰
