They are focusing on billboards that have not been authorised by the authorities as well as those that are not sufficiently sturdy and could be blown down in heavy winds, posing a danger to the public.

The Vientiane Public Works and Transport Department has announced that people should not install any signs along roads and should not put up posters on electricity poles, except those that advertise special event s.

Department Director Detsongkham Thammavong told Vientiane Times the authorities have organised teams to inspect advertising signs and warn their owners before removing them.

“Those who infringe the regulations will be fined by the authorities, with the amount of the fine depending on the type of sign,” he said.

The move aims to create a more orderly appearance and reduce the risk of accidents. Attempts to make Vientiane more attractive are currently underway in the run up to the city’s hosting of the Asean Summit in September.

Detsongkham sai d teams are surveying target areas in the city’s four main districts of Chanthabouly, Sikhottabong, Xaysettha and Sisattanak. They are removing poor quality and flimsy signs and hope to complete the project by August.

The city’s residents are also being asked not to erect any structures that may encroach onto roadsides. The department is requesting homeowners and businesses not to construct anything in a public area, particularly along roadsides.

Some construction work is affecting the drainage system, and soil and sand have clogged drains which has resulted in flooding on some roads.

Department officials say drains must be kept free of soil and that builders should keep sand and gravel in neat piles by the roadsides and should not install sub-standard drainage systems or fill in marshland.

Detsongkham said “Officials have surveyed target locations including houses, state and private offices and other places along main roads in all of Vientiane’s districts. Many places will be given warnings, requesting their owners to remove offending structures or soil.”

“Officials are working hard to resolve these problems and are asking for everyone’s help in complying with the announcement as it will ultimately benefit the public,” he added.