I'm sure many
of them do. While I'm also sure that there may be some who don't
give a second thought to the laborious 18 hour work days that seamstresses
or construction workers work - whom at the end of month are still
struggling to make ends meet and raise a family.
There has been
some publicity in Laos' newspapers about the National Poverty Eradication
meeting that happened back in March 2003. According to the articles,
there's a plan to put 1000 Billion kip put into eradicating poverty
with a focus on 72 districts that include 2 million people and 5,383
villages. Concentration will be on the 47 poorest districts. Each
region and province has set their own plans and goals that the money
will be used for.
Whether we see
the final effects of the meeting are yet to be seen as many of the
plans are set in stages through to 2006. And like many things in
Laos, it does take time to get into fluition.
The government
has built traffic lights and street dividers in areas of high traffic
to regulate the traffic. But this has been modest. There are also
policemen stationed on many intersections throughout the city.
There has been
a campaign by two bodies i) Ministry of Communication, Transport,
Post and Construction and ii) Handicap International Belgium. Their
slogan urges helmet use for riders. This is particularly important
for a country like Laos where motorcycles are the primary mode of
transportation.
Also in the
country's local "Golden Pages" phone book (otherwise known
as the yellow pages in other countries) there's also a section explaining
road and driving rules as well as tips on being a vigilant driver.
All of the above, try
to educate and advertise on safer driving but it has been modest.
There's also the case
of numerous underaged drivers. There are some ID checks and a law
stating that no one under the age of 18 is allowed to drive. Although
applying the law is laxed. And many parents don't seem to mind letting
there 12 or 13 year old child drive a motorcycle to school or with
their friends.
Very few people
people wear helmets. There are many who drive drunk, are underaged
or inexperienced, and drivers are often all over the place when
they drive. This is very much a laissez-faire ("let it be")
environment in Laos when it comes to driving (although it's modestly
changed with the presence of traffic lights and policemen at some
intersections). You just have to be wise when you drive because
although there are rules, people don't always follow them - convenience
is above safety on the roads in Laos.
In Laos they
drive somewhat maniacal. And for anyone who come to the country
and witnessed it for the first time, they'll also agree. Even locals
claim the same statement.
