By Peter Atencio

ORGANIZERS of the 2009 Laos Southeast Asian Games said construction for the venues to be used in the biennial meet are now in full swing and expressed hopes that they will be finished way ahead of the biennial event.

Deputy Prime Minister Somsawat Lengsawat, the head of the National Preparatory Committee for the SEA Games, was informed on the progress of preparations following a meeting last Monday.

The deadline for the main stadium, funded by the Chinese government for $80 million, will be finished by March or way ahead of the October deadline, while the other stadium located in the Beungkhayong Village, Sisattanak district of Ventiane, will hopefully be finished just in time for the Games.

“The Chinese contractors have assured us that the stadium will be completed by March. This will give the Lao government enough time to rehearse all the things we need to do,” said ministry’s spokesman Yong Chanthlangsy in a statement.

Laos secured the loan for the new national stadium when they met with Chinese officials during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.