Around 400 stakeholders of the Nam Theun 2 Hydroelectricity Project (NT2) met in Thakek, Khammouane province, to discuss progress on environmental, social and construction aspects of this integrated development programme.
Acting Minister for Mines and Energy HE Mr Somboun Rasasombath opened the Third Stakeholder Forum on NT2 by emphasising the importance of the project to the Lao economy and the Lao people, particularly the poorest. The Governor of Khammouane province, Mr Khambai Damlath, said the project had brought many benefits to the province, including employment, increased services and goods, and new roads.
NT2 forums provide an opportunity for interested stakeholders to discuss advantages and challenges associated with the project. This forum heard that project progress is on track and construction is 91% complete. Commercial operation is due to commence in December 2009.
Presentations by the Lao Government and the Nam Theun 2 Power Company (NTPC) detailed the development of a comprehensive regional health and health education programme, and the building of roads and educational facilities. The NTPC environmental and social programme explained how work conducted with resettled villages is constantly monitored to ensure it meets local demands and international criteria. The project site is subject to regular visits and reports to ensure all activities meet international safety and environmental standards.
By October 2008, all villagers affected by the new reservoir on the Nakai Plateau had been resettled in new houses with water and sanitation facilities, power, schools, health facilities, and a variety of new livelihood opportunities. An additional US$16 million programme is now implementing compensation and mitigation activities downstream of the dams.
Before impoundment started in April this year, the project had instituted monitoring of the habitat and movement of endangered species such as elephants, turtles and tortoises. Wildlife patrols have been established by village groups to help relocate animals during impoundment and to provide protection from poaching. A watershed management protection authority, established by the government, is being supported to ensure the 4,000-sq km national conservation area around the reservoir remains intact.
Safety measures, timing of releases, water fluctuations, flooding and water quality issues were explained and NTPC outlined its regular testing and prior notification procedures, in addition to scenarios for when the dam is in full operation. The 1070-MW trans-basin scheme is the largest hydroelectricity project so far built in the Lao PDR. It is capable of producing an average 6,000 GWh per year and will generate an estimated US$2 billion in government revenue over the first 25 years. After this period it will be handed over to the Lao Government and will continue to contribute greatly to poverty alleviation in the country.
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