As the World Bank returns to the big dam business with the inauguration of Laos’ largest hydropower project, many are concerned that the Bank-financed dams “will serve as a template for a big dam culture led by private sector investors with little interest in the environmental and social impact of these projects.”
Banks approve NT2 despite significant environmental and social costs, lack of revenue management oversight, and presence of other least-cost options.
NGOs cite flaws in project’s environmental impact assessment and social development plan.
IRN cites information from World Bank Aide Memoire acknowledging the lack of competitive bidding.
Critics point out dam proposal violates six of seven recommendations made by the IUCN-commissioned World Commission on Dams report.
Lao government stresses revenue gain from the dam, while civil society representatives raised doubts about benefits to ordinary Laotians.
NGOs call for release of additional documentation and a 60 day delay to ensure a fair and informed process
This is the second TA grant that the ADB has provided the Government of Laos for preparatory work on the Nam Theun 2 project
NTPC has released the first two chapters of the project’s Environmental Assessment and Management Plan.