Lao Press Ahead With Mekong Dam

The Laotian government has announced it is to begin construction on the controversial USD2.3 million Pak Beng hydropower project in 2017.

According to Lao Energy Minister Viraphonh Viravong, Lao intends to become the “Kuwait of hydropower in Southeast Asia”.

The 912MW scheme is the third of up to eleven dams that the government of Lao is considering for the Mekong and is expected to generate power by 2024.

Chinese company Datang Overseas Investment was awarded the construction contract in 2007 and tertiary infrastructure work began in 2015.

The plans have brought sharp criticism from both Cambodia and Vietnam which fear the impact of the projects on their water and fishery resources. International Rivers estimate the projects will require re-settlement of 6,700 people.

- Video Advertisement -

Related Post

Cambodia Set to Make Waves in Cashew Production in 2024

In an exciting development for the agricultural sector, Cambodia produced an impressive 850,000 tons of cashew nuts in 2024, marking a remarkable 26% increase compared to last year. The news comes from the Cambodian Cashew Association, highlighting the nation’s growing prominence in the global market. With exports projected to exceed USD 1.1 billion, the cashew […]

Cambodia Adopts 36 New National Standards to Boost Investment and Local Industry

In a significant move to attract investment and enhance local industrial capabilities, Cambodia’s National Standards Council has approved 36 new national standards following a comprehensive review of 41 proposals. Minister Hem Vandy made This decision during the Council’s 29th meeting, held on December 26, 2024, at the Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology, and Innovation. During […]

Major Progress Made on Flood Prevention in Western Phnom Penh

In a significant step towards mitigating flooding in western Phnom Penh, the ambitious drainage and drainage system restoration project has reached a milestone, now standing at 50.50% completion as of January 5, 2025. This essential infrastructure initiative, spearheaded by the General Department of Wastewater Treatment System under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, aims […]

National Road 7 Expansion Project Progresses, Reaches 28.76% Completion

In a significant step towards enhancing Cambodia’s infrastructure, the ambitious project to restore and expand National Road No. 7 has reached an impressive 28.76% completion as of early January 2025. This major development was confirmed during a thorough inspection led by HE Lim Sidenin, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, […]

Cambodia’s Construction and Real Estate Loans Surge Past USD 20 Billion

In a striking development for Cambodia’s economy, construction and real estate loans have exceeded USD 20 billion, signaling a robust growth trajectory within these critical sectors. According to a recent report from the National Bank of Cambodia, banking and financial institutions have provided a staggering 81.748 billion riels, equivalent to approximately USD 20.1 billion in […]

Kampot Tourism Port, in collaboration with Virak Buntham, has launched a high-speed cruise boat service in Cambodia

The Kampot International Tourist Port, operated by KITP Development Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of AZ Group, has partnered with Virak Buntham to offer high-speed boat tours to neighboring countries. This partnership was formalized during a signing ceremony on January 6, 2025. According to Neak Oknha, the collaboration aims to attract 500,000 national and international tourists […]