MRC delays fate of Xayaburi Dam
Lower Mekong countries have delayed the decision on whether Laos should proceed with its hydropower plant construction in Xayaburi, pending for a further study with Japanese technical assistance.
The decision was reached amid growing concerns over the loss of biodiversity and other environmental problems that the massive dam would cause.
In a statement, the Mekong River Commission said that its council members today concluded that there is a need for further study on the sustainable development and management of the Mekong River including impact from mainstream hydropower development projects.
The council members, comprising water and environment ministers from Cambodia, Lao, Thailand and Vietnam, agreed in principle to approach the government of Japan and other international development partners to support the conduct of further study.
At the Bali meeting, leaders of the four nations discussed the need for conducting further study for the sustainable management and development of the Mekong River and its related resources.
The four ministers made this conclusion at their annual gathering to discuss the prior consultation process for the proposed Xayaburi hydropower project along with other administrative and management matters.
“The outcome today demonstrates the Member Countries’ continued commitment to work together in the regional spirit of the Mekong Agreement to bring about economic development without compromising sustainability of livelihoods of their peoples and the ecology,” said Kean Hor, MRC Council Member Chairperson and Cambodia’s Minister of Water Resources and Meteorology.
“Further study will provide a more complete picture for the four countries to be able to further discuss the development and management of their shared resources," he added.
Thailand's construction company Ch Karnchang was awarded the concession to construct the 1,260MW power plant. Ninety five per cent of the power will be supplied to Thailand.
