Laos vows to release dam design data
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The Lao government yesterday pledged close cooperation with the Mekong River Commission Secretariat (MRCS) to share all relevant information on design changes to the Xayaburi dam in northern Laos. Construction of the dam is underway.
Modifications to the original design are being made in response to concerns of neighbouring countries regarding sediment flows, fish migration, dam safety and operational issues.
“We are working to share all relevant and practical information we have on the Xayaburi dam, but this does not mean we need approval from the MRC. We are providing all our information so they can see for themselves we are following our commitment to address the concerns of the MRC member countries,” Lao National Mekong Committee’s vice chairman, Viraphonh Viravong, said.
Viraphonh, who is also deputy minister of Energy and Mines, spoke after attending a meeting with MRCS chief Hans Guttman and his delegation to discuss information sharing.
At the meeting, experts from Poyry, the European engineering firm that provides consultancy advice to the government, told MRCS officials that many technical reports were already available.
They said that more studies were underway to detail work being done to ensure the sus-
tainability of the 1,285 MW hydropower plant that aims to provide “clean” energy as well as economic and social benefits for Laos.
Last month, the Lao government told MRC member countries and development partners
at the 19th Mekong River Commission Council in Luang Prabang that it would provide all relevant information on Xayaburi project, the first run-of-the-river dam in the Lower Mekong Basin.
