(April 1, 2005) The World Bank’s decision to finance the US$1.2 billion Nam Theun 2 hydro project will become an intractable debt burden for Laotians in years to come, warns Probe International, a Canadian-based foreign aid watchdog.
Huge Laotian dam gets World Bank financing
(April 1, 2005) Environmental groups say the Laotian government isn’t equipped to manage revenue from the Nam Theun 2 dam or look after the rights of its people.
The Pollution Control Department wants Klong Dan to go ahead
(March 31, 2005) The Pollution Control Department (PCD) will propose the government push ahead with the corruption-ridden Klong Dan wastewater treatment project in Samut Prakan with minor changes.
PRESS RELEASE Bankrolling Nam Theun 2
(March 31, 2005) Today the World Bank is expected to approve financing for a massive US$1.2 billion dam in Laos despite international concern that the project’s revenue will be mismanaged or siphoned off by corrupt officials and contractors.
Thai economists expose flaws in World Bank’s economic analysis
(March 29, 2005) The final versions of these studies contain two remarkable new assumptions regarding assumed costs of natural gas alternatives that are crucial in justifying the Bank’s continued positive economic assessment of the Nam Theun 2 (NT2) project.
The World Bank’s watershed decision: Nam Theun 2
(March 28, 2005) In April, the countries on the governing board of the World Bank will consider a proposed high dam on the Nam Theun River – a decision that will set a pattern for decisions regarding hydroelectric dams around the world for years to come.
A Nam Theun 2 proponent responds to critics
(March 26, 2005) “Based on in-depth and detailed [World Bank] analyses . . . we are confident that Nam Theun 2 will be a benefit and not a burden to Thai consumers.”
Villagers protest Nam Theun 2 dam project
(March 15, 2005) An independent energy analyst claims electricity from Nam Theun 2 would be 14% more expensive than that produced from alternative, renewable energy sources.
Protesters urge World Bank to stop Nam Theun 2 project
(March 15, 2005) By supporting Nam Theun 2, the World Bank might repeat the same mistake it made at Pak Mool, which generated neither benefits to the local people nor sufficient electricity to Thailand’s power system, say protesters.
Lao power may not be the best buy
(March 15, 2005) Thailand has a number of energy options which negate the need for importing hydroelectricity from Laos.
Nam Theun 2 Dam, Lao PDR
(March 15, 2005) Lao power may not be the best buy.
Thai citizens urge World Bank to stop supporting Nam Theun 2 dam
(March 14, 2005) “The World Bank has never shown us any real commitment to take project impacts seriously and get involved in problem solving afterwards, at the very least, to provide all parties with important lessons to avoid the same mistakes elsewhere.”
Letter to the World Bank from citizens groups and NGOs
(March 14, 2005) “We believe that not only does this project fail to meet the World Bank’s environmental and social standards, the World Bank’s decision framework for the Nam Theun 2 Dam has not yet been fulfilled.”
Farmers urge World Bank to drop Lao dam
(March 14, 2005) Conservationists have blasted the World Bank for failing to complete a wildlife assessment of the Nakai plateau watershed, site of the proposed dam, and for tying conservation funds to the project.
Environmentalists call on World Bank to abandon Laotian dam project
(March 14, 2005) Environmental activists and locals claim the Nam Theun 2 dam will ruin the lives of about 6,000 Laotian villagers who will be uprooted by the project.
Patricia Adams
Dai Qing
Fan Xiao
Lawrence Solomon
Mu Lan
Probe International
Lisa Peryman
Probe Media
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