(September 10, 2003) OSLO, Sept 10 (Reuters) – Norway’s state-owned power company Statkraft confirmed on Wednesday that a Laotian partnership in which it has a one-fifth stake is eyeing assets held by Electricite de France [EDF.UL] in a big Laos hydropower project.
Nam Theun 2 draws interest from overseas
(September 10, 2003) Power producers from Norway and Japan are reportedly interested in taking the place of state-owned Electricite{AAC} de France (EDF) in the US$1.2-billion Nam Theun 2 hydropower project in Laos.
Statement on Bujagali – Government/World Bank closed meetings
(September 9, 2003) In the weeks since AES pulled out of the Bujagali Dam project, there has been much confusion over what will happen next, and the long-term implications for the Ugandan energy sector.
Experts urge action on dam problems that put lives at risk
Leading hydrologist Lu Qinkan has submitted a third petition to top authorities in Beijing, endorsed by 42 other Chinese experts, raising the alarm about three potentially disastrous problems related to the Three Gorges dam.
Keep the reservoir level at 156 metres
In a third petition to top Chinese authorities, a leading hydrologist issues an urgent appeal for the design and construction of the Three Gorges project to be re-examined.
Experts urge action on dam problems that put lives at risk
Leading Chinese hydrologist Lu Qinkan has written a third petition to top authorities in Beijing, raising the alarm about three potentially disastrous problems related to the Three Gorges dam.
Prosecuting bribery in Lesotho
(September 5, 2003) "Lesotho is committed to completing these prosecutions, primarily in order to eradicate corruption in Lesotho. But also to set an example for other countries." – L. F. Maema, KC, the Attorney General of Lesotho.
Lesotho gets serious about corruption
(September 4, 2003) The Lesotho government has taken another step to show the world that it will continue to fight corruption after the bribery scandal involving millions of rand over the construction of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
African adventure
(September 2, 2003) Multinational corporations have often viewed bribery as a distasteful but necessary part of doing business in certain countries – particularly underdeveloped ones.
Xiaolangdi Power Generating Units Facing Shutdown Amid Sedimentation
(September 2, 2003) Because of rising floodwaters and sediment buildup in the Xiaolangdi Dam reservoir, the hydropower station is now facing shutdown.
Experts warn China’s water supply may well run dry
(September 1, 2003) ‘Big engineering projects only make matters worse, causing us to reach the limits of our water resources. It is time to review our water strategy,’ says environmental consultant and author Ma Jun.
AfDB cancels projects in Nigeria over corruption
(September 1, 2003) Overwhelmed by complaints of failed water projects due to official corruption, the African Development Bank (ADB) has announced the cancellation of 80 per cent of its projects in the country.
Sweden powerless to influence Vietnam’s dam builders, says aid official
(September 1, 2003) A leading donor to Vietnam’s hydropower sector, the Swedish International Development Agency, has no power to influence its client-overnment’s dam building practice, according to a senior aid official.
A world of corruption
(September 1, 2003) Richard D. North, Media Fellow of the Institute of Economic Affairs, explores dishonesty, bribery, sleaze, fraud and graft around the world in Corruption, a four-part documentary which began on Monday, August 18, aired by the British Broadcasting Corporation. On Monday, Sept. 1, the series will look at the groundbreaking corruption trial underway in Lesotho, one of the smallest and poorest countries in Africa. The CEO of a dam project, the biggest construction project in Africa, was found to have taken $2 million in bribes, which he’d stashed in a string of secret Swiss bank accounts.
Police To Question Consortium Execs
(August 30, 2003) Nine executives of the NVPSKG joint venture are expected to appear for questioning over irregularities in the Klong Dan wastewater treatment project in Samut Prakan next week.
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