(March 1, 2001) The 210 MW Theun-Hinboun hydropower project in the Lao PDR came online in 1998. It was built and is operated by a new entity named the Theun Hinboun Power Company. A loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) was the formative component of project finance. Its economic purpose is given as earning money for the Lao government, through export power sales to Thailand, to use in national development.
Laos: Cutting the trees to save the forest
(March 1, 2001) Nam Theun 2’s developers, Electricity Consortium (NTEC), say it depends on a World Bank US$100 million "partial risk guarantee" covering commercial loans to the project – without which commercial banks will not put money into the financially risky scheme.
PI letters to ADB-backed Theun Hinboun Power Company
(February 28, 2001) Letters of correspondence between Grainne Ryder, Probe International, and Theun Hinboun Power Company General Manager, Mr. Hourihan.
China issues new regulation on water management, sets fees for usage
(February 26, 2001) The Chinese government recently passed a new regulation on water management, updating its system of use permits and stipulating charges for water consumption in agriculture.
Japan likely to review treatment plant loan
(February 24, 2001) Japan may review its seven-billion-yen (US$60.9 million) loan for the Klong Dan wastewater treatment plant in Samut Prakarn, Finance Minister Kiichi Miyazawa said yesterday.
Yangtze River ships blocked by bridges
China’s ‘golden waterway’ is crowded by too many bridges that hamper the passage of big ships, the head of the Yangtze shipping authority says.
The concept of odious debt and its relevance to Indonesia
(February 23, 2001) For creditors to expect any protection for their loans to foreign states, their loans must be utilized for the needs and interests of the state; otherwise the loans belonged to the power which contracted them, and were therefore, debts of the regime.
No sweet fruit for the majority!
(February 21, 2001) Yet another budget that prioritises the Apartheid debt ahead of the poor!
Thai election promises add hurdle to reform
(February 21, 2001) Thaksin Shinawatra’s new Thai-Rak-Thai government shows every sign of attempting to speed up Thailand’sprivatization process, including the sale of thermal generating assets of Electricity Generation Authority of Thailand.
China to prevent pollution, increase hydropower at Mekong River
(February 21, 2001) China has outlined environmental protection and economic programmes to develop the Lancang-Mekong River into a leading international water navigation route.
China battles against water shortages
(February 17, 2001) Although he lives near the Hongze Lake, China’s fourth largest freshwater lake, Yan Fengxia still has to buy mineral water for drinking or even cooking. "Our life gets harder as fish die due to increasing water pollution," said Yan, a fishwife who has been fishing for more than 20 years on the lake, located in the middle reaches of the Huaihe River in east China’s Jiangsu Province.
High dam chosen for Son La hydropower plant
(February 16, 2001) The Government has decided to develop the Son La Hydroelectric Plant with a high rather than low dam, said a senior official of Electricity of Vietnam (EVN), the Ministry of Industry has confirmed the information.
Issues in risk science earthquakes and a brave new China
(February 16, 2001) A study written by Dr. Paul Burton and Steve Cole from Benfield Hazard Research Centre describes historical Chinese earthquakes and Chinese efforts in predicting earthquakes.
China heading for water pollution crisis: Official
(February 15, 2001) China is heading for a water pollution crisis as a booming economy raises industrial discharges and the number of incidents of toxic chemicals being spilled into rivers rises, a top environmental regulator said Thursday.
Three Gorges Probe Press Release: Leaked documents reveal officials fear environmental crisis in dam reservoir
(February 14, 2001) Dam will also not provide reliable power or promised flood control. “Never, ever let the public know this,” warns eminent Chinese scientist.
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