(April 8, 1998) One of the most powerful and enigmatic leaders in Laos has been removed from the head of the country’s biggest firm. After building up the military development firm Bolisat Phakhana Khet Phoudoi, General Cheng Sayavong is now directing the National Tourism Authority as it gears up for Visit Laos Year 1999.
New Hydro Dam Threatens to Drown Lao Government in Debt, Experts Warn
(April 6, 1998) The Theun-Hinboun hydro dam in Lao PDR is scheduled to start generating electricity this week, launching what proponents believe will be a new era in public-private partnerships. Meanwhile, experts warn that megaprojects like Theun-Hinboun threaten to drown the cash-strapped Lao government in debt.
‘Battery of Asia’ may run flat
(April 6, 1998) Thailand’s economic crisis is raising questions over the energy exporting hopes of neighbouring Laos As two giant turbines begin to roar in the middle of the jungle, Laos is starting to become the "battery of Asia." Last week the $280m Theun-Hinboun dam began producing electricity for neighbouring Thailand, the first of what Laos hopes to be as many as 21 dams spanning this poor landlocked country.
New dam takes toll on livelihoods
(April 4, 1998) A report yesterday by the US-based International Rivers Network warns that thousands of villages are being affected by the dam but are unlikely to be compensated.
Call for the reform of Export Credit and Investment Insurance Agencies
(April 1, 1998) 160 NGOs from 46 countries demand greater transparency and the adoption of environmental and social standards for publicly supported export credit and investment insurance agencies.
ElectricitÉ de France in Asia
(April 1, 1998) EDF International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Electricité de France, was established at the end of 1992 to uphold EDF’s participation abroad and make a complete distinction between its international investments and its commitment to public services in France.
World Dam commission seeks to bridge opposing interests
(March 19, 1998) Under cover of darkness, 10,000 villagers dodged police roadblocks and invaded a dam under construction on the Narmada River in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
Speech to the International Day of Action Against Dams and For Rivers Water and Life
Bank of America, I say to you, maybe you don’t know that the middleman is providing funds to the Three Gorges Project. You may say that "China wants to build this and has borrowed from me". But I am here today to tell you that you don’t understand.
Environment: NGO’s Denounce World Bank
(March 13, 1998) Italian Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) accused the World Bank of violating human and environmental rights in the construction of three hydroelectric stations in Argentina – Paraguay, Guatemala and Lesotho.
Trouble on the Theun-Hinboun: A Field Report on the Socio-Economic and Environmental Effects of the Nam Theun-Hinboun Hydropower
(March 1, 1998) The Theun-Hinboun hydropower project, a $260 million dam on the Theun River in Laos, is opening on April 4 1998. … But as the ADB and the project developers continue to trumpet the project’s success, thousands of villagers are experiencing severe impacts to their livelihoods.
Probe Alert March 1998
World Bank energy complex creates hell on earth for Indian citizens
Nam Ngum II project concession agreement initialled
(March 1, 1998) A concession agreement for the Nam Ngum II project was signed by the government of the Lao PDR and the Shlapak Group Co, Ltd on March 17 at the Lao Hotel Plaza.
World Bank backs dam project in Laos
(March 1, 1998) The World Bank spoke openly for the first time this week about its strong commitment to the Nam Theun 2 hydro-electric dam in Laos and vowed it would not drop the project because of pressure from the public outside the country.
Probe Alert March 1998
A leaked report by the World Bank Inspection Panel has revealed that the bank committed a “serious violations of its policies and procedures” in approving its most recent loan to India’s National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) for the massive and controversial thermal power and coal mining projects in the Singrauli area of India.
Lesotho water transfers- no cause for celebration
(February 24, 1998) Today marks the inauguration of the first water supply from Lesotho to South Africa. However, it is not a day to celebrate.
Patricia Adams
Dai Qing
Fan Xiao
Lawrence Solomon
Mu Lan
Probe International
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