sanakham hydropower project - mekong river

SANAKHAM HYDROPOWER PROJECT

Social Impact Assessment


1

Table of Contents

1. PREAMBLE .......................................................................................................................................1

1.1

1.2

1.2.1

1.2.2

1.3

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.6.1

1.6.2

1.6.3

1.6.4

1.6.5

1.6.6

1.6.7

1.6.8

1.6.9

BACKGROUND ....................................................................................................................................... 1

OBJECTIVE OF SIA ................................................................................................................................ 4

Main Objectives ............................................................................................................................... 4

Specific Objectives ........................................................................................................................... 4

SCOPE OF THE SIA................................................................................................................................. 5

RATIONALE FOR THE SIA ...................................................................................................................... 6

TERMINOLOGY USED IN THIS REPORT.................................................................................................... 6

METHODOLOGY..................................................................................................................................... 7

Approach .......................................................................................................................................... 7

Desk Work ........................................................................................................................................ 8

Consultations, Meetings and Interviews .......................................................................................... 8

Socio-economic and Socio-cultural Field Surveys ........................................................................... 9

Census .............................................................................................................................................. 9

Sampling Survey............................................................................................................................... 9

Overlays ........................................................................................................................................... 9

Linking EIA and the SIA................................................................................................................... 9

Specific Methods of Some Aspects.................................................................................................... 10

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................13

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

2.4.1

2.4.2

2.4.3

2.5

PROJECT LOCATION............................................................................................................................... 13

PROJECT FEATURES ............................................................................................................................... 13

PROJECT COMPONENTS ......................................................................................................................... 14

PROJECTED AFFECTED AREAS............................................................................................................... 15

Inundated Area................................................................................................................................. 15

Construction Area ............................................................................................................................ 15

Road Access ..................................................................................................................................... 15

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE ................................................................................................. 15

3. SOCIAL POLICY AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK .............................................................................16

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.5

3.6

3.7

3.8

3.9

3.10

COMPENSATION & RESETTLEMENT ....................................................................................................... 16

ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT............................................................................... 17

HYDROPOWER ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY .......................................................... 19

ETHNIC GROUPS .................................................................................................................................... 20

CULTURAL AND ARCHAEOLOGY ........................................................................................................... 22

TOURISM ............................................................................................................................................... 23

OTHER LAO LAWS RELEVANT TO SIA .................................................................................................. 24

LAO PARTY CONGRESS SOCIAL POLICY ................................................................................................ 24

SAFEGUARD POLICY OF THE WORLD BANK .......................................................................................... 25

INTERNATIONAL PRINCIPLE AND BEST PRACTICE ................................................................................. 26

3.10.1

3.10.2

Equator Principle ........................................................................................................................ 26

World Commission on Dams – Criteria and Guidelines.............................................................. 27

3.11 REGIONAL AGREEMENT ........................................................................................................................ 27

4. SOCIAL BASELINE STUDY 1: OVERVIEW OF THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN LAO

PDR AND THE STUDY AREA ....................................................................................................................28

4.1

4.1.1

COUNTRY SOCIO-ECONOMIC SETTING .................................................................................................. 28

Socio-cultural................................................................................................................................... 28


2

4.1.2

4.1.3

4.1.4

4.1.5

4.1.6

4.2

4.2.1

4.2.2

4.2.3

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

4.6.1

4.6.2

4.7

4.7.1

4.7.2

4.7.3

Macroeconomics .............................................................................................................................. 29

Foreign Direct Investment ............................................................................................................... 29

Inflation & Wage.............................................................................................................................. 30

Banking & Currency Exchange........................................................................................................ 30

Fiscal Situation ................................................................................................................................ 31

PROVINCIAL & DISTRICT SOCIO-ECONOMIC SETTING ........................................................................... 31

Administrative Area &Population.................................................................................................... 31

Infrastructure & Social Facilities .................................................................................................... 33

Socio-economic Development & Poverty Setting ............................................................................. 36

LAND USE & AGRICULTURE IN THE STUDY AREA................................................................................. 38

GENERAL LIVELIHOOD RESOURCES .........................................................................................................41

EDUCATION ..............................................................................................................................................42

PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT ..................................................................................................................43

NATIONAL HEALTH SITUATION.............................................................................................................43

Provincial & District Health Condition ..............................................................................................50

TOURISM ..................................................................................................................................................54

Tourism Development .........................................................................................................................54

Tourism Network and Linkage ......................................................................................................... 55

General Existing Condition of Tourism in the Project Area ............................................................ 57

5. SOCIAL BASELINE STUDY 2: DETAILED SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITION OF

UPSTREAM/DOWNSTREAM/PROJECT-LAND COMMUNITIES ........................................................59

5.1

5.2

5.2.1

5.2.2

5.2.3

5.2.4

5.2.5

5.2.6

5.2.7

5.2.8

5.2.9

IDENTIFICATION OF AFFECTED SOCIAL GROUPS ................................................................................... 59

UPSTREAM DIRECTLY AFFECTED VILLAGES ......................................................................................... 61

Demography, Ethnicity & Religious Beliefs.......................................................................................61

Housing ............................................................................................................................................ 63

Land Holding & Ownership ............................................................................................................. 64

Occupation & Workforce ................................................................................................................. 65

Livelihoods ....................................................................................................................................... 67

Family Income & Expenditure ......................................................................................................... 71

Education ......................................................................................................................................... 74

Health............................................................................................................................................... 75

Gender & Vulnerable Groups .......................................................................................................... 78

5.2.10

5.2.11

5.2.12

Cultural Resources & Archaeology ............................................................................................. 80

Village Administration ................................................................................................................. 85

Attitude towards the Sanakham HPP........................................................................................... 85

5.3

5.3.1

UPSTREAM INDIRECTLY AFFECTED VILLAGES ...................................................................................... 89

Population ........................................................................................................................................ 89

5.3.2 Housing.................... .... ................................... .................... ....................... ....................................89

5.3.3

5.3.4

5.3.5

5.3.6

5.3.7

5.3.8

5.3.9

5.3.10

Land Holding ................................................................................................................................... 89

Occupation & Workforce ................................................................................................................. 89

Livelihoods ....................................................................................................................................... 91

Income and Expenditure................................................................................................................... 92

Education and Health ........................................................................................................................93

Cultural Resources & Archaeology ...................................................................................................93

Village Administration ............................................................................................................... .93

Attitude towards Sanakham HPP............................................................................................... .93

5.4.

5.4.1

COMMUNITIES LOCATED NEAR TO CONSTRUCTION/QUARRY SITES ................................................... 93

Demography, Ethnicity and Culture .............................................................................................. 94


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5.4.2

5.4.3

5.4.4

5.4.5

5.4.6

5.5

5.5.1

5.5.2

5.6

5.6.1

5.6.2

5.7

5.7.1

5.7.2

5.8

5.8.1

5.8.2

Basic Infrastructure ....................................................................................................................... 95

Household Economy and Livelihood.............................................................................................. 96

Education Facility .......................................................................................................................... 97

Public Health and Sanitation ......................................................................................................... 98

Attitude towards Sanakham Project ............................................................................................... 99

DOWNSTREAM COMMUNITIES .............................................................................................................99

Objective, Scope & Methodology ................................................................................................... 99

Downstream Riparian Villages (Thailand) .................................................................................... 101

RESETTLEMENT HOST COMMUNITIES.................................................................................................. 120

Resettlement Site Information ........................................................................................................ 120

Socio-economic Condition of Host Communities ........................................................................... 122

COUNTRY AND REGION ....................................................................................................................... 124

Power Development, Rural Electrification, and Country Income.................................................. 124

Economic Development.................................................................................................................. 125

GLOBAL SOCIAL ISSUES ...................................................................................................................... 125

Greenhouse Gas .............................................................................................................................. 125

Depletion of Fossil Fuel .................................................................................................................. 126

6. IDENTIFICATION OF SOCIAL CHANGES AND RISKS .............................................................128

6.1

6.2

6.2.1

6.2.2

6.2.3

6.2.4

6.2.5

IDENTIFICATION OF ALTERNATIVES & IMPACT AVOIDANCE ............................................................... 128

BIO-PHYSICAL CHANGES CREATE SOCIAL CHANGES.......................................................................... 128

Upstream and Quarry Areas .......................................................................................................... 129

Downstream Areas ......................................................................................................................... 129

Relocation and Resettlement Areas ................................................................................................ 130

Country/Region .............................................................................................................................. 130

Global............................................................................................................................................. 130

7. ASSESSMENT OF SOCIAL IMPACTS ..........................................................................................131

7.1

7.1.1

7.1.2

7.1.3

7.2

7.2.1

7.2.2

7.2.3

7.3

7.3.1

7.3.2

7.3.3

7.4

7.5

OBJECTIVE/CRITERIA/METHODOLOGY IN ASSESSING THE IMPACTS.................................................................... 131

Key Objectives ................................................................................................................................ 131

Criteria for Identification of Social Impacts .................................................................................. 131

Methodology................................................................................................................................... 132

Upstream, Construction/Quarry Areas .......................................................................................... 133

Pre-construction Phase .................................................................................................................. 133

Construction Phase ........................................................................................................................ 135

Operational Phase ......................................................................................................................... 145

DOWNSTREAM AREA........................................................................................................................... 147

Analysis of Downstream Impacts ................................................................................................... 147

Construction Phase ........................................................................................................................ 148

Operation Phase............................................................................................................................. 150

IMPACT TO COUNTRY/REGION ............................................................................................................ 152

GLOBAL IMPACTS................................................................................................................................ 154

8. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION .............................................................................................................156

8.1

8.2

8.2.1

8.2.2

8.2.3

8.2.4

OBJECTIVE & SCOPE ........................................................................................................................... 156

IDENTIFICATION OF KEY STAKEHOLDERS ........................................................................................... 157

MRCS & Lower Mekong Riparian Countries ................................................................................ 157

Central GOL Bodies....................................................................................................................... 157

Provincial/District GOL................................................................................................................. 157

Village Leaders and APs ................................................................................................................ 158


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8.2.5

8.3

8.4

8.4.1

8.4.2

8.4.3

8.5

8.6

8.7

8.8

Non-Governmental Organizations ................................................................................................. 158

CONSULTATION WITH GOL PROVINCIAL & DISTRICT AUTHORITIES................................................... 158

CONSULTATION WITH VILLAGES & LOCAL COMMUNITIES ................................................................. 158

Purpose ......................................................................................................................................... 158

Work Accomplished........................................................................................................................ 159

Key Feedbacks from Consultation ................................................................................................. 163

CONSULTATION WITH OTHER STAKEHOLDERS.................................................................................... 165

PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS AT VILLAGE AND DISTRICT 12-13 JULY 2012 ............................................. 166

TECHNICAL WORKSHOP AND SITE VISIT 25-28 MARCH 2013 .............................................................. 177

PROVINCIAL CONSULTATION 6DEC2013............................................................................................. 183

9. CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................................................................191

9.1

9.2

9.3

9.3.1

9.3.2

9.4

9.4.1

9.4.2

9.4.3

9.4.4

9.4.5

9.4.6

9.5

9.6

9.7

9.8

9.9

9.10

NATIONAL ECONOMIC AND POWER DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................ 191

COMPENSATION................................................................................................................................... 191

RELOCATION AND RESETTLEMENTS .................................................................................................... 192

Proposed Criteria for Relocation and Resettlement....................................................................... 192

Proposed Criteria for Resettlement Site Selection ......................................................................... 192

LIVELIHOOD AND INCOME RESTORATION ........................................................................................... 193

Proposed Criteria for Livelihood Restoration ............................................................................... 193

Methods to Improve Livestock Rearing.......................................................................................... 194

Methods to Improve the Contribution of Livestock ........................................................................ 194

Methods to Improve the Contribution of Staple Food Crop ............................................................. 194

Methods to Improve the Contribution of Gardens and Fruit Trees................................................ 194

Suggested Steps in Income Restoration Program .......................................................................... 194

IMPACT EQUITY................................................................................................................................... 195

HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................................ 196

EDUCATION ......................................................................................................................................... 196

CULTURE AND ARCHAEOLOGY............................................................................................................ 197

CUMULATIVE/TRANS-BOUNDARY IMPACTS ........................................................................................ 197

BENEFIT SHARING ............................................................................................................................... 197

APPENDICES...........................................................................................................................................198

APPENDIX 1: RELOCATION AND RESETTLEMENT STUDY ..............................................................................198

APPENDIX 2: LIST OF NON‐GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS IN PROJECT DISTRICTS .................................242

ANIMALS .......................................................................................................................................................... 247

ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGNS .................................................................................................................................. 248

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT............................................................................................................................ 248

EDUCATION AND CHILDREN ............................................................................................................................. 250

ELDERLY .......................................................................................................................................................... 255

ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................................................................................. 256

HILLTRIBES ...................................................................................................................................................... 257

HIV/AIDS........................................................................................................................................................ 257

HUMAN RIGHTS................................................................................................................................................ 258

MEDIA .............................................................................................................................................................. 258

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY............................................................................................................................ 259

MEDICAL HELP................................................................................................................................................. 259

THE DISABLED ................................................................................................................................................. 260

WOMEN ............................................................................................................................................................ 261

WORKERS......................................................................................................................................................... 262


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APPENDIX 3: DOCUMENTS/WEB SITES USED FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE SIA ........................................263

List of Tables:

Table 1: Project Components ................................................................................................................. 14

Table 2: Xayaboury Population .............................................................................................................. 33

Table 3: Vientiane Province Infrastructure ............................................................................................ 34

Table 4: Xayaboury Infrastructure.......................................................................................................... 35

Table 5: Land Use in Sanakham HPP Catchment Area ........................................................................... 39

Table 6: Schooling Situation of Population Aged 6 Years and Above .................................................... 42

Table 7: Situation of Literacy Rate of Population Aged 15 Years and Above.........................................42

Table 8: Top ten Causes of Illness of Out Patients for National Level in 2009‐2010 ............................. 46

Table 9: Top ten causes of illness of In Patients for natio al level in 2009‐2010 .................................. 47

Table 10: Common Causes of Mortality for National Level in 2009‐2010 ............................................. 47

Table 11: Number and Percentage of Low Birth Weight at Health Facilities......................................... 47

Table 12: Number of Caesarians, Premature Birth, Still Birth and Maternal Death .............................. 48

Table 13: Number and Percentage of Fully Immunized Infant .............................................................. 48

Table 14: Number and Percentage of Received Vitamin A2 and De‐worming Drug2 ........................... 48

Table 15: Number and Coverage of First and Total Antenatal Care in 2009‐2010 ................................ 48

Table 16: Number and Percentage of Time of Using Contraceptive Methods ...................................... 49

Table 17: Percentage of Population in Malaria Risk Areas Protected by IBN ........................................ 49

Table 18: Tuberculosis (TB) Prevalence and Percentage of TB cases..................................................... 49

Table 19: Number of Malnutrition of under 5 years old (OPD) in 2009‐2010 .......................................49

Table 20: Number and Percentage of Population Using Clean Water and Household Latrine in 2009‐

2010...................................................................................................................................................................50

Table 21: Top Ten Causes of Illness of Out Patients in Vientiane (2009‐2010) ..................................... 50

Table 22: Top Ten Causes of Illness of In Patients in Vientiane (2009 ‐2010)........................................ 51

Table 23: The Common Causes of Death in Vientiane Hospital (2009‐2010) ........................................ 51

Table 24: Top Ten Causes of Illness of Out Patients in Xayaboury (2009‐2010).................................... 53

Table 25: Top Ten Causes of Illness of In Patients in Xayaboury (2009 ‐2010)...................................... 53

Table 26: The Causes of Death in Xayaboury Hospital in 2009 – 2010 .................................................. 54

Table 27: International Tourists of Study Area by Provinces in 2002‐2009 ........................................... 57

Table 28: Number of Tourists and Growth Rate in Vientiane and Xayaboury Provinces ...................... 58

Table 29: Demography of Upstream Directly Affected Villages............................................................. 61

Table 30: Type of House in Upstream Directly Affected Villages........................................................... 64

Table 31: Average Land Holding of Directly Affected People ................................................................ 65

Table 32: Occupation of Directly Affected Villagers............................................................................... 66

Table 33: Livestock Survey in Directly Affected Villages ........................................................................ 69

Table 34: Average Village‐Gate Price of Livestock (Kip/head) ............................................................... 70

Table 35: Average Gross Income of Directly Affected Family ................................................................ 72

Table 36: Family Expenditures of Directly Affected Family.................................................................... 73

Table 37: Poverty Status of Directly Affected People ............................................................................ 73

Table 38: Schools in the Directly Affected Villages ................................................................................ 74

Table 39: The Crude Birth Rate and Crude Death Rate in Each Zone .................................................... 76

Table 40: Vulnerability of Directly Affected Villages .............................................................................. 78

Table 41: Gender Status in the Directly Affected Villages ..................................................................... 79


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Table 42: Types of Cultural and Archaeology Found.............................................................................. 82

Table 43: Knowing about the Project ..................................................................................................... 86

Table 44: Attitude of Directly Affected People towards the Project ..................................................... 87

Table 46: Type of House in Upstream Indirectly Affected Villages ........................................................ 89

Table 45: Demography of Upstream Indirectly Affected Villages .......................................................... 90

Table 47: Average Gross Income of Indirectly Affected Family ............................................................. 91

Table 48: Poverty Condition of Indirectly Affected People.................................................................... 92

Table 49: Family Expenses of Indirectly Affected Family ....................................................................... 92

Table 50: Communities Located Near To Construction/Quarry Sites .................................................. ....95

Table 51: Basic Infrastructure at Veunkham, Pak Sao and Pakmee Villages ......................................... 95

Table 52: Estimated Average (Gross) Household Income of Pak Sao and Pakmee Villages, Meun

District, Vientiane Province .................................................................................................................... 97

Table 53: Estimated Average (Gross) Household Income ofBan Veunkham, Kenthao District,

Xayaboury Province...................................................................................................................................97

Table 54: Education Facilities in Veunkham, Pak Sao and Pakmee Villages ........................................ 98

Table 55: Public Health Facility in Veunkham, Pak Sao and Pakmee Villages...................................... 98

Table 56: Basic Infrastructure in Downstream Villages (Thailand) ...................................................... 103

Table 57: Educational Facilities in Downstream Villages (Thailand) .................................................... 103

Table 58: Public Health Facilities in Downstream Villages (Thailand).................................................. 104

Table 59: Location and Population of Riparian Villages Surveyed ....................................................... 105

Table 60: Estimated Riparian Average Household Net Income in Chiang Khan .................................. 107

Table 61: Estimated Riparian Average Household Net Income in Pak Chom ...................................... 108

Table 62: Guest Arrivals at Accommodation Establishments in Loei Province .................................... 113

Table 63: Guest Arrivals at Accommodation Establishments in Loei Province .................................... 115

Table 64: Location and Population of Downstream Communities (Lao PDR)...................................... 117

Table 65: Basic Infrastructures of Lao Downstream Villages ............................................................... 118

Table 66: Educational Service in Lao Downstream Villages ................................................................. 119

Table 67: Estimated Average HH Income of Downstream Villages (Meun)......................................... 119

Table 68: Host Population at Resettlement Site KD 3 .......................................................................... 123

Table 69: Land Use Changes in the Upstream Area ............................................................................. 128

Table 70: Summary of Attitude towards Sanakham HPP ..................................................................... 134

Table 71: SIA in Upstream and Construction/Quarry Areas during the Pre‐construction Phase........ 134

Table 72: Quantitative Social Impacts of Sanakham HPP .................................................................... 136

Table 73: Matrix ‐ SIA in Upstream Area during the Construction Phase ............................................ 139

Table 74: Anticipated Health Impacts of Mekong Sanakham HPP during construction period ......... 140

Table 75: Health Risk Impact Mitigation During Construction Phase .................................................. 140

Table 76: Anticipated Social Impact on Gender and Vulnerable Groups............................................. 143

Table 77: SIA in Upstream and Construction/Quarry Areas in the Operation Phase .......................... 146

Table 78: Social Impact Assessment in Downstream Areas ................................................................. 148

Table 79: Social Impact Assessment in Country/Region ..................................................................... 153

Table 80: Matrix ‐ Social Impact Assessment in Global Level .............................................................. 154

Table 81: Information Disclosure and Consultation Performed Date.................................................. 161

Table 82: Affected Villages and Families of Mekong Sanakham HPP (FSL at 220 masl) ...................... 199


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List of Figures:

Figure 1: Mainstream Dams on the Mekong River ................................................................................ 2

Figure 2: Location of SanakhamMain Dam ............................................................................................ 3

Figure 3: SIA/SMMP Approach for Mekong Sanakham HPP .................................................................. 8

Figure 4: Mekong Sanakham Hydroelectric Power Project.................................................................... 13

Figure 5: Schematic of Dam &Associated Structures ............................................................................. 13

Figure 6: Map of Lao PDR ........................................................................................................................ 29

Figure 7: Foreign Direct Investment for Lao PDR ....................................................................................30

Figure 8: Map showing Xayaboury and Vientiane provinces ................................................................. 32

Figure 9: Road Network in Lao PDR......................................................................................................... 36

Figure 10: World Map of poverty living <1.25 US$/person/day ............................................................ 38

Figure 11: Land Use in the Project Catchment Area .............................................................................. 40

Figure 12: Left‐river‐bank Gardening by Woman at Ban Donsok ..........................................................41

Figure 13: Tourism Network of Surrounding Area ................................................................................. 56

Figure 14: Location of Tourist Attracts and the Schematic Network in Study Area............................... 58

Figure 15: Identification of Affected Social Groups ............................................................................... 59

Figure 16: ESIA Study Area ..................................................................................................................... 60

Figure 17: Upstream Catchment and Location of Upstream Villages ....................................................62

Figure 18: Type 1 ‐ Good Quality House................................................................................................. 63

Figure 19: Type 2: Medium Quality House............................................................................................. 63

Figure 20: Type 3 – Low Quality House .................................................................................................. 64

Figure 21: Upstream Community ........................................................................................................... 66

Figure 22: Degraded forest near Ban Houay Lah ................................................................................... 67

Figure 23: Maize Plantation at Ban Houay Lah ........................................................................................ 68

Figure 24: Buffalo ................................................................................................................................... 70

Figure 25: Common Tractor ................................................................................................................... 71

Figure 26: Primary School at Donsok ..................................................................................................... 74

Figure 27: Primary School at Donsang ................................................................................................... 74

Figure 28: Primary School at Donmen.................................................................................................... 74

Figure 29: Donsok Health Center ........................................................................................................... 76

Figure 30: Gravity‐Fed ............................................................................................................................ 77

Figure 31: Household Latrine ................................................................................................................. 77

Figure 32: Woman Bagging Corn............................................................................................................ 79

Figure 33: Phoxay Monastery Building................................................................................................... 84

Figure 34: Participation of Vulnerable Groups in ESIA at Ban Khae....................................................... 88

Figure 35: Participation of Gender/Vulnerable Groups in ESIA at Ban Donmen ................................... 88

Figure 36: ESIA Survey Team at Veunkham.......................................................................................... .....94

Figure 37: ESIA Survey at Quarry Site.................................................................................................. ...94

Figure 38: Map from Vuenkham to Pakmee Villages .............................................................................. 96

Figure 39: Job’s tear product at Ban Pak Sao ....................................................................................... ......96

Figure 40: Focus Group Discussion....................................................................................................... .......99

Figure 41: Population in the 100km Downstream of Mekong Mainstream Dams .............................. .100

Figure 42: Map of Chiang Khan Area.................................................................................................... ..102

Figure 43: Downstream Communities Surveyed.................................................................................. .106

Figure 44: River‐bank Banana Plantation in Pak Chom District ........................................................... .109


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Figure 45: Riverbank Farming............................................................................................................... 109

Figure 46: Banana Products Delivering to Markets.............................................................................. 109

Figure 47: Fish Culturing at Ban Khok Ngiu in Chiang Khan District of Thailand.................................. 109

Figure 48: Boat Taxi at Chiang Khan and Sanakham ............................................................................ 110

Figure 49: Old Town Area of Chiang Khan............................................................................................ 111

Figure 50: Chiang Khan Market in the Evening of October 2010 Festival............................................ 112

Figure 51: Kaeng Kut Khu (October 2010)............................................................................................ 112

Figure 52: Kaeng Kut Khu (Summer 2005) ........................................................................................... 112

Figure 53: In‐land Tourist Service......................................................................................................... 112

Figure 54: On‐sand Food Shops (March 2011)..................................................................................... 112

Figure 55: Example of Small Scale Enterprise Souvenirs/Handicrafts of Chiang Khan ........................ 116

Figure 56: Access Road at Ban Phalat................................................................................................... 118

Figure 57: River‐bank Gardening at Ban Pak Phang ............................................................................. 120

Figure 58: Resettlement Site KD3 ( Part 1)........................................................................................... 121

Figure 59: Resettlement Site KD3 (Part2)............................................................................................. 122

Figure 60: Resettlement Site Houay Lod Village .................................................................................. 123

Figure 61: Resettlement Site Donsangoun Village ............................................................................... 123

Figure 62: Forecasted Revenue from Hydropower in Lao PDR ............................................................ 125

Figure 63: Graph of Natural Gas and Lignite Use ................................................................................. 127

Figure 64: Affected Villages and Roads in the Upstream Area ............................................................ 138

Figure 65: Focus Group at Ban Houay Lah ........................................................................................... 159

Figure 66: Consultation Meeting at Ban Houay Lah, Kenthao District, Xayaboury Province.a Severely

Upstream Impacted Village Requiring Resettlement........................................................................... 160

Figure 67: Map of Done Kouad Area – Focal Development Zone of Sanakham District...................... 205

Figure 68: Done Kouad Field Survey Team........................................................................................... 205

Figure 69: Done Kouad Area, Northwest direction .............................................................................. 205

Figure 70: Done Kouad Area, north director........................................................................................ 206

Figure 71: Done Kouad Area, northeast direction ............................................................................... 206

Figure 72: Resettlement Site No. SD1 – Done Kouad Area .................................................................. 206

Figure 73: View of Existing Ban Donphoung ........................................................................................ 209

Figure 74: Ban Maipakthoun .............................................................................................................. 210

Figure 75: Relocation Site SD3 ............................................................................................................. 212

Figure 76: Relocation Site..................................................................................................................... 214

Figure 77: NGOs in Sanakham District, Vientiane Province ................................................................. 242

Figure 78: NGOs in Kenthao District, Xayaboury Province................................................................... 244

Figure 79: NGOs in Paklay District, Xayaboury Province...................................................................... 246


9

List of Boxes:

Box 1: Houay Lah’s Cemetery ............................................................................................................ ..80

Box 2: Donmen’s Cemetery ................................................................................................................. . 80

Box 3: Khae’s Funeral/Cemetery ........................................................................................................... 81

Box 4: Important Spiritual Site at Ban Donmen .................................................................................... 81

Box 5: Clay Pottery at Ban Houay Lah .................................................................................................... 83


10

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

Acquired Immune Deficiency Sydrome

Antenatal care

Affected Person(s)

Acute Respiratory Infection

Association of South East Asian Nations

Asian Development Bank

Degree Celsius

Crude Death Rate

Cumulative Impact Assessment Trans-boundary Impact

Assessment

Child Mortality Rate

Carbon Dioxide

Consumer Price Index

Children under 5 years old

District Health Office

Department of Electricity

Discipline Team Leader

Economic and Social

Environmental and Social Culture

Environment Components / Activities at Risks

Environmental Impact Assessment

Ethnic Minority Developme t Plan

Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Foreign Direct Investment

Full Supply Level

Families

Feasibility Study

Global Environment Facility

Green House Gas

Government of Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Gross Domestic Product

Green House Gases

Geographic Information Systems

Greater Mekong Subregion

Global Warming Potential

Hectare

Health Center

Households

Health Impact Assessment

Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Hydro-electric Power Project

AIDS

ANC

AP

ARI

ASEAN

ADB

°C

CDR

CIA/TBIA

CMC

CO2

CPI

CU5

DHO

DOE

DTL E&S

E &SC

ECARS

EIA

EMDP

EMMP

ESIA

FDI

FSL

FM

FS

GEF

GHG

GOL

GDP

GHGs

GIS

GMS

GWP

ha

HC

HH

HIA

HIV/AIDS

HPP


11

IEE

IMR

km

Km2

Lao PDR

LB

LFNC

LMB

LNTA

LMS

MAF

MOH

MONRE

MRC

MRCS

masl

MW

NCC

NCG

NCHS

NGO

NPA

NTFPs

OPD

PCRs

RAP

RB

SAF

SIA

SMMP

SNK

STI

TB

TBIA

UNFPA

UNICEF

WB

WREA

Initial Environmental Examination

Infant Mortality Rate

Kilometers

Square kilometers

Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Left Bank (Mekong River)

Lao Front for National Construction

Lower Mekong River Basin

Lao National Tourism Authority

Lower Mekong Sub Region

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

Ministry of Health

Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment

Mekong River Commission

Mekong River Commission Secretariat

meters above sea level

Megawatt (1 million watts of power)

National Consulting Company

National Consulting Group

National Center for Health Statistics

Non-Governmental Organization

National Protected Areas

Non-Timber Forest Products

Out Patients Department

Physical Cultural Resources

Resettlement Action Plan

Right Bank

Severely Affected Families


Social Monitoring and Management Plan

Sanakham

Sexually Transmitted Infection Tuberculosis

Trans-boundary Impact Assessment

United Nation’s Population Fund

United Nations Children's Fund

World Bank

Water Resources and Environment Administration


1

1 PREAMBLE

1.1 Background

The Lower Mekong Basin (LMB) has four countries, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The LMB is home to approximately 60 million people. However, the region is faced with high growth

in demand for electricity from the population and economic expansion including regional investments

and cross border trade activities.

The Mekong River in this part of Asia has a high hydropower development potential of about 14,000

MW from 12 mainstream hydropower projects, which are currently under study including 7 in Lao

PDR, 2 in Cambodia and 3 on the Thai-Lao Border (Figure 1).

To support the expanded role of electricity in economic development of the region, the Mekong

Sanakham Hydroelectric Power Project (Mekong Sanakham HPP) is one of 7 planned on the

mainstream of the Mekong River within the Lao PDR. Datang Overseas Investment Company Ltd

(Datang) is conducting an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) as part of a project

feasibility study. From 2010 to 2011 the Hydro China Northwest Engineering Corporation has carried

out the engineering pre-feasibility studies of the project with an Initial Environmental Examination

(IEE) by Norconsult.

The Sanakham HPP damsite is located 1.4 km upstream of Pakheuang Village, Kenthao District,

Xayaboury Province, Lao PDR. The planned location is 1,737 km upstream of the Mekong estuary in

Vietnam, 155 km upstream of Vientiane, Lao PDR, 25 km downstream of Sanakham township, Lao

PDR, and 81 km downstream from the proposed Pak Lay HPP. Less than 100km downstream from the

Sanakham HPP, there are Thai riparian villages on the opposite bank of the Mekong from the Lao

PDR.

The project is to be a low head run-of-river project with an installed capacity of 684 MW. The

electricity produced by the project will be transmitted to Thailand through 500 kV transmission lines

and to the Lao grid and Vientiane through one circuit of 230 kV. The reservoir above the dam will be

some 81 km long and have a full supply level of 220 meters above sea level (masl). Most of the

reservoir, over 80%, will be contained within the present river channel which floods every year.

The project’s general layout from left to right bank includes a concrete auxiliary dam, navigation lock,

14 sluice gates, powerhouse with 12 generating units, a flushing sluice with 4 outlets, a fishpass and

concrete auxiliary dam at the right bank. Overall the dam is 893m long and 57.2 m high.


2

Figure 1: Mainstream Dams on the Mekong River

Figure 2: Location of Sanakha


3

amMain Dam


4

1.2 Objective of SIA

1.2.1 Main Objectives

The six main aims of the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) for the Sanakham HPP include:

1. Examination of the existing conditions of the human environment and the socio-economic and

cultural status of the potentially affected people especially with regards to ethnicity, gender

and vulnerable groups in the project area.

2. Identification of the biophysical changes that are the major cause of social and livelihood

changes.

3. identification of the potentially affected area of the proposed project and communities that

may be directly or indirectly affected by the project construction and operation.

4. Identification and analysis of potentially significant socio-economic and cultural impacts in

relation to project design, construction and operation/decommission.

5. Assessment of the socio-economic and cultural impacts of the proposed project in terms of the

magnitude and importance, including recommendation of cost effective mitigation measures

for all significant negative impacts.

6. Participatory consultation with key stakeholders, in particular Affected People (AP) of the

poject, through public meetings and focus groups to provide information on project specifics

and obtain community feedbacks that will be taken into account in the project design,

Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) and Social Monitoring and Management Plan (SMMP).

7. Identify, describe and provide an estimated cost for required mitigation.

1.2.2 Specific Objectives

In the course of SIA, there are some aspects that need to be studied in parallel, such as gender and

vulnerable groups, the health impact assessment (HIA), culture and archaeology, tourism and

downstream social issues.

Discussed below are specific objectives of these aspects.

Gender and Vulnerable Groups:

Collect existing and field data related to vulnerable people and gender aspects, particularly

women, in the project area.

Identify and assess the potential positive and negative impacts of the project on vulnerability

and gender issues.

Develop measures to prevent and/or minimize any potential negative impacts on vulnerable

people, particularly women in the project area.

Health Impact Assessment:

Collection of the overall health status of the population within and surrounding the project

areas especially upstream and downstream villages.

Determine the area’s status compared to provincial and national data.

Assess possible health impacts that could be attributed to the hydropower project.


5

Develop management measures to prevent and / or minimize any negative health impacts and

maximize any potential health benefits arising from the project development.

Cultural & Archaeology Assessment

The objective of this cultural heritage investigation and study is to identify and assess the presence of

archaeological and cultural heritage sites of significance located within the vicinity of the proposed

Sanakham HPP. The significant cultural heritage sites include:

Cultural sites (e.g. tangible and intangible).

Historical site (e.g. ruins of stupas, temple and other structure).

Religious sites(e.g. monasteries, temple and stupas).

Spiritual sites (e.g. sacred forest, cemeteries, Ban and Muang spirits).

Significant buildings / structures.

Unique natural features.

Any other sites of physical cultural property.

Tourism Assessment:

To study the existing tourism conditions in the project site and relating areas.

To assess the tourism impact caused by the project.

To propose mitigation measures.

1.3 Scope of the SIA

The scope of the SIA consists of identification and assessment of significant positive and negative

impacts on the human environment, which includes the following.

1. Identification and analysis of national social policy framework including regional best practice

on social impact assessment of hydropower project development.

2. Analysis of existing key socio-economic conditions of communities and the people in the

project area, focusing on:

o

o

o

o

o

o

Demographics and workforces.

Socio- Economics and livelihood/lifestyle.

Land and natural resource uses.

River and water characteristics and uses.

Institutional and Governance issues.

Specific studies and assessment on the issues of:

Gender and vulnerable group to reflect the social equity condition.

Health Impact Assessment.

Cultural and archaeological assessment.

Tourism assessment.

3. Prediction of the magnitude of anticipated effects and their socio-economic and cultural

importance. Assessment of the significance of impacts potentially created by the project on

issues such as livelihood, social networks, socio-cultural issues, health, community risk and

exposure, employment and tourism.


6

4. Proposal of design changes, mitigation, and ancillary compensation development required to

ensure that APs are better off after the project development than they were before it.

1.4 Rationale for the SIA

Since the project has an installed capacity of more than 50 MW, the SIA must and will be conducted in

accordance with the National Policy on Environmental and Social Sustainability of Hydro Power

Sector in Lao PDR. This requires that the following be included by the project proponent in the project

development process.

1. Identification of APs whose assets, resource use and livelihoods, and/or social or cultural

structures are involuntarily altered by the project. In addition all involuntary resettlement and

social development plans will be prepared and implemented based on the Government of Lao

PDR’s (GOL) Resettlement Decree No. 192/PM.

2. Continuous proactive and effective participatory consultations with affected communities are

required and will include comprehensive environmental education as well as awareness raising

activities.

3. Public disclosure of information (in Lao and English) related to the consultation process, the

rights of the population to be fully informed, project design construction and operation,

potential impacts, mitigation plans, and monitoring is required and public information centers

will be established in the project area and in Vientiane.

4. Verification of compliance with all relevant obligations including the concession agreement,

GOL laws, policies, strategies, action plans, and international conventions through regular

effective monitoring and reporting.

5. The developer will cover the cost of implementing all GOL and other environmental and social

safeguards under the user pay principle.

6. Organizing third-party monitoring and assessment with respect to environmental and social

guidelines and safeguards.

7. Periodic review and documentation of the environmental and social lessons learned during

project implementation.

8. Preparation and publication of a Status of the Environment and Social Compliance Report.

1.5 Terminology used in this Report

1) Affected Persons (APs): any person who, as a result of the implementation of a project, loses

the right to own, use, or otherwise benefit from a built structure, agricultural land or both. This

includes both Indirectly and Directly Affected Persons; in other words the total number of

Affected Persons = Directly Affected Persons + Indirectly Affected Persons.

2) Directly Affected Persons: people who totally lose their residential and agricultural land

including industrial and fruit trees and are required to move to a resettlement area.


7

d

3) Indirectly Affected Persons: people whose agricultural land or other assets may be damaged

or lost due to flood or erosion; indirectly affected people have to be compensated but not

resettled.

4) Directly Affected Villages: villages that are submerged and are required to move to a

resettlement area.

5) Indirectly Affected Villages: villages that are damaged or lost due to flood or erosion;

Indirectly Affected Villages have to be compensated but not resettled.

6) Compensation: payment in cash or in kind for an asset or a resource that is acquired or

affected by a project at the time the asset needs to be replace .

7) Cut-Off Date (COD): the date established by the GOL procedures that establishes the

eligibility for receiving compensation and resettlement assistance by the project displaced

persons. The COD normally is normally determined after the project has been approved and

the Concession Agreement has been signed.

8) Displaced People: those who are physically displaced (relocation, loss of residential land, or

loss of shelter) and/or economically displaced (loss of land, assets, access to assets, income

sources, or means of livelihood) as a result of (i) involuntary acquisition of land, or (ii)

involuntary restrictions on land use or on access to legally designated parks and protected

areas.

9) Entitlement: the sum total of compensation and other forms of assistance provided to the

displaced people in the respective eligibility category.

10) Host: refers to people living in, or around areas where people displaced by the project will be

resettled or relocated.

11) Livelihood Restoration and Development (LRAD): development activities that can re-

establish productive livelihood of the displaced persons to enable income generation better

than that earned by the displaced people before the relocation and resettlement.

12) Resettlement: moving a whole village to new place with the re-establishment of basic

infrastructures and facilities including livelihood development for the settlers.

1.6 Methodology

1.6.1 Approach

Development of the project may cause changes in the bio-physical environment such as the fluctuation

of flow, changes of fish habitats, change of land use from agricultural land/forests to water, etc.

Since all riparian communities are dependent on the biophysical environment, biophysical changes will

have impacts on the socio-economic and cultural context of the project area.


8

1.6.2 Desk Work

Desk studies and reviews to be carried out include the following:

Overall work plans for SIA, SMMP, and RAP (Figure 3).

A Status report based on reviews of existing GOL national policy and guidelines, social

regulations and relevant decrees including agreements among the Lower Mekong countries.

Review of recent studies and researches on SIA related issues, such as socio-economic

assessment and plans, dealing with vulnerable groups, fisheries, health and tourism.

Figure 3: SIA/SMMP Approach for Mekong Sanakham HPP

1.6.3 Consultations, Meetings and Interviews

At least two meetings will be conducted with provincial offices in Vientiane and in Xayaboury

and to inform and receive comments on the detailed socio-economic and cultural surveys to be

conducted in the project study area.

At least two meetings will be organized in each district [Sanakham (left bank), Kenthao (right

bank), and Pak Lay (right bank)].

Two meetings will be held in each directly affected village, while a single meeting will be held

in each village likely to be indirectly affected.


9

Official district consultations will be made in each affected district

o Sanakham District

o Kenthao District

o Paklay District

1.6.4 Socio-economic and Socio-cultural Field Surveys

Besides the identification of existing land uses, specific surveys based on 1:50,000, 1:10,000, and

1:5,000 scale maps (both downstream and upstream areas), interviews/discussions and health checks of

local villagers/leaders, will focus on:

Resettlement and Compensation for the RAP formulation.

the HIA dealing with health and nutrition status and communicable diseases.

Assessment of Gender and Vulnerable groups.

Assessment of Ethnic minorities and their culture for the Ethnic Minority Development Plan

(EMDP), if required.

Tourism Assessment such as tourist attraction sites, waterway routes used by tourists or other

areas popular with cross-border tourists from Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries.

Integration of project social development and enhancement for the SMMP.

1.6.5 Census

Based on a 1:5,000-scale map, 100% of all directly affected families will be surveyed. A detailed

inventory of assets based on a survey form and interviewing a representative of each family will be

performed. In addition to individual socio-economic data, each family head or representative and their

assets will be identified photographically. This census will be performed in collaboration with the

district administrators and/or representatives of the district authorities.

1.6.6 Sampling Survey

Similar surveys will be conducted on approximately 20% of the indirectly affected communities in Lao

PDR territory 30 km downstream from the dam. Likewise the communities in the vicinity of the

proposed host/resettlement sites will also be surveyed. The indirectly affected communities in Thai

territory will be the subject of a separate contract and separate reports, namely, the Cumulative Impact

Assessment (CIA) and Trans-boundary Impact Assessment (TBIA).

1.6.7 Overlays

GIS will be used to illustrate socio-economic and cultural resources and context of the study area

before and after project implementation.

1.6.8 Linking EIA and the SIA

Because biophysical changes will have socio-economic and cultural impacts, information exchange

between the biophysical and socio-cultural discipline teams will be important. Addressing the

following key specific issues will require particular cooperation.

Minimum water requirements downstream from the Mekong Sanakham HPP main dam.

Navigation and overland tourism activities from Pak Beng and/Luang Prabang to the

project area and from Chiang Khan / Tha Li (Thailand) to Sanakham and Kenthao.

Fishing and fish culture in upstream and downstream areas of the Sanakham Dam.


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Input on the assessment of the significance of socio-economic and cultural impacts to the

EIA.

1.6.9 Specific Methods of Some Aspects

According to the specific objectives that addressed in Section 1.2.2, the SIA also has specific methods

for the study of gender and vulnerable groups; the HIA; cultural and archaeology; tourism assessment;

and downstream social issues.

Gender and Vulnerable Groups:

Data Collection

The following are the types of data collection including separate household surveys :

o Secondary data - Interim, Yearly and 5 years reports of Lao’ Women Union at district and provincial level.

o Primary data - Interviews using two types of questionnaires, a closed form which includes

choice, checklist, ranking and rating and an “open ended” form, will be used in order to collect

data and information from Lao Women’s Union at provincial, district, village and Lao Women

at household level. The “open ended” questionnaire will include the following:

Observations (including participant observation).

Field Notes.

Photographs.

Assessment Technique

Key methods in assessment include content analysis (based on quantitative and qualitative data) and

descriptive/narrative.

Health Impact Assessment (HIA):

Data Collection Method - Most villages within he project could be reached by car, but some

villages were reached by boat. The survey team met and interviewed health personnel and

heads of villages, 15 villages downstream and 24 villages upstream, in order to get relevant

data on people’s health at the village level. The team also met the chief of the District Health

Office (DHO), head of the Health Center (HC), Statistic unit of Provincial Health Office

(PHO) and Public health statistic center in order to review and collect data on the current

health situation.

Survey Questionnaires - There are two sets of survey questionnaires designed for the field

study process. The first one is for the village health volunteer and head of village, and the

second is for the HC.

The village health volunteer and head of village were interviewed in order to obtain the

contextual information of the villages, and the questionnaire focused on the existing health

situation of the people in the village and also health risk factors which can cause negative

impacts to people’s health. The following information was gathered:

o Village Statistics concerning the health situation.


11

o Access to health care facilities. o Existing health care services. o The most common reasons people seek medical treatment. o The birth and mortality situation in the village. o The indicators of important health risk factors in the village. o The existing sources and quality of drinking water. o The number of household with toilet facilities. o Current Plans of health development program in the village.

o The most common disease in the village (2009 -2010)

For the HC, there was some information on health services and key health issues gathered. The HIA

team also interviewed the provincial head of the statistics division and head of DHO and collected

secondary data on the following issues.

National Health Situation:

Geo-demography and reproductive health status.

Other proximate determinants of fertility.

Mortality and life expectancy.

Maternal and child health.

Nutrition.

Hygiene and Sanitation.

Health Care Facilities and Existing Health Situation in Provincial, District and HC levels:

Availability of health infrastructure.

Availability of health staff.

The causes of illness and Death ( top-ten common diseases ).

Mother and Child health including maternal mortality rate, infantandchildren < 5 years

of age mortality.

Vaccination.

Birth and death rate.

Hygiene and Sanitation.

Health Education.

Health Development Plan.

Cultural Assets & Archaeology

In addition to literature reviews of international, regional and local researchers, there were community

consultations and knowledge surveys, field work in the inundation areas, focus group discussions, and

observations of potential cultural and archaeological sites.

The community consultations and knowledge surveys were performed at the villages that are most

likely to be flooded and resettled. This approach recognizes that local people in Lao PDR are not only

able to identify Physical Cultural Resources (PCRs) currently in use but often have a remarkable

knowledge of archaeology and historical remains in a region. This methodology has been shown to

provide excellent results in other PCRs surveys within the Lao PDR.


12

Specific field work was undertaken in a total of four villages of Kenthao District, Xayaboury Province,

and four villages in Sanakham District, Vientiane Province. In the field, the cultural heritage

investigation team identified sites that have value due to historical, religious, spiritual or other cultural

reasons.

Village level focus group discussions with the involvement of village leaders, village elders, ritual

experts, representative of Lao mass organizations (National Front, Youth Union, Women’s Union),

village security officers, and monks was organized. The cultural value of the landscape and the link

between cultural identity and various locations was discussed. Representatives for the focus group

discussions were selected by the village because of their knowledge of culture and history. The focus

group discussions identified and involved other heads of households who had a good knowledge of a

particular geographic area or culture issue.

Observation of the following sites was conducted:

Spiritual sites (e.g. Ho Phi Ban/Ho Phi Muang).

Historical sites (e.g. temple, altars personal house).

Cemeteries sites (geography, describing physical and cultural).

Other sites useful for the study.

Tourism Assessment:

The study was based on a literature review and field surveys. Relevant existing data available from

authorities both at the national capital and at provinces/districts in the project area was gather d.

In addition, intensive field surveys in the study area were carried out to gather information on the

present status of tourism in the study area and the potential positive and negative impacts that may

result from the project development.

Some tourism-related people were interviewed including:

Waterway/overland tourists

Tour operators

Hotel and guesthouse operators

Restaurant businessmen

Souvenir operators

Rental van drivers

Boat drivers.


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2. 2.1

Project Description Project Location

Sanakham HPP is the 5th cascade project planned on the mainstream of the Mekong River in the

country of Laos. The Mekong Sanakham HPP is located on the mainstream of the Mekong River, 1.4

km upstream of Nam Heuang River, Kenthao District, Xayaboury Province, Lao PDR. The dam site is

25 km upstream from Sanakham township, Lao PDR, 155 km upstream from Vientiane, Lao PDR, 81

km downstream from the proposed Pak Lay HPP, and is 1,737 km away from the Mekong River

estuary in Vietnam where the river flows into the South China Sea. In addition to Lao riparian villages,

the project location is in the vicinity of Thai riparian villages, less than 100km downstream of the

Sanakham HPP.

2.2 Project Features

Mekong Sanakham HPP (Figure4) would be developed mainly for power generation and is designed

with features for river navigation and fish passage. The Sanakham HPP is a run-of-river type of dam.

Major structures(Figure 5) include the following: powerhouse, sluice gate, 500 ton navigation lock,

fishpass, etc.The specifications of the dam are as follows: normal water level is 220 masl; dam crest

level is 230.5 masl; total installed capacity of the power plant is 684 MW; average annual energy

output is 3,696.7 GWh with the annual utilization hours of 5,601 hours. There are 12 bulb turbines in

total, with a discharge of 5,500m3/s.

The majority of the electricity produced is proposed to be transmitted to the Thailand power grid

through 500 kV transmission lines and the remaining electricity will be transmitted to Vientiane

through one circuit of 230 kV. The catchment area of the whole basin is 795,000 km2. The catchment

area above the dam site is 290,103 km2.

Figure 4: Mekong Sanakham Hydroelectric Power Project

Figure 5: Schematic of Dam &Associated Structures


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2.3 Project Components

Table 1: Project Components

Retaining

Structure

The whole structure of the project across the Mekong River has a total

length of about 893 meters with a crest elevation of 230.50 meters and a

height of 57.2 meters.

Reservoir

Construction of the dam across the Mekong river will create an upstream

reservoir area of 131.64 km2 at normal pool level 220 masl with a reservoir

volume of 987 millionm3 and a backwater length at normal pool level of 81

kilometers.

Navigation

Lock

Single-line one stage ship lock in the left bank floodplain on the right side

of sluice gate. It will consist of the following: upstream approach channel,

upstream lock head, downstream approach channel, U/S and D/S berthing

piers. Dimension of navigation lock is 120x12x4meters. Maximum

navigation clearance is 8 meters.

The mean duration of passing the lock for a vessel is tentatively defined as

40 minutes; the daily mean passing frequency is 20. The number of

navigable days is330; the annual total dead weight tonnage of one way

passing is 2.64 million tons. The daily mean water consumption is about 5.6

m3/s.

Sluice Gates

To minimize reservoir sediment and reduce the impact of land inundation

from the reservoir tail, 18 sluice gates will be part of the design. There will

be 11 surface flood flow releasing and sand flushing sluice gates on the left

bank; also, there will be 7 low level outlets, 4 on the right bank and 3 on left

bank which are designed for operation during the flood season and will

facilitate the discharge of sediment. The dimensions of each sluice gate are

15x22 meters.

Power House

One power house dam section is arranged on the riverbed

on the right side; it has 12 bulb tubular units with a total Capacity of 684

MW. The Power house dam section is 343meters long.

Fishpass

The fishpass will be designed to connect the migratory paths of fish. The

proposed design consists of an entrance, fishpass pond, resting pond, flood

gate and a maintenance gate at the entrance and exit. The size of fishpass

opening is 5x3 meters and the overall length of the fishpass is 1455 meters.


15

2.4 Projected Affected Areas

2.4.1 Inundated Area

The project will create a reservoir with a capacity of 987 million m3 (below PMF level 222.15 masl)

and 8.27 million m3 (below normal water level 220 masl). The inundated land includes arable land

(565.14 ha), orchards (59 ha), woodlands (1,750.74 ha) and homesteads (28.1 ha). A total of 3 villages

will be directly affected or inundated, requiring resettlement, and 10 villages will be indirectly or

partially affected, not totally inundated, from which families require relocation to higher ground.

2.4.2 Construction Area

The land area in the vicinity of dam site will be used for office and living facilities, warehouses,

electrical and mechanical equipments assembly yard, auto repair workshop, materials make up area,

machinery depot, concrete batching plant, quarry sites, disposal areas and road, etc

2.4.3 Road Access

A road from Sanakham Township to the dam site and a road from Kenthao Township to the dam site

on the right bank will be reconstructed. In addition to constructing new bridges, any access roads must

be reinforced or rebuilt to meet transportation requirements.

An access road from Pakmee Village to the head work area totalling 24.2 km will be constructed. This

includes 6.35 km around the seat of the village of Sanakham.The access road is a highway grade III

(asphaltic surfaced with two-lane of 8m wide) with a design speed of 30 km/hour. Similar design will

also be used for the access to quarry site with the total length of 1.88 km connected to the main access

road will also be constructed.

2.5 Project Implementation Schedule

The project implementation time will divide into 2 periods, preparation and construction

Preparation

Construction

First unit generation

Total construction duration

15

75

43

75

months

months

months

months


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3. 3.1

Social Policy and Legal Framework Compensation & Resettlement

Key Issues of the “Prime Minister Decree No. 192/PM on the Compensation and Resettlement of the

Development Project (2005)” include:

Project owners shall compensate APs for their lost rights to use land and for their lost assets

(structures, crops, trees, and other fixed assets), affected in full or part, at replacement cost.

Where significantly large or entire land holding are affected by a project, namely, agriculture,

residential or commercial land, compensation shall be through provision of “land for land”

arrangements of equivalent size and productivity and be acceptable to APs and project owners.

If the house or structure is unviable for continued use or the remaining area is less than the

minimum house size, the AP shall be entitled to be compensated for the entire structure at

replacement cost without depreciation or deduction for salvage materials. In case the

remaining structure is viable for continued use, project owners shall provide compensation for

the lost portion and assistance in cash or material for restoration of the remaining structure.

APs whose land or assets are temporary taken due to work under the project shall be fully

compensated for their net loss of income, damage assets, crops, trees, as the case may be. The

project owners shall also ensure that the land or assets are returned in its pre-project state.

Tenants or leasees of a house affected by the project shall be compensated for lost assets in the

amount equivalent to three months rental allowance and shall be assisted in finding alternative

rental accommodation.

APs who are living in rural or remote areas and don’t have any legal Land Use Certificate or

any other acceptable proof indicating land use right to the affected land and assets th y occupy

shall be compensated for their loss of assets at replacement cost and provided additional

assistance to ensure they are not worse off due to the project.

All APs, regardless of land use right, will be entitled to compensation for lost assets

(structures, crops, trees) at replacement cost, and provided with other assistance during the

transition period, and economic rehabilitation assistance to ensure that they are not worse off

due to the project.

All previous claims and unresolved issues related to tenure status and ownership of land and

other assets affected by the sub-project or components shall be resolved prior to initiating any

new land acquisition measures in order to to assess the loss to the AP.

Prior to the commencement of project construction, APs shall be fully compensated and

resettled and rehabilitation measures shall be in lace, although may not necessarily completed

yet.

APs displaced and/or affected due to the loss of income and livelihood shall be provided with the

following assistance until their income levels and living conditions can be stabilized:


17

(a) Transport allowance or assistance in kind to transfer to the resettlement site or their choice

of relocation.

(b) Food allowance, in cash or in kind and cash to compensate for income lost, during the

transition period

(c) Suitable development assistance after displacement during the transition period until they

are able to restore their incomes or improve their living standards.

(d) All APs directly affected by the project due to loss of 20% or more of productive income

generating assets (loss of agricultural, industrial or commercial resources) shall be entitled

to sustainable income restoration measures in addition to their entitlement for

compensation and other allowances enabling them to attain pre-project livelihood levels.

(e) For displaced persons whose land based livelihood are affected due to the project,

preference shall be given to land-based resettlement strategies, or where land is not

available, options built around opportunities for employment or self-employment.

(f) For displaced persons whose businesses are affected due to the project, in addition to

compensation for lost land, structures, and income, assistance shall be given to finding

replacement sites for business as appropriate.

(g) Rehabilitation measures shall specifically focus on vulnerable groups. Adequate

assistance, in addition to compensation for affected assets and other allowances, shall be

provided to enable such APs to achieve household income targets set above the national

poverty line.

(h) The project owner shall restore or repair community facilities and infrastructure that are

damaged due to the project, at no cost to the community.

(i) Any impact or restriction on access to resources managed by the affected community as a

common property shall be mitigated by arrangements ensuring access to improved or at

least equivalent resources on a continuing basis. Attention shall also be paid to directly

affected APs if their quality of life is reduced due to the loss of access to common property

resources.

3.2 Environmental & Social Impact Assessment

Decree on Environmental Impact Assessment 2010 – The latest decree of Lao PDR that addresses 2

types of investment project requiring environmental and social assessment:

Category 1: Investment projects which are small or create less impacts on environment and

society, but require initial environmental examination;

Category 2: Large - sized investment projects which are complicated or create substantial

impacts on environment and society but require environmental impact assessment.

The E&S assessment principles can be summarized as below.

(1) In relation to investment projects classified in Category 1 and Category 2, including

projects provided in Article 6 (2) of this Decree, the project developer must, first, obtain an

environmental compliance certificate, before any contract of mining and extracting of


18

mineral substances or constructing can be concluded, or before any business license can be

issued; and before they can start to clear the area, construct or implement the project.

(2) An IEE or an EIA must be conducted only by a Consultant Firm or by a Consultant who is

registered at the Water Resources and Environment Administration. The IEE or the EIA

must study several options, so that the best option can be selected. The scope should cover

impacts on antiquities, culture, and customs/traditions; plans to solve the negative impacts

on the environment and society; participation of the people who are (or will be) affected

by the investment project; participation of other stakeholders in discussion at all levels,

and in drawing up the budget for these activities.

(3) Ensuring the participation of the public and discussion with local administrations at all

levels, with those who are (or will be) affected by an investment project and other persons

involved in preparation and examination of a report on IEE or a report on the EIA.

(4) An individual, legal entity or organization who wishes to render environmental impact

assessment services in Lao PDR must comply with the following procedures:

o A domestic Consultant Firm must be licensed and registered at the Water Resources and Environment Administration.

o A domestic Consultant must be registered as an Environmental Consultant at the Water Resources and Environment Administration.

o A foreign Consultant Firm or foreign Consultant who has already got a license to

render environmental services in a foreign country must register its business with

the Water Resources and Environment Administration.

(5) A project developer must be liable for:

The accuracy of the data and information contained in the IEE or the EIA report.

Every expense incurred in the process of preparing and examining the IEE,

including measures to prevent and minimize impacts on the environment and

society or an EIA report or an Environmental Monitoring and Mamagement Plan

(EMMP) or a SMMP that monitors the implementation of measures to prevent and

minimize the impacts on the environment and society.

In relation to a new investment project which is likely to affect other investment

projects, there must be a CIA/TBIA.

For an investment project which is likely to create impacts beyond the border, a

CIA/TBIA must be conducted.

o o

o

o

(6) Any organizations involved in examination (or deliberation) of an IEE or an EIA report is

obliged to monitor the outcomes of the implementation of measures on prevention and

minimization of impacts on the environment and society or of an EMMP, whereas local

administrations have duties to monitor the implementation of the SMMP.

There are key roles of Lao Governmental agencies, MONRE and the local administrations in the ESIA

process as per the following.

MONRE

o To issue environmental compliance certificates to approve the IEE report proposed by the

sector bodies in charge of investment.


19

To participate in field inspections and participate in consultation meetings at district level.

The Water Resources and Environment Administration may nominate Provincial or

Prefectural Water Resources and Environment Divisions to participate on its behalf.

To coordinate with the concerned sector bodies and issue guidelines on practical

implementation.

Liaise with local administrations

To issue environmental compliance certificates to certify an IEE report based on the

verification of the Water Resources and Environment Administration.

To cooperate with and facilitate project developers in surveying and collecting information

to prepare reports and in organizing consultations with the people who are (likely to be)

affected by the investment project and other stakeholders.

To cooperate in the information dissemination process, and encourage people who are (likely

to be) affected by an investment project to access the objectives of the project, expected

benefits and the environmental and social impacts which might occur from the project.

o

o

o o

o

o

3.3 Hydropower Environmental and Social Sustainability

An important GOL environmental policy improvement can be found in the new national policy on

Environment and Social Sustainability of the Hydropower Sector in Lao PDR adopted in June 2005.

This policy employed the development principle based on Nam Theun 2 Hydropower Project which is

an integrated approach to the river basin that assesses cumulative impacts and proposes mitigation

inclusive of institutional and financing mechanisms. It applies to all large hydropower dams (with an

installed capacity of more than 50 MW or inundated area more than 10,000 hectares) constructed or

proposed after 1990. Accordingly, the Sanakham HPP should address the following:

Completion of a comprehensive EIA including cultural and archeological resources.

Identification of APs whose assets, resource use and livelihoods, and/or social or cultural

structures are involuntarily altered by the project. In addition cases of involuntary resettlement

and the SMMP are to be based on the decree no. 192/PM on the Compensation and

Resettlement of the Development Project (July 2005).

Watershed Management and Conservation should be effectively implemented through

offsetting any loss of natural terrestrial habitat based on NT2 Watershed Decree 39 of 2005.

This includes compensation measures to people residing within protected areas.

Continuous consultation with affected communities is required with comprehensive

environmental education and awareness activities.

Disclosure of information (Lao and English) related to project consultation reports, impact

assessment, mitigation plans and monitoring report are required with provision of information

centers in project area and in Vientiane.

Compliance with all relevant obligations including concession agreement under Lao national

laws, policies, strategies, action plans and international conventions through regular

monitoring and reporting.

The cost to the developer of implementing all environmental and social safeguards under the

user pay principle.

Organization of third-party monitoring and assessment with respect to the environmental and

social guidelines set.

Periodic review of the lessons learned from the implementation of this policy.

Annual preparation and disclosure of the Environment and Social Compliance Report.


20

3.4 Ethnic Groups

The 1991 Constitution defined Lao PDR as a Multi-Ethnic State with "Equality among all ethnic

groups” as described under Article 8 of the Constitution below:

The State pursues the policy of promoting Unity and Equality among all ethnic groups. All ethnic

groups have the rights to protect, preserve and promote the fine customs and cultures of their own

tribes and the nation. All Acts of creating Division and Discrimination among ethnic groups are

forbidden. The State implements every measure to gradually develop and upgrade the economic and

social level of all ethnic groups".

The 1992 ethnic policy, in the Resolution of the Central Politic Bureau of the Party concerning Ethnic

Affairs in the new era, focuses on gradually improving the living conditions of the ethnic groups, while

promoting their ethnic identity and cultural heritage. This general policy of the Party can be

summarized as follows:

Build national sentiment (national identity).

Realize equality among ethnic groups.

Increase the solidarity level among ethnic groups as members of the Lao family.

Resolve problems of Inflexible and Vengeful Thinking, as well as economic and cultural

inequality.

Improve the living conditions of the ethnic groups step by step.

Expand, to the greatest extent possible, the good and beautiful heritage and ethnic identity of

each group as well as their Capacity to participate in the affairs of the nation.

Various organizations responsible to implement the above policies are as follows:

The "Ethnic Committee" under the National Assembly, is in charge of drafting and evaluating

all legislations concerning ethnic groups, lobbying for its implementation and the

implementation of its socio-economic development plans.

The "Institute for Cultural Research" under the Ministry of Information and Culture, is

responsible for carrying out all ethnic research activities.

The "Lao Front for National Construction (LFNC)" as the mass (political) Organization, is the

lead institution for ethnic affairs.

The Constitution of Lao PDR was passed in 1991 as a consolidation of the rights and responsibilities of

the State and the people. Throughout the Constitution the term "citizens of all ethnicity" is used. The

Constitution states that all citizens have rights in education, health, land use and ownership, domicile

of choice, and economic development regardless of sex, religion, social status, education, or

ethnicity; as well as freedom of religion, freedom of speech; freedom to peacefully assemble and to

protest. All citizens have the right to work and carry out their chosen livelihoods. Articles 8 and 22,

guarantee that there will be no discrimination on the basis of ethnicity or gender, as specifically

mentioned as follows:

Article 8 - The State will carry out a policy of unity and equality among the various ethnic

groups. All ethnic groups have the right to preserve and improve their own traditions and

culture and those of the nation. Discrimination between ethnic groups is forbidden. The state

will carry out every means in order to continue to improve and raise the economic and social

conditions of all ethnic groups.


21

Article 22 - All Lao citizens, regardless of their sex, social position, education, beliefs or

ethnicity, are equal in front of the law.

One key management of ethnic groups in Lao PDR is the LFNC. The LFNC is the institution

that manages affairs related to indigenous people. It was established in 1996. The LFNC is

designated as an advisor to the central committee of the Party and the State and at the local

level, including the district level. The Party assists the LFNC in carrying out its duties. The

LFNC is responsible for the following:

o To promote the human development of ethnic minority officials; o To ensure that educational opportunities are made available to ethnic Minorities; o To promote and preserve cultural traditions; o To improve and expand healthcare, knowledge of reproductive health traditional

medicine and detoxification of opium addicted persons;

o To enhance the administrative mechanism for ethnic minorities including their

promotion in rural development activities by ensuring that other agencies are aware of

the requirements for the participation of ethnic minorities.

Other GOL’s policies and legislations relevant to ethnic groups are as follows:

According to The Land Laws, 1997, the GOL consider Land as the National Community

Property that is administered by the State for use and as a mean for all Socio-Economic

Development. All the lands must be used effectively and be based on the macro-level and

micro-level development planning. There is no personal ownership of land, but the citizens are

allowed to use it and have a customary right to its resources.

The Land Law also stipulates that, in the case that the public infrastructure development

projects cause damages to trees, crops or buildings of the private owners, the land owners have

the rights to be compensated for the damages.

Ethnic groups maintain land tenure rights equal to all Lao citizens with certain specifications

(see Section 3.1.5.1) and even preferential access and customary user rights to certain forest

products (Forestry Law,Article 30; MAF Regulation 535; MAF Orders 54 and 377).

Customary rights on land use among the ethnic groups are passed down from generation to generation.

Traditionally, no land titles were involved and no boundaries were officially demarcated. In remote rural

areas, these customary rights are still practiced to the acceptance of the local authorities widely. Many

ethnic groups have traditionally recognized certain areas of forest as sacred forests. In addition, among

the ethnic groups, individuals or households were considered to be the owners of specific trees, such as

those used for resin-tapping or that may have ancestral spiritual significance. These are important

aspects of village cultural and economic life that need to be investigated and strictly respected.

The GOL has developed a "Land and Forest Allocation" program with the aim to allocate the

land to individuals and to demarcate the village forest and land boundaries for proper land use

planning and forest management in a sustainable way. The main objectives of the land and

forest allocation program are:

o To promote crop production to replace shifting cultivation through allocation and titling of production land

o To protect forest through forest classification

o To utilize the allocated forests on sustainable basis.

The Prime Minister Decree No. 117 elaborated in 3 articles aiming:


22

o To allocate 2-5 ha of forest and forest land to each household and 100-500 ha to each village

o To allow villagers to manage and use allocated forest as long as wood volume Increases

o To allow villagers to inherit or transfer allocated forest to others o To recognize ownership of individuals and groups to degraded land which they plant

trees, regenerate, grow crops or raise livestock by themselves.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s (MAF) Regulation on Village Forest Management

was issued in June 2001. Mostly to consolidate existing provisions concerning village forests,

e.g. classification of village forest, harvest of logs for housing and social welfare construction

activities. However, collection of Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) for sale is also

recognized, with the condition that management plans are formed and approved. NTFPs have

been recognized as one of the few income sour es available to rural villagers for a long time

without legal recognition, which, for the first time, this regulation provides.

The exploitation of forest resources must be in a sustainable way and be under the close

supervision of the local authorities as per adopted Forestry Law and in accordance to the land

use planning.

There are also other related policies and laws/regulations, such as the GOL’s Resettlement and

Compensation policies, the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) and World Bank’s (WB) Safeguard

Policies on the same issues. These aim at ensuring that the losses of APs are compensated, that they

share project benefits and that their social and economic potential are developed in order to

improve or at least restore their incomes and living standards to pre-project levels.

Despite the efforts made by the above institutions to improve the situation of ethnic people, many ethnic

groups still lag behind the Lao ethnic group in terms of the poverty rate, literacy and health. Many

ethnic groups still cannot speak and read the Lao language and thus are unable to effectively make

use of schools and health clinics which have only Lao speaking staff. Also, many ethnic people live

in remote areas of the country and have difficulty reaching a larger settlement where access to

employment opportunities, healthcare and education is available.

3.5 Cultural and Archaeology

Cultural and Natural Heritage in the Lao PDR is controlled by the following laws and regulations:

The national Heritage Laws of Lao PDR on the preservation of culture, historical and natural

heritage. Complete set of regulations concerning the management of culture, historical and

natural heritage was agreed by theNational Assembly Number 08/NA on dated 09 November

2005.

The Decree of the President of the Lao PDR on the preservation of culture, historical

and natural heritage. Complete set of regulations concerning the management of cultural,

historical and natural heritage.

Constitution. Article 19: The management of national heritage is a State study.

Penal Code. Article 103: Sanction to law offenders in particular in the cases of damage

and destruction of cultural sites, export and trade of antiquities.


23

Law on the protection of environment. Article 16: Developers must abide by laws and

regulations concerning the material culture sites that might be affected by their

development projects.

The Ministry of Information and Culture, on behalf of the council of Ministers implements the

National policy on culture and cultural heritag . It is represented at provincial and district

level by the Office of Information and Culture of province and district, respectively. Laws and

regulations on cultural heritage are enforced under the guidance and control of Ministry of

Information and Culture. Lawsuits are filed by Ministry of Information and Culture and

transmitted to courts for trials and sanctions against offenders.

In other contractual arrangements, PCRs are to be handled in accordance with the GOL’s regulations

and the WB’s Operational Policy Note (OPN) 11.03 and Operational Policy (OP) 4.11.

3.6 Tourism

Key issues of the 2005 Law on Tourism related to Sanakham tourism are as follows:

Article 1: Purposes - The Law on tourism sets the principles, procedures and measur s on the

establishment, activity and administration of tourism aiming to promote and develop the cultural,

historical and eco-tourisms in extending, sustainable ways, transforming to modern tourism industry

and contributing the national protection and development, to promotion of mutual understanding,

peace, friendship and to cooperate in international development.

Article 2: Tourism - Tourism is traveling to other locations or countries for the purpose of sightseeing,

relaxation, entertainment, cultural exchange, sport, health promotion, research study, exhibition,

meeting, and other activities without the intention of finding employment, or it’s the movement of

professional carriers in any form of profit making.

Article 4: State Policy towards Tourism - The State centrally and uniformly administers throughout the

country on the conservation, protection and development of cultural and historical, eco-tourism in

sustainable and participatory manner.

The State considers tourism as a component of the national economy to promote the production,

services, increasing of the standing export, creation of works’ places, income’s generation and

improvement of livelihood of Lao ethnical people.

The State and society promote advertising campaigns, festivals, fairs on culture, fine national traditions

and the heroic inheritances of Lao ethnic people to attrac domestic and foreign tourists.

The State respects and protects legitimate interests including securing the safety of the tourists.

The State pays attention to create the conditions and protect rights and interests of individuals,

organizations within the country and abroad that invest in the development and promotion of tourism.

Article 5: The Obligation of Individuals and Organizations - To promote tourism, individuals and

domestic organizations shall have obligations to contribute in conservation, protection, development

and promotion of culture, fine traditions, arts, literature, handicraft that have unique character, tourism

resources, the wealthy and beauty of national natural resources.

Individuals and foreign organization entering the Lao PDR shall have the same obligations to

contribute to the protection of the tourism sites, culture and fine Lao traditions.


24

Article 6: International Cooperation - The State promotes international cooperation in tourism to

exchange lessons, information, building and training of authorities, attract assistance, promote

investment, advertise Lao tourism, promote tourism development and develop international standards

of tourist services.

3.7 Other Lao Laws Relevant to SIA

Land Law (1997)

Land within Lao PDR is the property of the national community, and individuals are assigned to

effectively use the land, but not treat it as a tradable commodity. The law sets out the rights of those

who have been allocated land, including the right to transfer that land.

Road Law (1999)

Environmental protection is required during road activities. National and provincial authorities of the

Ministry of Communications, Transport, Post and Construction are responsible for environmental

protection on road projects. Reasonable compensation must be paid to individuals whose land is

expropriated for road rights-of-way, relocation of replacement structures, and loss of trees and crops.

The Amended Forestry Law, No 06/NA (Dec. 2007)

Determines basic principles, regulations and measures on sustainable management, preservation,

development, utilization and inspection of forest resources and forest land, promotion of regeneration

and tree planting, and increase of forest resources in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic aiming for

maintaining the balance of nature, making forest and Forestland a stable source of living and use of

people, ensuring sustainable preservation of water sources, prevention of soil erosion and maintenance

of soil quality, conserving plant and tree species, wildlife species as well as environment and

contributing to the national socio-economic development.

3.8 Lao Party Congress Social Policy

The eighth Party Congress of Lao People’s Revolutionary Party in of 2006 issued seven main policies:

1) Determine targets related to national development aiming at central economic development;

continue to deal with the poverty of people particularly families; strongly strive to achieve the

target basically eliminating poverty by 2010; achieve an annual economic growth rate of 7.5

percent.

2) Enhance the effectiveness of state macro management of the market economy ensure the

expansion of economy and society in line with socialist principles.

3) Bolster human resource development in every area to fulfill the needs of socio-economic

development modern times; attend to implementation of suitable social policy, harmonizing with

the conditions and reality of the economic and financial situation in Laos.

4) Enhance state power in line with the principle building a state that is of people, by the people and

for the benefit of the people; build Laos in such ay that becomes a state governed the rule of

law.

5) Increase unity among entire population on the basis of workers-farmers alliance, revolutionary

intellectuals and students under the leadership of the Party.


25

6) Implement the national defense and security policy among the entire population to defend the

independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, to guarantee stability and peace for socio-

economic development and the livelihood of the people.

7) Continue implementing creative foreign policy for the purpose of actively integrating Laos with

the international community, implement multi-direction and multi-forms on the basis of mutual

respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and noninterference in

each other’s internal affairs on an equal footing and with mutual interest.

3.9 Safeguard Policy of the World Bank

The international lending agencies, in particular, the WB requires that the dams be designed and its

construction supervised by experienced and competent professionals.

It also requires that the borrower adopt and implement certain dam safety measures for the design, bid

tendering, construction, operation, and maintenance of the dam and associated works.

A number of operational directives have been on boarded as basis for the borrowers to follow.

Tabulated below summarizes the WB’s operational policies (OP).

Operational Policy Actions and/or Responses

Environmental Assessment (OP

4.01)

Phase 1 Report analyzing project alternatives through

environmental and social screening.

This EIA which covers environmental impacts, mitigation and

management in the design, construction and operation phases of

the project. Parallel SIA which covers social impacts,

mitigation and management in the design, construction and

operation phases of the project.

Natural Habitats (OP 4.04) Flora and fauna species arrays and habitats are examined in

Sections 4.4.1 and 4.4.4 respectively. Conservation status of all

species is noted and forest protection areas are identified in

Section 4.4.3 and analyzed in Section 5.1.3.

Fish species and habitats are examined in Section 4.4.5.

Riverine habitats are mapped and described. Habitat

preferences are assigned to all species. The absence of endemic

species is noted.

Impacts on natural habitats and mitigation management are

included.

Pest Management (OP 4.09) Reservoir biomass clearance will be by mechanical means. No

chemicals will be used. Similarly, use of pesticides will be

minimized in resettlement site preparation.

Livelihood programs in the resettlement plan and Watershed

Management Plan will teach biological and environmental pest


26

Operational Policy Actions and/or Responses

control measures.

Involuntary Resettlement (OP

4.12)

A Resettlement Action Plan complying with World Bank

guidelines and Lao legislative requirements has been prepared

and submitted to rounds of AP and other stakeholder

participation and AP approval.

Indigenous Peoples (OP 4.10) All APs are from the same ethnic minority group. Therefore an

Ethnic Minorities People’s Plan (which complies w th World

Bank and Lao PDR guidelines) has been incorporated into the

resettlement plan to produce a Resettlement and Ethnic

minorities People’s Plan,

Forests (OP 4.36) The Watershed Management Plan will protect the catchment

forests as a priority.

The project will impact on a minimal area of natural forest.

The project includes management measures to minimize

exploitation of NTFPs by the construction work force.

The REMPP includes the retention of NTFP collection rights

for resettlers.

Safety of Dams (OP 4.37) Dam safety, including an assessment of seismic potential, has

been fully covered in the technical and economic component.

3.10 International Principle and Best Practice

3.10.1 Equator Principle

The “equator principle” is one of the various international E&S standards primarily based on

International Financial Corporation’s Performance that contains 9 principles which are:

its

Principle 1: Review and Categorization

Principle 2: Social and Environmental Assessment

Principle 3: Applicable Social and Environmental Standards

Principle 4: Action Plan and Management System

Principle 5: Consultation and Disclosure

Principle 6: Grievance Mechani m

Principle 7: Independent Review

Principle 8: Covenants


27

Principle 9: Independent Monitoring and Reporting

Principle10: Reporting

The above 2006 Principles adopt stronger social and environmental standards. They place a greater

emphasis on the social risks and impacts associated with a project. These changes are reflected in both

the language (e.g. the shift to “social and environmental assessment”) and substance (e.g. the clear

separation of social and environmental impacts in the revised project categories) of the 2006

Principles. The 2006 Principles also include a commitment to periodic reporting. This change seeks to

address a common criticism of the original principles: a lack of transparency. However, the 2006

Principles also expressly recognize that confidentiality must be taken into account in reporting. At a

minimum, the Equator financial institutions commit to report annually on the number of transactions

screened and the categorization accorded to them, and on their experience in implementing the 2006

Principles. It is expected that reporting will exceed this benchmark. To the extent that the Equator

financial institutions are able to balance periodic reporting on the kinds of items described in Bank

Track’s working document, Transparency and the Equator Principles, with their confidentiality

obligations, the 2006 Principles may avoid some of the c iticism leveled at its original principles.

3.10.2 World Commission on Dams – Criteria and Guidelines

The World Commission on Dams, having considered the multiple and diverse impacts and interests in

dams, concluded in their report to have identified five critical decision points within dam planning to

have the strongest influence on the performance of projects. These points are strategic in nature, and

not directly applicable to the current status of the Mekong Sanakham Hydroelectric Power Project.

However, the WCD suggests that projects should be reviewed for social aspects such as:

Stakeholder analysis based on risks and rights resulting in the formation of a stakeholder

forum.

Supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged stakeholders to participate in an informed

manner.

Understand the distribution of costs and benefits across stakeholders

Agree measures to promote development of, and ensure benefits to project affected and

displaced people.

Include recourse and compliance mechanisms.

3.11 Regional Agreement

The regional agreement is founded on "The Agreement on the Cooperation for the

Sustainable Development of the Mekong River Basin (1995)" This agreement was signed

on 5 April 2005 by four Mekong riparian countries, namely, the Kingdom of Cambodia,

the Lao People's Democratic Republic, the Kingdom of Thailand and the Socialist

Republic of Viet Nam.

The agreement has set a new mandate for organization to cooperate in all fields of

sustainable development, utilization, management and conservation of the water and

related resources of the Mekong River Basin. Signatories to this treaty agree that transfer

of the Mekong River and tributary water outside the Mekong River Basin can occur only

by consensus among the four country members. The member countries therefore agree to

coordinate in water project planning and monitoring of the basin waters.


28

Also important is to start a process of reasonable and equitable use of the Mekong River

system in each country to develop procedures for water utilization. The Mekong River

Commission (MRC) is supporting a joint basin-wide planning process with the four

countries called The Basin Development Plan, which is the basis of its Integrated Water

Resources Development Program. The MRC has included the following topics: fishery

management, the promotion of safe navigation, irrigated agriculture, watershed

management, environmental monitoring, flood management and exploring hydropower

alternatives.

The agreement outlines three sets of procedures:

1) Procedures for Notification, prior to Consultation and Agreement, requires

member countries to alert each other on planned river development that

could significantly affect their neighbors, and to provide information

regarding the developments, including technical specifications and

environmental assessments.

Procedures for Water Use Monitoring which can provide a legal basis for a

water use monitoring system to be established in the lower Mekong Basin.

Procedures for the Maintenance of Flows on the Mainstream.

2)

3)

These agreed procedures provide a definition of water use, covering uses of the Mekong

that may have a significant impact on water quality and hydrological regimes on the

mainstream of the Mekong.

4. SOCIAL BASELINE STUDY 1: OVERVIEW OF THE SOCIO-

ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN LAO PDR AND THE STUDY AREA

4.1 Country Socio-Economic Setting

4.1.1 Socio-cultural

Lao PDR is a nation in Southeast Asia located within the Lower Mekong sub-region. It has 17

provinces covering an area of 236,800 km2. The Lao PDR has the population of 6.8 million (about

100,000 households). There are three main ethnicities, Lao, Hmong and Kmou but there are a total of

49 ethnic groups. The main

summarized as below:

re

236

6.8

25

2.5%

3.1

3

Buddhism

Land Area:

Population:

Population Density:

Population Growth:

Labor Force:

Ethnicity:

Religion:

4.1.2 Macroeconomics

The GOL has opened the countr

years (2005-2009) the Lao econo

at an average rate of 7.4%, a ra

China. Data on economy showe

agriculture and forestry (42.8%

exported to are Thailand, Vietna

exported are gold, copper, timber,

GDP Growth (2005-09):

GDP Growth (2010):

Agriculture contribution:

Industrial contribution:

Service contribution:

GDP capita (2001-05):




Inflation of currency:

Exchange rate:

In 2010, the GDP growth of the Lao

of growth mainly reflects substantial

2010 and contributed most to the grow

hydropower plant, the biggest in

output is exported to Thailand. Mining

metal prices.

4.1.3 Foreign Direct Investme

Since 2005, foreign direct inve

$/year) (Figure 7), mainly com

Thailand investing in hydro-powe


29

eligion is Buddhism. The general socio-cultural

236,800 km2

6.8 Million (2010)

25 persons/km2

2.5%

3.1 Millions

3 ethnicity with 49 groups

Buddhism

Figure

ry's doors to globalization and favors free markets.

economy is based on gross domestic product (GDP)

ate similar to surrounding countries, such as Thailand,

wed that the top three industries that contributed

%), industries (32.0%), and services (25.3%).

Vietnam, China, South Korea and the United Kingdom

ber, garments, and electricity.

09):

ion:

n:

05):

07):

08):

09):

7.4%

7.5%

42.8%

32.0%

25.3%

491 US$/per person/year

678 US$/ per person/year



9.6%

8,000 kip/1 US$ (2012)

Lao PDR showed an increase in GDP of 7.5%. This

ntial investment in mining and hydropower. Indus

the growth. Output of electricity more than doubled

the country at 1,070 MW, reached full capacity in

Mining production rose by 19.0% last year, spu

ment

estments have sharply flowed into the Lao PDR

ming from China and Vietnam investing in the

wer projects. Therefore, to facilitate the investments

l information can be

e 6: Map of Lao PDR

ets. For the past five

and has bee growing

hailand, Vietnam and

d to the growth were

The main countries

m. The main products

This prolonged period

stry grew by 18.0% in

ed as the Nam Theun 2

in April. Most of their

urred by higher global

R (>180 million US

e mining sector and

ments and make the


30

country a more attractive place for investments, the government is trying to reform its foreign trade

policy, with the primary objective to join the World Trade Organization (WTO). To achieve this, Laos

has been working on the reform of its investment laws, following by the approval of the National

Assembly of a new investment law that

investment.

provides an equal treatment of domestic and foreign

Figure 7: Foreign Direct Investment for Lao PDR

4.1.4 Inflation & Wage

The 2012 minimum wage for Lao workers was 628,000 kip per month but, if allowances are included,

a worker on the minimum wage can earn more. As we write in 2012, the Lao Federation of Trade

Unions wants to propose a minimum wage of about 798,000 kip per month. Some economists have

expressed concern that raising the minimum wage in Lao PDR might cause even higher inflation.

Higher fuel prices have caused food prices to rise in Vientiane. Because of rising food and fuel prices,

in 2011 authorities negotiated a rise in the minimum wage for Lao workers. The Lao Federation of

Trade Unions has stated the proposed wage rise is aimed at improving the livelihoods of workers in

response to rising inflation. Some businesses and economists have voiced concern that raising the

minimum wage could lead to higher inflation as it would increase production costs and businesses

would have to sell their products at higher prices.

4.1.5 Banking & Currency Exchange

In September 2010, the Lao Government raised its interest-rate policy, from 4.0% to 5.0% for loans of

less than 1 week. It phased out direct lending for off-budget infrastructure projects, which had been a

cause of high rates of growth in credit. However, disbursement of central bank lending committed in

2009 continued to feed credit growth.

The central bank of Lao PDR also uses exchange-rate policy to address inflation, aiming to limit

fluctuations in the Lao kip to 5% a year against major currencies. Last year (2010), the kip rose against

the US dollar by 3.0% but fell by 5.0% against the Thai baht. The effectiveness of monetary policy is

hampered by the widespread use of the US dollar. To promote use of the kip, the government has

directed most of its revenue departments to accept only that currency and has asked wholesalers and


31

retailers to use it for quoting prices. Such measures have helped to lower the level of dollarization to

below 50% in 2010, from a peak of 79.0% in 1999.

4.1.6 Fiscal Situation

Strong growth in government revenue, in part a result of high global prices for copper and gold, helped

to rein in the budget deficit in fiscal year 2010. Growth in spending moderated relative to 2009, when

the government had lifted outlays to cushion the impact of the global recession. The budget deficit,

including grants but excluding off-budget spending, narrowed to an estimated 3% of GDP from 5.1%

in 2009. Including off-budget spending, it was close to 5%.Mineral exports exceeded US$1 billion for

the first time and electricity exports rose to $375 million. Shipments of clothing increased in value by

about 14% to $184 million, mainly on better demand from Japan and the Republic of

Korea.Merchandise imports rose by an estimated 13.5% to $2.8 billion.

4.2 Provincial & District Socio-economic Setting

4.2.1 Administrative Area &Population

The Sanakham HPP is within the boundary of 2 provinces, Vientiane and Xayaboury. Xayaboury is

located on the right bank, while Vientiane is on the left bank. Some villages in Kenthao and Paklay of

Xayaboury will be affected by the Full Supply Level (FSL) of 220 masl and some villages in

Sanakham will also be affected. The general socio-economic information of the area is outlined below

(Figure 8).

Figure 8: Map showing Xayaboury and

a) Vientiane Province

Vientiane Province is located on

area of 15,927 square kilometers.

capital city and Sanakham is a border

Districts in study

Districts in study

Meun is a new district of Vientiane

district located on the left bank

riparian villages in this district are


32

Vientiane provinces

the left bank of the Mekong River in central Lao

rs. The total population is about 433,567 people.

border District situated opposite to Chiang Khan District

study area

study area

Vientiane Province. It was established recently in 2006.

bank of the Mekong opposite to Pak Chom District

re identified as downstream communities of the Sanakh

o PDR and has a total

ple. Phonehong is its

istrict in Thailand.

06. Meun is a border

t of Thailand. Some

anakham HPP.


33

Table 2: Xayaboury Population

Districts in study area

Xayaboury b)

Xayaboury (right bank of the Mekong) is a northwestern province sharing a border with Thailand and

is known as a very rugged landscape with forested mountains, and is also known for the production of

rice, cotton, peanuts, sesame, maize and oranges. Teak forests cover large parts of the province.

Xayaboury has a population of about 346,512.

4.2.2 Infrastructure & Social Facilities

a) Road

Highway Number 13 (see Lao Road Map Fig. 9) is the main paved road linking Vientiane Capital City

to Luang Prabang and road number 4 can be accessed from this road, Road number 4 is currently

under paving with two grades of asphalt. It reaches Xayaboury town, Palay and Kenthao from Xieng

Ngeun District of Luang Prabang. For the road from Vientiane to Sanakham, it is now under an

upgrade to a paved road supported by the Thai Government. Approximately 76% and 73% of villages

for Vientiane and Xayaboury, respectively, are served with an access road.

No.

Name of District

No. of village

Total HH

No. of Population

01

Xayaboury

101

12,658

74,413

36,775

02

Khop

28

3,536

17,639

9,290

03

Hongsa

45

4,660

26,178

13,228

04

Ngeun

25

2,808

15,490

7,882

05

Xienghon

44

5,486

28,778

16,302

06

Phieng

54

9,320

52,333

25,606

07

Paklay

71

12,267

63,675

31,228

08

Kenthao

53

7,735

42,378

18,587

09

Boten

30

3,486

17,094

8,666

10

Thungmixay

14

1,726

8,534

4,354

Total

465

63,682

=346,512

=171,918


34

H

7

c

Table 3: Vientiane Province Infrastructure


No.

Name of

District

No.of

Village

Community Infrastructure

Have access

road

ave market

Have

Electricity

Have primary

s hool

01

Phonehong

59

58

6

58

44

02

Thoulakhom

37

37

4

37

37

03

Keo-Oudom

25

19

2

22

22

04

Kasy

48

13

1

33

46

05

Vangvieng

64

59

4

56

57

06

Feuang

63

53

2

58

63

07

Sanakham

41

25

1

31

39

08

Meun

30

16

0

17

30

09

Viengkham

19

19

4

19

17

10

Hinhurp

45

45

2

36

41

11

Hom

41

22

3

18

39

12

Xaisomboun

56

36

6

26

50

Total

528

402

(76%)

35

(7%)

411

( 8%)

485

(92%%)


35

N

t

%

4

c

Table 4: Xayaboury Infrastructure

primary


Other Infrastructure b)

Like access roads, there is limited infrastructure in these two provinces. The statistics show that:

42% and 78% of villages in Xayaboury and Vientiane, respectively, are served with

electricity.

Approximately 10% of villages in the two provinces have market.

About 90% of villages in the two provinces have primary schools.

Details of infrastructures statistics for Vientiane and Xayaboury are shown in Tables 3 and Tables 4,

respectively.

No.

ame of Dis rict

No.of

village

Community Infrastructure

Having

access road

Having

market

Having

Electricity

Having

s hool

01

Xayaboury

101

64

2

34

84

02

Khop

28

21

1

11

27

03

Hongsa

45

29

4

15

38

04

Ngeun

25

12

4

11

20

05

Xienghon

44

38

6

17

38

06

Phieng

54

35

6

30

46

07

Paklay

71

55

25

26

71

08

Kenthao

53

42

2

25

48

09

Boten

30

30

2

18

23

10

Thungmixay

14

14

3

11

13

Total

465

(100%)

340

(73%)

55

(12 )

198

( 2%)

408

(88%)


36

Figure 9: Road Network in Lao PDR


37

There are now 5,968 poor families in 88 villages in Vientiane Province, accounting for 7.2 percent of

the total provincial population. It should be noted that a target has been set to achieve an average

annual per capita income of US$1,400, with an average growth rate of 9 percent for the next five years.

Xayaboury Province

The Xayaboury Province comprises 10 districts, of which Xayaboury and Xienghon a e on the

government's list of 47 poorest districts nationwide. Locals have been farming for many centuries and

district officials believe combining local knowledge with modern farming techniques is the key for

poverty reduction. Although the number of poor families is steadily declining year by year the district

cannot achieve basic poverty alleviation this year because some people still live in poor conditions and

are waiting for assistance. However, district officials are confident they will be able to declare basic

poverty reduction by 2012.

The district has more 3,000 hectares of rice fields and 2,600 hectares of Job's tears which are expected

to increase in the future as villagers boost production for sale. Villagers compete to grow Job's tears to

sell to a Chinese-owned factory in the district. A Chinese company also has a concession of about

4,500 hectares to grow rubber trees, which provides local people with employment. It is believed that

infrastructure development and teaching new farming methods to poor families helped them to expand

their farming and animal husbandry activities, and are important factors in improving their living

standards.

But the provincial government has difficulty getting farmers to move away from using old fashioned

techniques that result in low yields, though they continue to educate locals about improved agricultural

practices. The district has only two markets so the provincial government has set up eight groups who

go directly to villages to buy surplus crops so villagers can be sure to sell all of their produce.

It is found that some 6,036 families living in the district, 1,328 are still living below the poverty line,

he added. All villages in the district can be accessed by road but only 30 percent can be accessed all

year round. District officials are hoping eight remote villages will be connected to the electricity grid

this year. So far 27 villages in the district are connected and all villages are slated to have electricity by

2013.

The average annual income in the province now stands at more than 5 million kip, and is expected to

rise in the near future. The government's Poverty Reduction Fund has so far invested 500 million kip in

improvements to basic infrastructure.

b) Poverty Setting

Poverty here means the lack of basic requirement in daily livelihood, such as lack of food {less than

2,100 kilocalories/person/day}, clothing, permanent shelter, inability to afford medical treatments,

inability to afford one’s education and the education of other member in the fa}mily.

According to Decree 285/PM dated 13 October 2009 on Poverty Elimination and Development

Measures, the rural poverty line was then set at 180,000 kip/person/month or 0.75 US$/day. The

2009 United Nations Human Development Report included the following world map of poor people

earning below 1.25 US$/person/day (Figure10).


38

Figure 10: World Map of poverty living <1.25 US$/person/day

The UN report defined poverty as an economic condition of lacking both money and basic necessities

needed to successfully live, such as food, water, education, healthcare, and shelter.

4.3 Land Use & Agriculture in the Study Area

Based on the GIS and ground surveys of the study teams, the project catchment area of approximately

1.6 million ha is located within Paklay and Kenthao districts of Xayaboury Province, and Sanakham

District of Vientiane Province. Nearly half of the total area is un-stocked forest that has been

encroached for utilization of timber and NTFPs. Another half is a better quality forest area; 6% of

which is bamboo.

The survey indicates that approximately 80% of the total population is engaged in farming. The

average land holding is 1.79 ha with 20 % of households having 1 hectare or more and 40 % having

less than 1 hectare. About 60% of the area devoted to rice production is for the production of sticky

rice, a subsistence crop used primarily for home consumption. Some fruit trees grown are mango,

coconut, banana, jackfruit and tamarind. Livestock raised include cattle, buffaloes, goats, turkeys, pigs

and chickens.

For agricultural production, the key cash crops are rice, vegetables, beans and maize/sweet corn. On

the average, the production of sticky rice is approximately 2 to 3tons per ha.


39

n

n

n

a

Table 5: Land Use in Sanakham HPP Catchment Area

Key livelihood resources

Only about 4% of the project catchment area is identified as an area for agriculture. The rice paddy

area is estimated at 28, 662 ha for people from 165 villages (27,578 HH) in the three districts.

(Figure11)

No.

Land Use Type

Are in ha

% of Total Area

01

Bamboo

92,918

5.8

02

Coniferous Forest

41

0.0

03

Dry Dipterocarp

49,539

3.1

04

Evergreen forest

6,897

0.4

05

Forest plantation

43

0.0

06

Grassland

18,170

1.1

07

Mixed broad leaved and coniferous

2,695

0.2

08

Mixed deciduous

638,320

39.7

09

Other agricultural la ds

2,482

0.2

10

Other la ds

2,997

0.2

11

Ray

35,662

2.2

12

Rice Paddy

28,662

1.8

13

Rock

305

0.0

14

Savannah

3,089

0.2

15

Scrub

5,886

0.4

16

Un-stocked forest

704,315

43.8

17

Urban a d built-up area

313

0.0

18

Water

16,397

1.0

Total

1,608,732

100.0

Figure 11: Land Use in the Project Catch


40

chment Area

4.4 General Livelihood Reso

Within the radius of 10 km of the

(mainly the Mekong River and its

bank gardens are also found grow

Figure 12: Left-river-bank Gardening by

The people can access nearby forests

sometimes for sale. These include:

Timber for housing at the rate

villagers to take timber for

animal and poultry houses.

Firewood is collected from forests.

house, to be used for cooking

from slash and burned forest

Charcoal making is common

collection of NTFPs include

fruits, mushrooms, medicina

these resources is at unsustainable

at times when rice is short or

Hunting and trapping wild m

life is sold as well as consum


41

ources

the riparian villages, the livelihood resources consists

its tributaries), un-stocked forest, bamboo forest,

wing mainly maize/corns, beans and vegetables.

y Woman at Ban Donsok

forests and harvest resources for food and other

e:

rate of 5 m3 per household; traditional forest manage

also other domestic structures than the house

forests. Every household normally has storage of

cooking and heating in the cooler season. Fuel for fires

or recycled from other uses.

for cooking, boiling, heating and for sale.

include bamboo and rattan shoots, eagle wood with resins,

al plants, seeds and seedling. However, much of

unsustainable levels. Poorer families turn to forests prod

the crops fail.

mammals, reptiles, birds and insets occurs even

med at home.

onsists of water body

and grassland. River

her household uses or

management permits

such as rice storage,

of firewood under the

ires is often collected

resins, wild vegetables,

of the exploitation of

ducts for food security

it is prohibited. Wild


42

4.5 Education

As shown earlier in Tables 4-3 and 4-4 that nearly all villages in the study area has a primary school

for the young people. However, secondary schools are limited butareavailable mostly in the main

towns, such as Sanakham, Meun, Kenthao and Paklay.

The recent statistics (NSC, 2006) indicated that 13.7% and 14.5% of people of age 6 or above had no

schooling(for Vientiane and Xayaboury, respectively). In general, percentage of female attended

school was higher than male(Table 6).

The statistics also indicated that there was very high percentage of people leaving school after finished

their primary education. The reason for the low attendance in secondary school was partly explained

by the distant location of the schools. Most secondary schools are located in town. If parents could not

afford dormitory and other required expenditures, youth have few options but to leave school and work

in the rice fields or find employment elsewhere.

The literacy rate of people 15 years and above in Vientiane and Xayaboury provinces was higher than

the whole country average (72.7%). The Xayaboury showed the highest rate at 80.4%(Table 7).

Table 6: Schooling Situation of Population Aged 6 Years and Above

Source: NSC (2006)

Table 7: Situation of Literacy Rate of Population Aged 15 Years and Above

No.

Province

Female

Male

Total

01

Vientiane

70.8

88.3

79.7

02

Xayaboury

73.9

86.9

80.4

03

Whole Country

63.2

82.5

72.7

No.

Province

No.

schooling

Attending primary school

Left school

No answer

Total

01 Vientiane 13.7% 31.1% 51.6% 3.6% 100.0%

- Male 19.1% 28.9% 47.4% 4.6% 100.0%

- Female 8.5% 33.2% 55.6% 2.7% 100.0%

02 Xayaboury 14.5% 27.8% 55.9% 1.8% 100.0%

Male 19.0% 25.3% 53.5% 2.2% 100.0%

Female 10.2% 30.2% 58.2% 1.4% 100.0%

03 Whole Country 22.8 28.4 46.7 2.1 100.0%

Male 29.5 25.6 42.4 2.6 100.0%

Female 16.1 31.3 51.1 1.6 100.0%


43

Source: NSC (2006)

4.6 Public Health Assessment

4.6.1 National Health Situation

a) Geo-demography and reproductive health status

Lao PDR is a landlocked country with 49 ethnic groups located in the heart of the Indochinese

peninsula in South-East Asia. It shares borders with China, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and

Myanmar. Lao PDR has a land area of 236,800 square kilometers, three quarters of which is covered

by mountains and plateaus. It has a tropical climate with a monsoon season from May to October.

The population of Lao PDR reached 5,621,000 (five million six hundred and twenty-one thousand) and

had a natural growth rate of 2.5 percent according to the 2005 Census on Population and Housing. The

Census recorded a very young population structure with about half of the total population under the

age of 20 years old. The average household size was 5.9 persons and about 1 in 10 households were

headed by a woman. Three out of four people lived in rural areas and engaged in subsistence farming.

There had been a substantial migration from rural to urban areas in all provinces and the number of

people employed in the government and the private sector increased slightly. Compared to t e Census

in 1995, the total fertility rate declined from 5.6 children per woman in 1995 to 4.5 children per woman

in 2005 and in the same period, life expectancy increased from 52 years to 63 years for women and

from 50 years to 59 years for men (National Statistics Centre/Committee for Planning and Investment,

2005).

Despite significant progress, the reproductive health sta us of women and girls, particularly members

of ethnic groups and those living in rural and remote areas remains poor. Lao PDR has among the

highest maternal mortality ratios and infant mortality rates in the region. In rural areas, women and

adolescent girls have shorter intervals between births, marry younger, bear children younger and have

a higher fertility rate compared to those living in urban areas. While the HIV prevalence rate remains

low, the more serious epidemics in several neighboring countries and the increasing population

mobility both within and across Lao borders make the country vulnerable.

While the economy has gradually improved, the Lao PDR is still among the poorest countries in South

East Asia. The Fifth National Socio-Economic Development Plan for the period of 2001 – 2005 was

developed to accelerate economic growth and improve access to social services with a long term

objectives to remove Lao PDR from the status of a least developed country. As a follow up to the Fifth

Plan, the government adopted the 6thNational Social and Economic Development Plan (2006-2010) in

2006. The Sixth Plan revealed the progress made in the previous period and outlines clear targets and

strategies to reach mid-term and long-term goals. The 2010 targets for education are to increase the

enrolment rate to 90.6% for primary school and attendance rate to 68.4% for lower secondary school

and to 40% for upper secondary school. In terms of health improvement, the 6th national plan aimed to

increase life expectancy at birth to 63.5 years by 2010, reduce the maternal mortality rate to 300 deaths

per 100,000 live births and reduce the infant mortality and under-five years of age mortality rate to

below 55 deaths and 75 deaths per 1,000 live births respectively.

b) Other proximate determinants of fertility


44

Age at first marriage is an important determinant of fertility as most births occur in marriage. By exact

age 18 years, 44.5 per cent of women aged between 25-49 years old were married and by the exact age

of 25 years, 86.6 per cent of women were married. The median age at first marriage for ever-married

women aged 25-49 years old is 19 years. There is a positive association between women’s education

levels and median age at first marriage. Median age at first marriage increases gradually from 18 years

for women who have not completed primary education to 22 years for women with upper secondary

education. The median age for women living in urban area is 2 years higher compared to women living

in rural area.

c) Mortality and life expectancy

The mortality indicators (crude death rate - CDR), infant and child mortality rate (IMR, CMR) and

under five mortality rate are most likely underestimated. The CDR is estimated to be 5.4/1000

population. Direct estimates shows that the neonatal mortality rate (probability of dying in the first

month of life) is 26/1000 births and postnatal mortality rate (probability of dying between the 2nd and

the 11th month of life) is 30/1000 births. This means that almost half (46 %) of infant deaths are in the

neonatal period. Infant deaths during the first month of life are often associated with complications

during child birth and the finding could indicate that killed delivery, emergency obstetric care and post

natal care are limited.

The IMR is estimated at 63 infant deaths per 1000 live births and the CMR at 25 per 1000 children

aged between 1-4 years old. The under 5 mortality rate was estimated to be 88 per 1000 live births. The

differentials of infant and child mortality by background characteristics of women is consistent with

expectations, that is, women who live in urban areas and in the central region, and those who have

higher education reported lower levels of IMR. IMR recorded by mother’s background characteristics

shows that the IMR is over twice as high in rural areas with roads compared to urban areas. For women

living in rural areas without roads, the IMR is almost three times higher than that recorded for women

living in urban areas. Based on the result of the indirect method estimate of IMR, life expectancy of

Lao people is 62.7 years which represents an increase from 59 years recorded in the Lao Productive

Health Surveys 2000 and 2005.

d) Maternal and child heath

About three in ten births (28.5%) during the last 5 years are to women who received antenatal care

(ANC) suggesting that access to and use of ANC is low. About 15.7% obtained ANC from a doctor,

8.7% from a nurse, 4.3% from a midwife and 1.6% from a health worker. Traditional birth attendants

and others provided ANC for 0.8% of births. ANC is more available in urban areas than in the rural

areas, indicated by higher percentage of women who lives in urban areas obtaining ANC (84.3%)

compared to 29.2% of women who in rural areas with road and 9.3% without road. ANC also increases

sharply with women’s education.

Although, the overall coverage of ANC is low, there is an inclination of younger women to have ANC.

About 32% women aged 20-34 years obtained ANC compared to only 18.6% of births of women aged

1st 2nd /3rd 35 years or older. 43.5% and 32.9% of women with and birth orders obtained ANC

compared to 20.1% or less of women with higher birth orders. Among births from mothers who went

for ANC, most mothers went for the first time during 3rd/5th months of the pregnancy.

e) Nutrition situation


45

Nutritional status is a good reflection of a country’s health status in Lao PDR, over the last decades -

despite robust economic growth- malnutrition levels in children below five years (CU5) have not

improved.

The results of the 2006 Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey by Ministry of Health (MOH), National

Statistical Centre (NSC) and UNICEF show high levels of protein- energy malnutrition. By applying

the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reference standards, 40% of CU5 are moderately

stunted and 16% are severely stunted. This form of chronic malnutrition can be associated with long-

term inadequate food intake and low health status. 37% of CU5 are moderately underweight, and 9%

are severely underweight. 6.4% are wasted, which can be caused by short-term inadequate food intake

and construction of infectious diseases, in particular diarrhea. All forms of under nutrition gradually

increase after 6 months and peak at the age of 24 months.

The World Food Program’s Comprehensive Food security and Vulnerability assessment – with data

from rural areas as of 2006 – applied the World Health Organization’s reference standards and

disaggregated the nutritional data for ethnic groups. It was found that the non-Lao Tai groups in remote

upland areas have significantly higher stunting levels, some above 60%.

The results of the 2006 Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (MICS III) by MOH, NSC and

UNICEF show high levels of protein-energy malnutrition which is accompanied by high

levels of micronutrient deficiencies such as Vitamin A. iodine and iron. The MICS III survey

also indicated 37% of women of reproductive age a d 41% of CU5 are suffering from moderate

anemia. 13% of women reproductive age are found to have low urinary iodine levels (below 10

mcg/dl) and are at risk of developing goiter or other iodine deficiency disorders. According to the

survey only 26% of the children in Lao are exclusively breastfed from 0-5 months. In addition, the

quality of breast milk is often compromised due to stark food avoidance behavior. After delivery 81%

of mothers follow cultural specific food taboos (restricting the consumption of meat, egg, fat, etc).

Abut 25% of women take four months to revert to their normal diets, with other reverting even later.

f) Hygiene and sanitation situation

Toilet facilities are important for the health and hygiene of members of the household as well as for

maintaining a sanitary environment. The total population using clean water (drinking and domestic

used) were 4,673,664 (76.3%) and total household using latrines were 522,678 or 50.2% in 2009

(MOH, 2008-2009).

g) HIV/AIDS and STIs situation in Lao

Laos is surrounded by countries with higher infection rates, but the nation enjoys low prevalence,

estimated by the government’s center for HIV/AIDS/STIs at less than 0.1 percent of the adult

population. Between the first reported case of HIV in 1990 till June 2009, 3,659 cases of HIV infection

were officially recorded, with 2,376 cases of AIDS and 1,038 cases of related death. Almost 87 percent

of infections occurred through heterosexual transmission, 5 percent from mother to child, 1 percent in

men who have sex with men, 0.1 percent from blood products and unsterilized needles and 6.8 percent

under reported. While the number of cases among the general population remains low-although

unofficial estimates assume a much higher figure-the same studies indicate that there is little room for

complacency. In 2009, prevalence rate among commercial sex workers has increased because the

knowledge of HIV/AIDS among certain high-risk groups remained low. The main population of HIV

in Laos is the so called mobile populations, comprising sex workers, their clients and migran laborers,

many of whom travel outside the country or make regular trips between rural and urban areas.


46

e

In 2005 to 2009, 3,136,954 patients visited the Out Patients department (OPD), 82,034 cases reported

of new STI infections.

h) Top 10 causes of morbidity and mortality for National level

The ten most common diseases and causes of illness and death at the national level were showed

that common cold, Tonsillitis-pharyngitis, Pneumo-bronchitis, diarrhea, Nervous system-non

psychiatric, road traffic injuries, malaria, dengue fever and hypertension as indicated in the tables

below.

Table 8: Top ten Causes of Illness of Out Patients for National Level in 2009-2010

No.

Causes

Number of case

Perc ntage

01

Common cold (Influenza)

173,549

12.9%

02

Tonsillitis, Pharyngitis

121,569

9.0%

03

Pneumo-bronchitis

77,424

5.7%

04

Diarrhea

77,052

5.7%

05

Nervous system-non-psychiatric

76,784

5.7%

06

Minor surgery

52,538

3.9%

07

Road traffic injury

39,313

2.9%

08

Trauma, all others

33,468

2.6%

09

Malaria

30,581

2.3%

10

Hypertension

18,184

1.3%


47

e

Table 9: Top ten causes of illness of In Patients for national level in 2009-2010

Table 10: Common Causes of Mortality for National Level in 2009-2010

Table 11: Number and Percentage of Low Birth Weight at Health Facilities

No.

Name of

Province

No. of birth by

Health staff

% of birth By

Health staff

No. of low birth

weight

% of low birth

weight

01 Whole country 60,100 35.0 3,378 5.6

02

Vientiane

Province

3,807

31.9

252

6.6

03

Xayaboury

Province

3,324

43.8

170

5.1

No.

Causes

Number of case

Percentage

< 5 years

No. %

01 Diarrhea 99 1.6 25 3.3%

02 Acute Respiratory Infection 219 3.6 138 18.0%

03 Dengue Fever 15 0.2 1 0.1%

04 Malaria 19 0.3 6 0.8%

05 Other Causes 1,482 24.2 314 41.0%

No.

Causes

Number of case

Perc ntage

01 Diarrhea 26,622 11%

02 Pneumo-bronchitis 15,190 6,3%

03 Tonsillitis, Pharyngitis 14,659 6,1%

04 Road traffic injury 10,469 4,3%

05 Common cold 10,104 4,2%

06 Trauma-all others 6,310 2,6%

07 Nervous system-non-psychiatric 6,039 2,5%

08 Malaria 5,737 2,4%

09 Dengue Fever 5,524 2,3%

10 Hypertension 4,169 1,7%


48

m

%

o

Table 12: Number of Caesarians, Premature Birth, Still Birth and Maternal Death

Table 13: Number and Percentage of Fully Immunized Infant

Table 14: Number and Percentage of Received Vitamin A2 and De-worming Drug2

Table 15: Number and Coverage of First and Total Antenatal Care in 2009-2010

No.

Name of Province

No of ANC

No. of First

CAN

% ANC

coverage

No f ANC

visits visits

01 Whole country 284,056 85,636 49.9 284,056

02 Luang Prabang 14,969 4,362 37.0 14,969

03 Vientiane 22,601 6,969 58.3 22,601

No.

Name of Province

Received Vit. A2 Received MDZ2

No. % No. %

01 Whole country 239,251 39.7 210,123 44.9

02 Vientiane Province 2,173 5.0 1,215 2.8

03 Xayaboury Province 9,399 29.2 5,564 17.3

No.

Name of Province

<1 year get fully i munized infants

Number

01 Whole country 51,951 32.0

02 Vientiane Province 4,886 48.5

03 Xayaboury Province 3,468 46.0

No.

Name of

Province

No. of birth by

Health staff

% of birth By

Health staff

No. of low birth

weight

% of low birth

weight

01 Whole country 3,520 1,299 589 47

02

Vientiane

Province

150

114

42

6

03

Xayaboury

Province

58

84

23

0


49

T

o

B N

m

C

T

U

B

Table 16: Number and Percentage of Time of Using Contraceptive Methods

Table 17: Percentage of Population in Malaria Risk Areas Protected by IBN

Table 18: Tuberculosis (TB) Prevalence and Percentage of TB cases

Table 19: Number of Malnutrition of under 5 years old (OPD) in 2009-2010

No.

Name of Province

Total nder 5 years old

No. % No. %

01 Whole country 9,109 1,5 1,791 2,3

02 Vientiane 1,699 3,7 439 7,9

03 Xayaboury 554 1,5 115 2,9

No.

Name of Province

% of T

Prevalence

Per 100,000

o. of

Esti ated TB

ases

No. of

Detected B

cases

% of detected

T cases

01 Whole country 53.7 3,863 3,079 79.7

02 Vientiane 38.9 294 166 56.5

03 Xayaboury 36.6 233 118 50.6

No.

Name of Province

No. f target

population

Average of

Population Per 1 IBN

% of population

Protected by IBN

01 Whole country 4,101,386 2.9 85.6

02 Phongsaly 151,627 3.6 71.7

03 Oudomxay 229,004 3.3 89.2

No.

Name of

Province

Time of using contraceptive method

otal

% of using contraceptive method

Condom Pills INJs IUUs

01 Whole country 518,253 7.2 47.6 43.1 2.2

02 Vientiane 23,608 6.2 47.2 41.9 4.8

03 Xayaboury 46,278 1.7 51.4 46.7 0.3


50

n

U

Table 20: Number and Percentage of Population Using Clean Water and Household Latrine in 2009-2010

4.6.2 Provincial & District Health Condition

a) Vientiane Province

Vientiane PHO is comprised of six health services sections, one provincial hospital (90 beds), 12

DHOs and 12 district hospitals with a total of 145 beds, 50 HCs with a total of 105 beds, 1,779

village health volunteers and 165 village drug revolving funds which cover 70% of the villages in the

province. There are 798 health staff in the province, 169 (21%) are working in different sectors at the

provincial level, 458 staff (57.3%) are working in the district level, 171 (21.4%) work at the HCs and

a large proportion of village health volunteer s (1,779) are working in the village level. The

categorization of staff can be classified such as 19 specialists/postgraduate, 136 medical doctors, 355

assistant doctors, and 297 nurses and 13 others. The recent statistics indicated ten most common

diseases and causes of illness and death in the province as shown in the following tables.

Table 21: Top Ten Causes of Illness of Out Patients in Vientiane (2009-2010)

No.

Causes of illness

Numbers

Percentage

01

Tonsillitis, pharyngitis

17,373

10.7

02

Common cold (Influenza )

13,764

8.5

03

Nervous system-non- psychiatric

12,849

7.9

04

Pneumo-Bronchitis

10,384

6.4

05

Watery Diarrhea

8,490

5.2

06

Road accident with injury

4,604

2.8

07

Trauma, all other

4,203

2.6

08

Hypertension

3,872

2.4

09

Helminthes parasites

2,571

1.6

10

Others

77,061

47.4

No.

Name of Province

Using clean water

sing HH latrines

No. of

populatio

%

No. of HH

%

01 Whole country 4,673,664 76,3 522,678 50,2

02 Vientiane 344,736 75,3 42,879 53,2

03 Xayaboury 285,182 79.0 55,689 84


51

Table 22: Top Ten Causes of Illness of In Patients in Vientiane (2009 -2010)

Table 23: The Common Causes of Death in Vientiane Hospital (2009-2010)

b) Sanakham District:

Sanakham health sector is comprised of a DHO and district hospital . The DHO consists of 3 sectors

such as Administration, Health Promotion and Health Care sectors. The district hospital is located in

the town of Sanakham with 15 beds available. There are also 3 HCs with 9 beds. Within the project

area there are2 HCs, one located at Vang village that serves 7 villages and another one is located at

Khokkhaodor village that serves 6 villages. The total district health staff consists of 83 persons that

are working in different sectors in the Sanakham health sector- 1 medical doctor, 8 assistant doctors,

40 nurses, 14 other staffs. 21 staff are working at the DHO, 50 at the district hospital and 12 at the

HC. There are 86 village health volunteers and 19 villages have a revolving drug funded.

Based on data collected from Sanakham DHO, the common causes of morbidity and mortality of the

population included Respiratory Infection, Malaria, Influenza, Nervous system-non psychiatric,

No.

Causes of illness

Numbers

Percentage

< 5 years old

No.

%

01

Acute Respiratory Infection ( ARI )

8

1,7

7

12.7

02

Severe watery Diarrhea

2

0,4

1

1.8

03

Other causes

87

19

17

30.8

No.

Causes of illness

Numbers

Percentage

01

Diarrhea

2,311

12.4

02

Pneumo-Bronchitis

1,274

6.8

03

Tonsillitis, pharyngitits

1,100

5.9

04

Road accident with injury

663

3.6

05

Hypertension

559

3.0

06

Nervous system-non-psychiatric

452

2.4

07

Trauma, all others

430

2.3

08

Common cold ( Influenza)

233

1.7

09

Dengue Fever

292

1.6

10

Anemia

154

0.8


52

Tonsillitits- pharyngitis, Gastro-enteritis Diarrhea, eyes diseases, skin diseases, road accidents and

dental diseases, Dengue fever, Tuberculosis (TB). The main leading causes of death reported by the

health services throughout the district in 2009-2010 for children below five years of age were

Malaria, Acute respiratory infection (ARI), Hepatitis B and Tuberculosis.

c) Meun District:

The Meun health sector is comprised of the DHO and district hospital . The DHO consists of 3

sections such as Administration, Health Promotion and Health Care. The district hospital is located in

the Meun District town with 10 beds. There are also 2 HCs with 9 beds. The total district health staff

is 43 persons- 8 medical doctors, 15 assistant doctors, 7 nurses, 13 other staff. 7 members of staff are

working at the DHO, 30 working at the DH and 4 working at the HC. There are 23 village health

volunteers, 17 birth attendants and 13 villages have a revolving drug funded.

Based on data collected from Meun DHO, the common causes of morbidity and mortality of the

population included: Respiratory Infection, Malaria, Influenza, Nervous system-non psychiatric,

Tonsillitis- pharyngitis, Gastro-enteritis, Diarrhea, Eyes disease, Skin disease, Road accident and

Dental disease, Dengue fever, and Tuberculosis .

The main leading causes of death reported by the health services throughout the district in 2009-2010

for children below five years of age are Malaria, Acute respiratory infection (ARI), Hepatitis B,

Tuberculosis and Cardio-vascular disease, other accidents with adults.

d) Xayaboury Province

The Xayaboury PHO is comprised of 6 health service components, 1 provincial hospital (120 beds)

located in the provincial capital of Xayaboury, 10 DHOs and 10 district hospitals (a total of 278

beds), 70 HCs (with a total of 179 beds), 622 Village Health Volunteers and 245 village drug

revolving funds which cover 100% of the villages in the Province. There are 682 health staff in the

province, 179 ( 26% ) are working in different areas at the provincial level, 328 ( 48%) in the district

level and 175 ( 26%) work at HCs. Most of the village health volunteer (622) are working at the

village level. The categorization of staff can be classified such as specialists/postgraduate, 101

medical doctors, 238 medical assistants, 314 nurses and 2 other staff members.

According to statistics collected from the Xayaboury PHO in 2009- 2010 the existing health situation

includes a fertility rate of 3.3% with a life expectancy of 60 for male and 63 for women. Children less

than 1 year old have a mortality rate of 38.6/1000 and children less than five years have a mortality

rate of 53.4/1000. The maternal mortality rate is 405/100.000 and the ten ( 10 ) most common diseases

and causes of illness or death in Xayaboury Province are summarized in table 20-22.


53

Table 24: Top Ten Causes of Illness of Out Patients in Xayaboury (2009-2010)

Table 25: Top Ten Causes of Illness of In Patients in Xayaboury (2009 -2010)

No.

Causes of illness

Numbers

Percentage

01 Tonsillitits, pharyngitis 1,220 7.7

02 Severe watery Diarrhea 1,015 6.4

03 Pneumo- bronchitis 975 6.1

04 Road accident 648 4.1

05 Nervous system non-psychiatric 611 3.8

06 Hypertension 443 2.8

07 Trauma, All other 371 2.3

08 Common cold 306 1.9

09 Malaria 170 1.1

10 Severe Malnutrition 133 0.8

No.

Causes of illness

Numbers

Percentage

01 Common cold ( Influenza ) 7,603 10.3

02 Tonsillitits, pharyngitis 6,285 8.5

03 Neuvous system non-psychiatric 5,305 7.2

04 Minor surgery 4,481 6.1

05 Diarrhea 3,396 4.6

06 Pneumo- bronchitis 3,340 4.5

07 Trauma, all others of body 2,005 2.7

08 Hypertension 1,312 1.8

09 Road accident 1,275 1.7

10 Malaria 918 0.8


54

Table 26: The Causes of Death in Xayaboury Hospital in 2009 – 2010

e) Kenthao District

The Kenthao health sector is comprised of the DHO and district hospital. The DHO consists of 3

sectors such as Administration, Health Promotion and Health Care. The district Hospital is located in

the Kenthao district town with 20 beds. There are also 10 HCs with 30 beds. District health staff totals

107 persons of whom 89 (83%) staff are working at the DHO and 18 (16%) are working at the HC.

There are 68 village health volunteers, 79 birth attendants and 21villages have a revolving drug fund.

Based on data of Kenthao DHO, the common causes of morbidity of the population include Gastro-

enteritis, Tonsillitis-pharyngitis, Diuretic infections, Respiratory infections, Diarrhea, Influenza

(common cold), Hypertension, and road accidents.

f) Paklay District

The Paklay health sector is comprised of the DHO and district hospital. The district hospital is located

in the Paklay civic center with 24-beds. There are 8 HCs with a total of 24 beds. The total district

health staff totals 121 persons - 97 staff work at the DHO and 24 work at the HCs. There are 93 village

health volunteers, 98 birth attendants and 122 (100%) villages have revolving drug funds.

Data obtained from the DHO in Paklay showed that the most prevalent diseases were Trauma and

injured, Gastro-enteritis, Tonsillitis, Pharyngitis, Nervous system non-psychiatric, Pneumo- bronchitis,

Common cold (Influenza), Hypertension, and road accidents.

4.7 Tourism

4.7.1 Tourism Development

The GOL stated its policy on tourism development in the National Socio-Economic by Development Plan from 1996 to 2000. Tourism is one of eight priority development programs. For a relatively new destination like the Lao PDR, it is necessary to build a comprehensive database for the purpose of tourism development planning. Tourism planning has been implemented with several processes and mechanisms. The national plan with respect to the tourism development in the study can be found here:(http://www.latalaos.org/doc/Strategy2006.pdf)

No.

Causes of illness

Numbers

Percentage

< 5 years old

No.

%

01

Severe watery diarrhea

3

0.8

1

2.5

02

Severe Acute Respiratory Infection

15

4.2

15

38.1

03

Other causes

120

33.3

26

66.1


55

4.7.2 Tourism Network and Linkage

The Mekong River near Sanakham project area has boating experiences where tourists enjoy the

scenery and meet local people. Because it does not continue for further to other regions. The boating

route passing through Sanakham is not significant, which implies that the tourism network and

linkage in this area is not much related to the project area.

4.7.3 General Existing Condition of Tourism in the Project Area

Sanakham Dam is located in the administrative boundary of Sanakham district and Kenthao District.

At present, Sanakham is not considered interesting places among tourists due to their location

being outside of the main tourism routes. Kenthao is important as a border crossing with Thailand

by the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge over the Hueang River. According to the Statistical Report on

Tourism in Laos, in 2009 the number of tourists traveling to Kenthao was about 20,153 persons.

The number of tourists visiting Vientiane and Xayaboury in 2009 was 290,015 and 23,061 persons

respectively. The past statistical record shows the numbers of international tourists visiting

Vientiane Province is relatively high and increasing: between 2002 and 2009 the growth rate was

35.81% per year.

Social Baseline Study

Upstream/Downstream/P

Identification of Affected

5.

5.1

The SIA is a process that identifies

have on the social and huma

incorporated in order to eli

identify what groups of people

HPP and how these impacts differ

due to inundation and land

construction activities including

water level fluctuations.

In this regard, we can divide APs

(Fig. 5-1):

Group 1 – Upstre

Group 2 – Dow

Group 3 – Resettlement

Figure 15: Identification of Affected Social


56

Study 2: Detailed Socio-Economic Condition

nstream/Project-Land Communities

d Social Groups

ntifies and evaluates the potential impacts that a proposed

an health environment and develops mitigation

liminate, minimize or reduce these impacts. It

ople will be affected from the development of th

differ between these groups. For example, the mo

nd loss while marginal impacts may be due

ding those living in downstream areas that may

APs into three groups based on geographical impa

Upstream and communities residing near construction

Downstream communities.

Resettlement host communities.

ocial Groups

dition of

proposed project may

measures that will be

seems reasonable to

he Mekong Sanakham

ost severe impacts are

to disturbance from

also be affected from

act zones as follows

construction/quarry sites.


57

Figure 16: ESIA study area


58

M

(

5.2 Upstream Directly Affected Villages

With a demarcation of inundation/backwater level of 220 masl, the survey indicated that there are 13

villages that will be impacted. Of these, three villages (Donsok, Houay Lah, and Khae) totalling

267 families (1,127 people) will be severely or directly affected as most houses and farmland in the

village will be submerged. Ten villages (Donphoung, Maipakthoun, Houaytao, Khokkhaodor,

Donmen, Nakham, Donsang, Boungma, Kengsao, and Nasack) will be partially affected. From these

villages, 354 families (1,808 inhabitants) including some community infrastructure and farmland

will need to be relocated and replaced respectively.

5.2.1 Demography, Ethnicity & Religious Beliefs

Table 29: Demography of Upstream Directly Affected Villages

Note: Inundated Partially Submerged

No.

Village Name Population

English Lao Family HH People Female Ethnicity

Vientiane Province, Sanakham District (Left Bank)

01 Donsok 36 28 155 73 Lao

02 Donphoung 135 127 576 255 Lao

03 Maipakthoun 240 238 1,984 593 Lao

04 Houaytao 217 216 805 405 Lao

05 Khokkhaodor 274 247 1,611 492 Lao

Xayaboury Province, Kenthao District (Right Bank)

06 Houay Lah 81 77 323 150 Lao

07 Donmen 217 217 1,023 511 Lao

08 Khae 150 140 649 308 Lao

09 Nakham 72 72 339 172 Lao

10 Donsang 82 75 365 169 Lao

Xayaboury Province, Paklay District (Right Bank)

11 Boungma 268 258 1,235 616 Lao

12 Kengsao 151 161 814 357 Lao

13 Nasack 168 170 845 404 Lao

Total 2,003 2,065 10,724 4,505

Right-bank family Size = 4.70, Left-bank family size = 5.68 , Overall average family size = 5.35

All local people are of Lao ethnici

6.30 on the left bank). Lao comm

valley which is an ideal environm

Figure 17: Upstream Catchment and Loc

Since virtually all people practic

Lao New Year and Boun Bangfai

during mid April each year. On

with scented water by devotees

falling off the images to take hom

purification before the New Yea


59

ethnicity with an average family size of 5.35 (4.70 on

munities live in the lowlands on both banks along

ment for rice paddy and maize farming.

cation of Upstream Villages

ce Buddhism, the key religious festivals include Boun

Bangfai or the Rocket Festival. Lao New Year is celebrated

13 April Buddha images are taken out of the te

devotees and placed on temporary altars. Devotees gather

me and use it to pour on friends and relatives as an

ar. On the evening of 15 April the images are returned

on the right bank, and

ng the Mekong River

Boun Phimai Lao or

celebrated nationwide

emples to be cleansed

her the scented water

an act of cleansing and

returned to their proper


60

shrines. Held at the eve of the planting season, the Rocket Festival is held to coax rain and fertility

back to the earth. The festival commences with a morning ceremony praying for rain followed by

gathering in fields on the outskirts of the villages and towns to launch home-made rockets.

5.2.2 Housing

The houses among the directly affected are Lao houses that reflect the focus of rice/maize farming. The

house is generally built on wooden posts that raise the house up by about two meters in case of

flooding from the rice paddies. Some 2-storey houses are also found and are of good quality: the

minimum cost of this house construction is approximately 60 million kip. Most good quality houses

are constructed of brick concrete, especially at the first floor. One house may take years to build,

depending on the availability of wood, finance and labor. The average house in the project area can

cost anything up to 50 million kip to construct. This height also cools the house during the hotter

months. The area under the house is used to keep livestock as well as a rice mill, fuel wood and other

household items. The living area on the first floor generally consists of an open space- one end that is

used for cooking, with an open fire and the other for the family to gather and conduct their everyday

business activities.

A typical village layout involves the temple located centrally, with the houses situated within walking

distance of each other. Livestock generally run freely in and around the area and gardens are located

not far from each house.

The survey revealed three categories of house as follows:

Roof: Tile/Metal Sheet

Post: Wood

Floor: Concrete/Wood

Wall: Concrete/Wood

Partition: Wood

Window: Wood/Glass

Door: Wood

Figure 18: Type 1 - Good Quality House

Roof: Metal Sheet

Post: Wood

Floor: Wood

Wall: Wood/Bamboo

Partition: Wooden/Bamboo

Window: Wood

Door: Wood

Figure 19: Type 2: Medium Quality House


61

Roof: Thatch/Metal

Post: Wood

Floor: Wood

Wall: Wood/Bamboo

Window: Wood/Bamboo

Door: Wood

Figure 20: Type 3 – Low Quality House

Table 30: Type of House in Upstream Directly Affected Villages

More than 60% of 2-storey houses are medium to good quality ones while about 40% are low-quality

houses.

5.2.3 Land Holding & Ownership

Interviews with APs showed that the average land holding per family consisted of 0.1 ha for home plot,

1.2 ha for rice paddy, 1.6 ha for swidden upland field crop, 1.3 ha for gardens (include river-bank

plantation); and 0.5 ha for other purposes. Some encroachments for practicing swidden upland farming

were generally observed in the mountainous areas near to the villages.

Type

Category of House

Total Number Surveyed

Percentage

01

Good Quality House

178

10.6%

02

Medium Quality House

893

53.2%

03

Low Quality House

607

36.2%

TOTAL

1,678

100.0%


62

e n

Table 31: Average Land Holding of Directly Affected People

Land ownership is identified by a white certificate that was issued for verification of land use and

proof of yearly tax paid. The white certificate identifies the plot number, land area and use category

details. The land ownership in the project area is considered complex since no real title dee is found

for each family in the upstream affected villages.

5.2.4 Occupation & Workforce

The interview of 2,281 people of age 10 or above indicated that 81.7% are farmers, 14.4% are students,

and 2.5% are local government officials. Trading occupation comprises only about 1%. The

unemployment situation was found to be low at about 0.1%.

Village Name Paddy Swidden Gardens Home Plot Other

Lands

Total HH

Interviewed

Vientiane Province (Left Bank)

Sanakham District

1. Donsok 1.3 2.0 1.3 0.2 0.5 28

2. Maipakthoun 1.7 0.0 0.5 0.2 0.0 42

3. Donphoung 0.8 1.6 0.7 0.1 0.4 24

Xayaboury Province (Right Bank)

Paklay District

1.0 0.0 0.9 0.0 0.0 25

1.0 4.1 2.7 0.1 0.7 231

1.4 3.0 2.3 0.1 0.9 124

1.4 0.7 2.1 0.0 0.3 14

1.0 0.0 0.6 0.0 0.0 13

4. Boungma

• Kenthao District

5. Donmen

6. Khae

7. Nakham

8. Donsang

9. Houay Lah 1.3 3.8 1.4 0.2 1.7 77

Average

(ha/HH) 1.2 1.6 1.4 0.1 0.5 578

Table 32: Occupation of Directly Affecte

The upstream communities population density. Most (approxipercent) of this population productive working age betweeyears. The overall sex ratio of 1,000 males is 704 indicating anThe female gender is in smaller nu

Figure 21: Upstream Community

Village

Name Farmer Trader

1. Vientiane Province (Left Bank)

1.1. Sanakham District

Donsok/

Khokkhaodor 126 2

Maipakthoun 104 -

Donphoung 90 -


2.1. Sanakham District

Donmen 684 14

Khae 459 1

Nakham 38 -

Donsang 45 -

Houay Lah 221 2

Total 1,860 19

Percentage 81.7% 0.8%

Total

(Exclude

students)

1860 19

Percentage 95.2% 1.0%


63

2

ted Villagers

ities have low oximately 60

are within between 18 to 60

females per n imbalance. numbers.

Gov’t

official Employment Unemployment Student

nk)

1 - - 14

- - - 1

1 - -

nk)

34 9 1 14

5 2 8

- - -

1 - - 1

8 - 3

56 11 1 3

2.5% 0.5% 0.01% 14.4%

56 11 1

2.8% 0.6% 0.05%

2

inter- nt Others

Total

viewed

14 1 144

17 - 121

9 - 100

40 2 884

89 556

3 1 42

14 - 60

33 1 265

8 6 2,281

14.4% 0.1% 100.0%

- 6 1,953

- 0.3% 100.0%

5.2.5 Livelihoods

a) Livelihood Resource

The way of life of people on both

in Section 5.2.3, the land resourc

land holding (totaling 4.8 ha per

plantation, 1.6 ha for swidden

purposes.

The farm sector employs approxi

the non-farm sector employs less

Fishing can be done in the Mekong

Close to the village, there exist village

parts of these forest areas are use

and goats. The harvesting NTFPs

Figure 22: Degraded forest near Ban H


64

both banks is dominantly based on rice and maize far

rce for each family in the upstream communities is

8 ha per family) including 0.1 ha for house, 1.2 ha for

upland rice/maize farming, 1.3 ha for gardening,

approximately 95 percent of the active and productive

than five percent of the workforce.

Mekong River, nearby natural stream, fish ponds and paddy

village forest areas which are mostly disturbed secondary

used to harvest NTFPs and for livestock rearing such as cattle,

NTFPs contriburtes approximately 1-2% of total family

Houay lah

arming. As discussed

s limited with average

ha for glutinous rice

ng, and 0.5 for other

work force whereas

addy fields.

econdary forest. Some

h as cattle, buffaloes,

income.

Discussions with village leaders

and mostly rain dependent. The other

as perennial sources of water not

productivity is considered low because

system.

The discussions with district adm

forest land in the project area. H

extent and degree of encroachment

b) Agriculture

Most farmers are able to cultivate

are of local varieties mainly glut

per village) is able to meet the food

rice is ranged from 2.7 to 3.5 tons

Figure 23: Maize Plantation at Ban Hou

The maize plantation on the average

100 ha per village both of which

beans, cassava and sesame while

found that villages had only about


65

in the upstream area confirmed that sources of irrigation

other sources of irrigation are t streams, creeks an

not only for irrigational purposes but also for d

because of limited soil improvement and lack of

ministrators and the district land office reported some

However no formal survey or assessment has been

nt of different categorie of land.

te only one crop in the rainy season after the rains.

glutinous rice, maize, and job’s tear. Most of the paddy

food requirements of

tons per ha.

households all year round.

Houay Lah

rage is about 200 ha per village while Job’s tears

h are grown primarily as cash crops. Other minor

e other plantations include teak, rubber, oranges,

about 10 ha per village of grassland.

irrigation are limited

nd small rivers that act

domestic usage. Land

of a proper irrigation

me encroachments of

been done to assess the

ns. Cash crops grown

addy cultivated (70 ha

The average yield of

ars plantation is about

inor crops grown include

oranges, and oil palm. It was


66

n

n

o o

Cropping calendar and productivity are as follows:

Season Crops Yield/ha

Rainy (May to October)

Rainy (May to October)

Glutinous Rice

Maize, Cattle feed

2.7 -3.5 tons

2.0-2.5 tons

Other seasons Job’s Tears, Vegetables 2.0-4.0 tons

c) Livestock

One of the livelihood activities is livestock rearing. The cattle and buffalo (Figure 24) population are

like a household saving and comprise important assets which can be turned into ready cash in times of

need such as when children start a new semester of education, health care, celebration and

transportation expenses.

A typical household in the project area has livestock including cattle, pigs, buffaloes, poultry, and

goats which are used both for generating subsidiary income and to a lesser extent for household

consumption. Elephant rearing was found only at the Donmen Village which had 16 elephants.

Table 33: Livestock Survey in Directly Affected Villages

Village Name Poultry Turkey Goats Pigs Cattle Buffalo Elephant


Sanakham District

Donsok 668 - - - 45 53 -

Donphoung 10 - - - - - -

2. Xayaboury Province (Right Bank)

Kenthao District

Donmen 5,098 9 109 128 553 168 16

Khae 4,090 5 5 109 182 139 -

Houay Lah 1,227 - - 47 110 108 -

Total 1,860 19 56 11 1 328

Percentage 81.7% 0.8% 2.5% 0.5% 0.01% 14.4%

Total

(Exclude

students)

1860 19 56 11 1 -

Percentage 95.2% 1.0% 2.8% 0.6% 0.05% -

The survey also found community sells the livestock the middlemen who come to theVillagers’ interviews revealed middlemen are frequent in Buffaloes have the highest pricfrom 3.0 to 3.5 million kip/headby cattle (1.5 to 2.0 million kip/head).The selling price of livestockvaried depending upon the quality of animal. The followinglist of village gate prices of livestockthe area.

Table 34: Average Village-Gate Price of

d) Fishing

The aquatic biology sampling and

in this zone has a limited numbe

ponds in the paddy fields or in

consumption.

A number of fish culture (Tilapia)

especially in the area from Nam H

No.

Type of Livestock

01

Buffaloes

02

Cattle

03

Pigs

04

Goat

05

Poultry


67

s

that the k through

o the villages. that these

the area. ce ranging d followed kip/head). k slightly

size and following is the

livestock in

Figure 24: Buffalo

of Livestock (Kip/head)

and social surveys revealed that the upstream area of

er of fish. Fishing is practiced on a small scale e

n the nearby streams and was reportedly used m

pia) in 4x4 size cages was observed downstream

Heung River mouth to Chiang Khan Civic Center.

Vientiane Province

Xayabou

Sanakham District

Paklay District

3,000,000

3,000,00

1,550,000

1,500,00

1,000,000

1,200,00

350,000

350,000

20,000

20,000

of the Mekong River

either in the small fish

mostly for household

downstream on the Thai side,

r.

boury Province

t

Kenthao District

00

3,500,000

00

2,000,000

00

1,500,000

00

400,000

20,000

25,000

5.2.6 Family Income & Expen

a) Family Income

The analysis of family income

Results of analysis indicated t

Donsang, and Boungma) have

higher than villages on the left-

households on the Thai side a more

left-bank.

The main source of income was

respectively. The analysis also indicated

4.2 million kip) of income contributed

respectively. The source of inco

average family income.

b) Family Expenses

Family expenditure, among villages

production costs (equivalent to a

(or 7.1 to 7.8 million kip/fam

transportation and celebration cos

Figure 25: Common Tractor


68

nditure

and expenditure was made for villages located

hhat villages on the right bank (Houay Lah, Donm

average annual family income (13.8 million ki

-bank (10.6 million kip/family). This is largely

ore able to serve markets due to better roads com

from farming 62% and 67% (or 7.1 -8.8 million

indicated the important role of non-farming of which

ontributed from trading /employment and others

income from NTFPs was marginal, contributing on

villages both on the right and left bank, spend between

about 3.1 million kip per family per year) reaching

mily/year) of household expenses. High outlays

sts which alone are estimated at approximately 25%

on each river bank.

men, Khae, Nakham,

ip/family) about 30%

y because of location:

mpared to roads on the

kip) for RB and LB,

ich 36% and 32% (or

hers for RB and LB,

only about 1% of total

between 31-37% on

ng as high as 62-68%

s were observed for

25% of total expenses.


69

p

2

9

m

Table 35: Average Gross Income of Directly Affected Family

amily

No.

Sources of Income

Left-bank F

Righ

t-bank Family

Kip

%

K

ip

%

1. Farm Income

1.1.

Lowland rice

1,330,000

1,326,000

1.2

Upland crops

217,000

674,200

1.3

Maize

2,641,900

1,430,000

1.4

Beans

932,200

158,000

1.5

Fruits

487,600

238,000

1.6

Vegetables

537,000

548,000

1.7

Livestock

1,269,300

950,000

1.8

Fishing

110,000

213,800

1.9

Aqua-culture

1,350,000

1,274,000

Total

8,875,000

67.00

7,112,000

62.19

2. Non-timber Forest Products (NTFPs)

2.1

NTFPs

150,000

137,000

Total

150,000

1.13

137,000

1.19

3. Off-farm Income

3.1

Trading

250,000

678,000

3.2

Employment

600,000

950,000

3.3

Rental fee

229,000

397,000

3.4

Sending from relatives

510,000

632,000

3.5

Others

2,633,000

1,532,000

Total

4,222,000

31.87

4,189,000

36.62

Grand Total

13,247,000

100.00

11,438,000

100.00

Average per capital income

0.79 US$/person/day

0.83 US$/person/day


70

s

7

e b y

Table 36: Family Expenditures of Directly Affected Family

c) Poverty Issue

The left-bank villages have an average daily income of 0.79 US $/person/day while right-bankvillages

have a daily income ofs 0.83 US $/person/day. On both banks villagers have an average per capita

income slightly higher than the Lao poverty line (0.75 US$/person/day) but still below the UN poverty

line (1.25 US$/person/day). The challenge is how to help people move above the UN poverty line.

Table 37: Poverty Status of Directly Affected People

1.25 US $/person

US$ perper on/day

Left-bank Directly Affect d Villages

Right- ank Directl Affected

Remarks

Villages

1.75

1.50

1.25

1.00

0.75

0.50

0.25

UN Poverty Line

/day

(0. 9 $)

(0.83 $)

Lao Poverty Line 0.75 US $/person

/day

No.

Distribution of

Expenses

Left-bank Family

(kip)

%

Right-bank Family

(kip)

%

1

Food & Beverage

703,000

8.45

1,020,000

10.10

2

Education

560,000

6.73

707,000

7.00

3

Transportation

1,139,000

13.69

1,605,000

15.89

4

Housing

1,028,000

12.36

1,665,000

16.49

5

Health

887,000

10.66

960,000

9.51

6

Ceremonies

906,000

10.89

993,000

9.83

7

Production cost

3,095,000

37.22

3,147,000

31.18

Grand Total

8,318,000

100.00

10,097,000

100.00


71


72

o

am

5.2.8 Health

a) Accessibility to Health Care Facilities

In addition to ascertaining health care facilities and infrastructure utilized by people in the survey area

the team also sought to gain an understanding of the accessibility of the facilities inclusive of the

obstacles. The most prevalent problem cited for limiting accessibility was the distance between the

villages and district town and available transport whether car, motorbike or boat in some villages.

The variable distances from households in the surveyed villages to the district hospital ranged from 31

km to 75 km in Meun District, from 1 km to 70 km in Sanakham, and about 7 to 35 km in Kenthao and

0.5 km to 27 km in Paklay District. .

Sanakh

Khokkhaodor 1 None Wooden wall, corrugated

roofing (9x15)

Xayaboury

Province

Kentha

Houay Lah 1 None Corrugated roofing, break

wall (6x18)

Khae 1 None Corrugated roofing,

cement wall, (35x7)

Donmen 1 None Shingle roofing, concrete

wall, solid building (38 x21)

Nakham 1 None Break wall (7x15)

Donsang 1 None Concrete wall with

corrugated roofing (7x20)

Paklay Boungma 1

1 secondary

school with

2 buildings

Solid, permanent school

buildings with Wooden

walls & corrugated roofing

(7x40) +

(7x35) +

(7x25)


73

D

Figure 29: Donsok Health Center

b) Behavior of People in Medical Treatment Services

Health-seeking behavior is an important factor to understand when analyzing the health of a given

population. Understanding the patterns in seeking medical care can assist to understand the healthcare

gaps or the cultural barriers for improving health condition. According to data obtained from the

surveyed villages on both river banks, when people are ill people like to go to the district hospital

(50%); followed by the pharmacy (20%), the village drug box (12%), the HC (10%), provincial

hospital (5%), central hospital (2%) and clinics in Thailand (1%). It is important to note that people go

for medical treatment at provincial and central hospitals when they have severe illness.

c) The Crude Birth Rate (CBR) and Crude Death Rate (CDR)

The field survey revealed that over a period of one year (2009 – 2010) there were differences in CDRs.

Within the Sanakham HPP area for example a 4.4 per 1000 CDR was recorded in downstream villages

while a 3.2 per 1000 CDR was observed in upstream communities. However, both CDRs were lower

than the whole-country status (5.4 per 1000).

Table 39: The Crude Birth Rate and Crude Death Rate in Each Zone

d) Clean Water, Hygiene and Sanitation

Locations

Number of Live births

Number of eaths

CBR (per 1000)

CDR (per 1000)

Whole country 3,470 651 28.8 5.4

Vientiane Province 566 43 28.5 4.4

Xayaboury Province 337 32 24.0 4.8

Downstream Villages

4.4

Upstream Villages

3.2

The main source of water for drink

system (from nearby mountains)

and organizations such as UNICEF,

villages 35 villages have access

families in district town use bottled

water during the dry season use

usually boil water for drinking

drink boiled water.

Hygiene and sanitation is an important

related to a range of diseases such

obtained from the village head

households have latrines in dow

have no latrines in downstream

hopuseholds that have latrines

according to theNational Health Surv

Figure 30: Gravity-Fed

e) The Common Causes of

Based on data obtained from the

morbidity in the villages within

accidents (33%), Malaria and se

diarrhea (12%), Tuberculosis Pul

f) Indicators of Health Ris

Information obtained from 39 surv

the highest health risks in the project

deficiency and poor sanitation (5

care facilities, UXOs, poor drinking

risk factors of approximately 10%


74

drinking and domestic use were natural stream

) and bore-wells which in some cases are support

CEF, Lao Lux. It is interesting to note that out of a

to safe drinking water (i.e. gravity-fed system a

bottled drinking water. However, some villages f

natural streams/rivers for taking a bath and wash

if bottled water is not eadily accessible. Abou

portant health indicator. Inadequate disposal of hu

such as diarrhea, cholera and parasitic diseases. The

and village health volunteer of 39 villages. Approxi

wnstream villages, 79% in upstream villages hav

villages (compared to 21% in upstream villages).

in the project area is higher than the national

Survey (2005).

Figure 31: Household Latrine

of Morbidity in the Village

the village health volunteer and head of villages, the

within Sanakham HPP area were Acute watery d

seasonal flues (28%), followed by respiratory inf

Pulmonary (10%), Hepatitis (7%) and Drowning (5%

isk Factors in the Villages

urveyed villages revealed that smoking and alcohol

roject area, These were followed by the medium

(50%-60%). The remaining health risk factors in

drinking water and poor living conditions. These altog

10% to 20%.

ms/rivers, gravity-fed

ted by various donors

a total of 39 surveyed

and bore-wells). Most

faced with inadequate

hing clothes. Villagers

ut 80% of households

uman faucal waste is

The hygiene data was

Approximately 66% of

ve latrines while 34%

s). The percentage of

the national situation - 50,2%

he common causes of

diarrhea (50%), Road

fection (18%), bloody

%).

alcohol consumption posed

m factors of rice/food

ncluded limited health

gether were low health


75

F

g) Current Preventative Health Care Programs

There are preventative health care programs in place in the project area which are ongoing programs.

The mobile vaccination team supported by the GAVI Alliance and UNICEF and run by the HC and

DHO provide the following vaccinations children and pregnant women: BCG, DPT, Polio, Measles

and Hepatitis B and Tetanus. The vaccinations are provided approximately four times per year in the

survey villages. In addition, Mother and Child Health at the HC and District Hospital also provide

antenatal- postnatal care. The anti-malaria program is a national program which implements

preventative measures on a national basis. Between 2005–2010 villagers were provided with long-

lasting mosquito bed nets at a nominal price supported by Global fund.

The Family Planning project is also an ongoing project in this area. It is based on the national program

and is supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The program provides family

planning services and contraceptives. Supported by range of local and foreign NGOs, such as the

DHO, PHO, Lao Red Cross, SIDA and UNFPA, other preventative programs include TB control,

HIV/AIDS control, food security, water supply and sanitation. In all of the above programs, the major

constraint is limited financial and human resources level. Each program requires ongoing access to

scarce health care funds in order to make a long - term impact on the health status of local villages.

5.2.9 Gender & Vulnerable Groups

a) Identification of Vulnerability

The sampling of three directly affected villages (Donsok, Houay Lah and Khae) and an

indirectly affected village (Donmen) were conducted. Disabled, mentally ill and landless are normally

identified as vulnerable groups. In the above villages, there are 11 disabled people (5 of them are

female), 5 mentally ill people (all of them are female) and 3 landless families (11 people).

Table 40: Vulnerability of Directly Affected Villages

Province District Village Disability Mental illness Landless

Total Female Total Female HH Pop.

Vientiane Sanakham Donsok 1 1 0 0 0 0

Xayaboury Kenthao

Houay Lah 1 0 1 1 0 0

Donmen 4 1 2 2 0 0

Khae 5 3 2 2 3 11

TOTAL 11 5 5 5 3 11

c V o

b) Gender

Gender and gender conditioni

notably single mothers. According

sexes. Data collected in the 4

divorces, 59 widows and 6

women and widows (Table 41).

Figure 32: Woman Bagging Corn

Table 41: Gender Status in the Directly Affected

Province/District/ v illage Name

No

Vientiane Province

Sanakham District

Ban Donsok

Xayaboury Province

Kenthao District

Ban Houay Lah

Ban Donmen

Ban Khae

TOTAL


76

o n

tioning is another area that potentially harbours

ording to the IEE, the number of women is close to

4 mentioned villages shows that there are 891 female

6 female

41).

headed families. Ban Donmen has th

n

Affected Villages

o. of Women No. of Divorce No. of Widow

73 0

66 3

444 2

308 2

891 7

rs vulnerable people,

to parity between the

males of which 7 are

he highest number of

WidowWomen

Headed Family

3 0

8 2

33 3

15 1

59 6


77

5.2.10 Cultural Resources & Archaeology

Since all villagers are Lao, Buddhist temples are a key cultural center. However, there are some

important cemetery/spiritual sites where people pay respects. These are now discussed.

a) Cemetery/Funeral Place

A total of 3 important cemeteries are found below 220 masl. They are located on the boundaries of

directly affected villages. (Boxes 1 to Box 4)

Box 1: Houay Lah’s Cemetery

Box 2: Donmen’s Cemetery


78

Box 3: Khae’s Funeral/Cemetery

b) Ho Phi Ban/Ho Phi Mouang

Only at Ban Donmen has an important spiritual site been identified.

Box 4: Important Spiritual Site at Ban Donmen

c) Archaeological Artifacts

At Ban Houay Lah, Ban Donmen and and Khae, respectively, the surveys found artifacts including clay pottery and bronze axes of the Neolithic and Bronze Age. They were all located on the right bank of the Mekong. All artifacts are collected as a family heirloom.


79

a

Table 42: Types of Cultural and Archaeology Found

Key archaeological information found in directly affected villages upstream can be briefed in Boxes 5

to Box 8 as follows:

Object Type:

Clay pottery

Further Detai

ls: The object

was found by Mr Xieng Noi. He fou nd it during his clearanc

e of a

wet rice field approximatee ly 3 km to the north of the village. T his clay pottery is 25cm high.

GPS Coordina

tes: 101.31. 33.6N; 17.49.41.8E

I n Toponymic formation: In the village namedHouay Lah”, H

ouay means stream, but the

meaning of L h is unknown. According to the village representative, the stream flows into the

tain fish (at least not for eating). M Mekong, but does not cno

Village Details: Houay Lah village is located in the eastern Kenth ao district, Xayaboury p

rovince. The Village was erected in 1986, and many of the villagers camme from Donsang

village. It is a strategic village due to its location near the border with Thaila

nd and it is

approximateely 2 km upstream from the dam site. The village is comprised of 81 ho useholds

and 77 families with a population of 323 persons including 150 women. The livelihoood of

most of the residents is agriculture

Village Names Types of Cultural and Archaeology Found

Cemetery Spirit Religious Artifacts

1. Houay Lah 1 - 1 1

2. Donmen 1 1 1 1

3. Khae 1 - 1 1

4. Veunkham - - 1 -

5. Donsok - - 1 -

6. Donphoung - - 1 -

7. Khokkhaodor ‐ ‐ 1 ‐

8. Houaytao ‐ ‐ 1 ‐

d

m

m

e

Box 5: Clay Pottery at Ban Houayl

Box 6: Red Bronze Axe at Ban Donmen

Object Type: Red Bronz

Further Details: TheRiver side from usingvillage.

GPS Coordinates: 101

Village toponymic Information:

means ba smell. According

to the island to fish an

it was named Donmen.

Village Details: Donm

province. It is a strategic

approximately 32km upstream

households and 217 f

livelihood of most of the

Ethnic Composition:Don

Religious Information:


80

e

e

a

h

e

r

3

e

d

lah

nmen

nze Axe

e object was found in 2010 by Mr Vong on thing his fishing net. The location is about km south

101.24.23.0N; 17.56.46.3E

Information: In the village name “Donmen”, Don m

ording to th village representative in former times

nd cook giant catfish. Because of this activity the

n.

men Village is located in the eastern Kenthao

trategic village being located near the border

upstream from the future dam site. The village

families with a population 1,023 persons includ

the residents is agriculture.

onmen village is 100% Lao ethnic group.

ormation: All the residents are Buddhists.

e

d

o

he Mekong south of the

means island, and men

times people would come

island smelled bad, so

tern Kenthao district, Xayaboury

er to Thailand. It is

e is comprised of 217

ding 511 w men. The

z d f

Phoxay Monastery Buildingarchaeological significanceits old wooden architecture.

Box 7: Prehistoric Artifacts at Ban

Object Type: A collection

and Brone Age)

GPS Coordinates: 1

Village toponymic Inform

Village History: Khae villageprovince, approximatelyhouseholds with 150 faof most o the residents

Ethnic Composition:K

Religious Information:

Rock Art Indicating Human occupation


81

a

A

m

Building has a high e

architecture. because of

Figure 33: Phoxay M

an Khae

collection of rock art and artifacts from the prehistoric period

101.25.08.4N; 18.01.04.6E

Information: “Khae” means stream.

village is located in the eastern part of the Kenthaoately 40km upstream from the dam site. The villagefamilies. The population is 649 persons with 308 w

residents is related to agriculture.

Khae village is 100% Lao ethnic group.

ormation:All the residents are Buddhists.

Neolithic/Bronze ge

Artifacts Collectio

Monastery Building

period (Stone, Neolitic

hao district, Xayaboury village comprises 140 women. The livelihood


82

5.2.11 Village Administration

As discussed with the village leaders, the village administration generally includes the village leader

and deputy (elected by the villagers and responsible for the implementation of plans) and a party leader

and deputy (elected by the provincial government and generally responsible for developing village

plans). Often the village and party leader is the same individual. All of the Lao villages in the project

area follow this structure. The village leaders are responsible for resolving any disputes, issues related

to land use or sale and generally any village related matters.

With regards to issues such as the promotion of gender, health and family planning the Lao Women’s

Union (LWU) and Lao Youth Union are responsible. These are groups of local females and youth

within each villages nominated by the village leader.

With the assistance of the district administrators, the village authority also seeks guidance from the

elderly community members who are respected amongst all sections of the community. For matters

relating to security, the village authority has nominated a group of males to take charge of all issues

security related.

5.2.12 Attitude towards the Sanakham HPP

Attitudes of APs including gender and vulnerable groups is shown in Tables 5-14 and 5-15. Most

affected people knew about the project from the Engineering/ESIA study teams where at least one

official consultation meeting in each village was conducted (more details in Chapter 8 – Public

participation).

Among attitudes of people residing below 220 masl, approximately 10%, 60%, and 30% of total

people interviewed (624 families), respectively, disagreed, agreed and were unsure about the project.

While a small group of approximately 10% felt disinclined to support the Sanakham HPP, nearly 30%

felt unsure about their future situation or about the project impacts.

Among gender and vulnerable groups, women were concerned about the loss of housing, land and

plantation areas and the consequent loss of agricultural production and income, particularly given that

they had fertilized land along the Mekong river.

Other concerns were related to the loss of community properties, particularly schools, temples and

health center. Some women were concerned about their children’s education as well as changes in their

ethnic customs and beliefs.


83

m

O

Table 43: Knowing about the Project

Village Name

Sources of Information

Village committee Study teams others Total Interviewed

HH % HH % HH % HH %


Sanakham District

01 Donsok 22 31.4 46 65.7 2 2.9 70 100.0

02 Maipakthoun - - 28 66.7 14 33.3 42 100.0

03 Donphoung 2 8.3 1 4.2 21 87.5 24 100.0

2. Xayaboury Province (Right Bank)

Paklay District

04 Boungma - - 24 96.0 1 4.0 25 100.0

Kenthao District

05 Donmen 182 78.8 48 20.8 1 0.4 231 100.0

06 Khae 106 82.8 22 17.2 - 128 100.0

07 Nakham - - - - 14 100.0 14 100.0

08 Donsang - - 13 100.0 - - 13 100.0

09 Houay Lah 64 83.1 13 16.9 - - 77 100.0

Total 376 60.2 195 31.3 53 8.5 624 100.0


84

a g

Table 44: Attitude of Directly Affected People towards the Project

The majority of women and vulnerable people in the project area believed that the Sanakham HPP

would make their life better off. It would create good roads, electricity, clean water,

permanent housing, schools, markets and a health centre. Ban Houay Lah’s vulnerable people

expected the project would create job opportunities and there would be many tourists come to their

village so they could earn some income. Many expected that after the project village women would

work less because of better infrastructures. Therefore, they supported the project.

Village Name Disagree Agree No Sure Total Interviewed

HH % HH % HH % HH %

Vientiane Province (Left Bank) - Sanakham District

01 Donsok 3 4.3 24 34.3 43 61.4 70 100.0

02 Maipakthoun - - - - 42 100.0 42 100.0

03 Donphoung - - 2 8.3 22 91.7 24 100.0

Xayaboury Province (Right Bank) - Paklay District

04 Boungma - - - - 25 100.0 25 100.0

Xayaboury Province (Right Bank) - Kenthao District

05 Donmen 32 13.9 193 83.6 6 2.6 231 100.0

13 10.2 111 86.8 4 3.1 128 100.0

- - - - 14 100.0 14 100.0

- - 1 7.7 12 92.3 13 100.0

06 Khae 07

Nakham 08

Donsang 09

Houay Lah 11 14.3 63 81.9 3 3.9 77 100.0

Total 59 9.5 394 63.1 171 27.4 624 100.0

Figure 34: Participation of Vulnerable G

Figure 35: Participation of Gender/Vulne


85

Groups in ESIA at Ban Khae

er/Vulnerable Groups in ESIA at Ban Donmen


86

d

5.3 Upstream Indirectly Affected Villages

5.3.1 Population

The social survey (Table 45) indicated that 17 villages with a population of 3,929 families (19,282

people) will be indirectly affected by the project due to the changes in the morphology of the Mekong

River from high water level in the wet season and low water level in the dry season to an average of

218 masl to 220 masl all year round (see Table 45). Howev er, families from ten villages only (namely,

Donphoung, Maipakthoun, Houaytao, Khokkhaodor, Donmen, Nakham, Donsang, Boungma, Kengsao,

and Nasack), totaling 354 families (1,808 people) will actually need to be relocated due to partial

flooding.

The upstream indirectly affected communities are Lao. They have an average family size of 4.91 and

the ratio of female and male of 49:51 which is considered balanced.

5.3.2 Housing

The housing status of Group 2 in upstream indirectly affected communities (36.9%) is lower compared

to upstream directly affected communities (53.2%) while ownership of Group 1 houses is significantly

higher (35.8% compared to 10.6%). To some extent, this indicates that the economic status of

indirectly affected upstream communities is more comfortable than directly affected upstream

communities.

Table 45: Type of House in Upstream Indirectly Affected Villages

5.3.3 Land Holding

Like an upstream directly affected family, the indirectly affected family has small house plot of 0.1 ha.

For agricultural lands, the average land holding per family is 1.4 ha, 1.7 ha, and 0.9 ha for lowland

farming, upland cropping, and gardening, respectively.

5.3.4 Occupation & Workforce

Most people are farmers. Only about 4% are traders, 5% are government employees, and 13% are

students (non-labor age). On average, a family of 5 people consists of husband, wife and 3 children. It

follows about 60%-80% of the total population is of working age. Approximately 95% of the total

workforce work in agricultural related activities.

Type Category of House Total Number

Survey Percentage

1 Good Quality Houses 1,356 35.8%

2 Medium Quality Houses 1,398 36.9%

3 Low Quality Houses 1,034 27.3%

Total 3,788 100.0%


87

¨

1

Table 46: Demography of Upstream Indirectly Affected Villages

No .

Village Name Population

English Lao Family HouseholdPeople

Female Ethnicity

Vientiane Province, Sanakham District (Left Bank)

01 Khok Ngew 150 112 639 312 Lao

02 Houaykhayeng 104 93 523 233 Lao

Xayaboury Province, Paklay District (Right Bank)

03 Takdad 272 256 1,132 545 Lao

04 Kengsao 155 152 835 392 Lao

05 Nasack 168 170 838 402 Lao

06 Sayamoungkho un

352 352 1,697 810 Lao

07 Sisaart Somphou

221 192 964 547 Lao

08 Houay Saykham 175 170 750 368 Lao

09 Nasavang 285 285 1,421 700 Lao

10 Sisavang 157 150 782 373 Lao

11 Senglay 318 318 1,508 764 Lao

12 Houaylay Noy 167 153 747 358 Lao

13 Namxong 560 540 2,438 1,197 Lao

14 Khae 225 225 1,143 553 Lao

15 Don 170 170 1,015 508 Lao

16 Mouang Tai 221 221 1,496 754 Lao

17 Mouang Neua 229 229 1,354 657 Lao

Total 3,929 3,788 9,282 9,437

Family Size = 4.91


88

v

d

o

o

8

3

5

%

7

5.3.5 Livelihoods

Rice and maize farming are way of life of the indirectly affected villages. Livestock including poultry,

pigs, cattle and buffaloes can be observed in most villages. Employment is a minor income generator

in these communities. The harvest of NTFPs can be observed here but their contribution to the total

family income.in limited income.

Table 47: Average Gross Income of Indirectly Affected Family

No.

Sources of Income

Left-bank Family (kip)

Right-bank Family (kip)

%

1. Farm Income

1.1. Lowland rice 1,814,200

1,672,000

1.2 Upland crops 653,800

884,000

1.3 Maize/corns 867,000

760,000

1.4 Beans 947,000

930,000

1.5 Fruits 798,000

612,000

1.6 Vegetables 647,000

930,000

1.7 Livestock 775,000

704,000

1.8 Fishing 500,000

400,000

1.9 Aqua-culture 316,000

298,000

Total 7,31 ,000 70.40 7,190,000 69.56

2. Non-timber Forest Products (NTFPs)

2.1 NTFPs 73,000

56,000

Total 7 ,000 0.70 56,000 0.54

3. Non-farm Income

3.1 Trading 874,000

933,000

3.2 Employment 425,000

561,000

3.3 Rental fee 537,000

611,000

3.4 Sending from relatives 325,000

313,000

3.5 Others 843,000

672,000

Total 3,004,000 28.90 3,090.000 29.90

Gran Total 10,39 ,000 100.00 10,336,000 100.00

Average income (kip/month) 174,296 173,307

Average income per person 5,809 Kip/day 5,7 6 kip/day

Average income per person 0.73 US$/day 0.72 US $/day


89

E

m

e

%

5.3.6 Income and Expenditure

Approximately 70% of family gross income is from agriculture. Lowland rice and maize are key

income sources. The average income on both banks is about 10 million kip per family per year. Per

capital or per head income is slightly below a quarter of US$ per day which is under the poverty line of

the Lao PDR. .

The reason why peoples’ incomes are low reflects a viscious circle: low income leads to low

investment, low productivity and low income again. Another reason is limited infrastructure such as

access roads which enable market access and reduce transportation costs.

The diagram below presents the situation of poverty of the indirectly affected villagers of Sanakham

HPP upstream area.

Table 48: Poverty Condition of Indirectly Affected People

US $/p/day

The survey indicated that average family expenses per year are higher among left-bank families than

right-bank families (8.9 million kip compared to 7.1 million kip respectively). Approximately 60% of

family income is spent on household necessities such as food, education, housing and health care. It is

noted that nearly 25% of expenses concern agricultural production costs while about 15% of expenses

relate to ceremonies and transportation.

Table 49: Family Expenses of Indirectly Affected Family

No.

Dist

ribution of expenses

Left-bank Family

(kip)

Right-bank Family(kip)

%

1 Food & Beverage 2,170,000 24.37 1,696,000 23.96

2 Education 1,056,000 11.86 870,000 12.29

3 Transportation 465,000 5.22 679,000 9.59

US$ per

person/day

Left‐bank Indirectly Affected Villages

Rig Affe

ht‐bank Indi cted Villages

rectly

Remarks

1.75

1.50

1.25

1.00

0.75

0.50

0.25

UN Poverty Line 1.25

(0.73 $)

(0.72 $)

Lao Poverty Line 0.75 US $/p/day


90

T

5.3.7 Education and Health

The field surveys revealed limited education and health facilities in the indirectly affected villages.

Most of villages have primary schools but in a poor condition. In the left bank communities, secondary

school is available at Ban Boungma (near Ban Paksao) and a better one in Paklay District Town.

Overall health in the indirectly affected villages appears average with key complaints associated with

flu like illnesses, respiratory issues, diarrhea, stomach and back aches. Nutrition is deemed poor within

these villages and the level of tobacco smoking among males is high. Overall, mortality is associated

more with old age than through illness. In general an increase in illness is generally observed during

the wet season.

5.3.8 Cultural Resources & Archaeology

All communities place it’s temple in high regard. Temples are key community assets and reference

points for the villagers. The priest enjoys immense respect in the community and is regarded as a key

influence in the village scheme of things. Apart from this every village had a sickat, a sacred place,

where the community makes offerings before the start of the paddy season. This is considered a holy

offering to ward off the menace of weeds and pests and help ensure a good harvest.

5.3.9 Village Administration

The village administration system is the same as reported for the directly affected villages (Section

5.2.11). Key administration includes a village leader and deputy (elected by the villagers and

responsible for implementation of plans) and a party eader and deputy (elected by the provincial

government and generally responsible for developing village plans). Often the village and party leader

is the same individual. All of the Lao villages in the project area follow this form.

5.3.10 Attitude towards Sanakham HPP

Most people knew about the project. The sources of information were from village authorities and the

project Engineering/ESIA survey team.

Approximately 90% of people interviewed agreed with the project while only about 10% were unsure.

5.4. Communities Located Near to Construction/Quarry Sites

A third affected group are the communities residing close or near construction sites. The surveys

revealed two villages (Ban Paksao and Ban Pakmee) located within 1-1.5 kms from the quarry sites.

Only one village downstream is located within 1-1.5 kms from the proposed Sanakham

dam, namely, Ban Veunkham, which about 1.3 km distance.

PP main

4 Housing 1,505,000 16.90 810,000 11.44

5 Health 730,000 8.19 778,000 11.00

6 Ceremonies 776,000 8.72 525,000 7.41

7 Production cost 2,201,000 24.72 1,721,000 24.31

Grand total

8,903,000

100.00

7,079,000

100.00

5.4.1 Demography, Ethnicity

Social characteristic of Ban Veunkham

Ban Veunkham

GPS Coordinates: 101.32.4

Toponymic Information: In

means gold.

Village Details: Veunkham village

Nam Heuang and Mekong rivers

is a border village with Tha

site. The village is compris

including, 75 women. The livelihood

Ethnic Composition: Veunkham

Religious Information: All the

Figure 36: ESIA Survey Team at Veunk

All three villages located near the

valley; the ideal environment for

project area practice Buddhism. Key

Boun Bangfai or the Rocket Festival.

During construction and quarryi

dust, noise and vibration. Ban V

river water quality change.


91

y and Culture

Veunkham are outlined below.

47.7N; 17.48.52.0E

In the village name “Vuenkham”, Vuen means

Veunkham village is located on eastern side of the Nam Heuang

rivers meet. The village is in Kenthao district, X

ailand and is located approximately 1.3 km downstream

sed of 33 households with 33 families. The pop

livelihood of most of the residents is agriculture.

kham village is 100% Lao ethnic group.

the residents are Buddhists.

kham Figure 37: ESIA Survey at Quarry S

the damsite are Lao. They live in the lowlands along

for rice paddy, maize and job’s tear farming. The Lao

Key religious festivals include Boun Pimai Lao or

Festival. Lao New Year is celebrated nationwide in m

ng, these communities will be potentially at risk

Veunkham being located downstream from the project

whirlpool and kham

euang River where the

Xayaboury Province. It

downstream from the dam

pulation is 155 people

Site

ng the Mekong River

Lao community in the

or Lao New Year and

mid April each year.

sk from annoyance of

roject will experience


92

g

Table 50: Communities Located Near To Construction/Quarry Sites

7

5.4.2 Basic Infrastructure

Veunkham village has very limited basic infrastructure while Pak Sao and Pakmee have better basic

infrastructure located nearer to Sanakham town.

Table 51: Basic Infrastructure at Veunkham, Pak Sao and Pakmee Villages

No.

Basic infrastructures

Veunkham

Paksao

Pakmy

01 River front road (unpaved) No Yes Yes

02 Road (unpaved) linking major towns No Yes Yes

03 Water works No No Available

04 Electricity No Available Available

05 Telephone No Available Available

N o

Vil

lage Name

Population

Coordinate

Dist.FromDam(k m)

Eng

lish

Lao

Fam.

HH.

Pop.

Female

Ethnic

X

Y

Sanakham District(Vientiane Province - Left bank, Located near to quarry sites)

01

Pakmee

380

345

1,653

834

Lao

17.55.06. 0

101.41.23. 9

32.0

02

Pak Sao

57

58

298

157

Lao

18.01.20. 5

101.45.12. 4

56.0

Average household size = 4.85

Kenthao District(Xayaboury province - Right bank, Located near to construction site)

03

Veunkh am

33

33

155

75

Lao

17.48.52. 0

101.32.47.

1.3

Average household size = 4.69

Figure 38: Map from Vuenkham to Pa

5.4.3 Household Economy and

The way of life of people in th

rearing. The farm sector employ

whereas the non-farm sector emplo

Typically a family usually growpaddy during the rainy season arange of forest produce during seasons.

Ban Pak Sao also plant Jobirrigation system for low-land riceis observed in these villages.

The NTFPs collected within the

proportions for sale. To supplem

usually buffaloes, cattle, goats, pigs

cultivation except for small scale

The average family income of Pa

the poverty line of Lao PDR. A

month. The main sources of inc

cropping (include gardening) and


93

Pakmee Villages

and Livelihood

these three villages is dominantly based on agriculture

ys approximately 95 percent of the active and productive

ploys less than five percent of the workforce.

ws one crop of and collects a wet and dry

b’s tear. No rice plantation

Figure 39: Job’s tear product at Ban

the project area are primarily for household consu

ment their income, most of the households own a

pigs and poultry products. During the dry season

growing of some vegetables.

Pak Sao and Pakmee is estimated at US$ 499 per m

Average family income at Ban Veunkham is h

ome (approximately 75% of the total family inc

and livestock.

culture and livestock

roductive work force

Ban Pak Sao

sumption with small

a number of livestock,

on there is generally no

month which is above

higher at US$582 per

income) is derived from


94

u

a

a

S

S

4

Table 52: Estimated Average (Gross) Household Income of Pak Sao and Pakmee Villages, Meun District, Vientiane Province

Table 53: Estimated Average (Gross) Household Income ofBan Veunkham, Kenthao District, Xayaboury Province

5.4.4 Education Facility

The primary survey revealed that education in Pak Sao and Pakmee is constrained by a lack of

infrastructure and facilities. These two villages each have primary schools but no secondary.

Children in these two villages go to Sanakham District secondary school located about 5-10 km

from the villages. Despite a lack of basic infrastructure such as roads, electricity and water works,

BanVeunkham has a secondary school.

Sources of Income

(Kip/month)

(Kip/year)

1) From Agriculture 2,861,183 34,334,201

2) Livestock 344,256 4,131,080

3) Sale of Forest Product 260,241 3,122,900

4) Trading 541,725 6,500,700

5) Services 361,168 4,334,020

6) Laboring /Salary 181,575 2,178,905

7) Handicraft 102,860 1,234,320

8) Other 233816 2,805,800

Total monthly and annual income/HH (Kip) ,655,348

55,864,184

Total monthly and annual income/HH (U$) 582

6,983

So rces of Income

(Kip/month)

(Kip/year)

1) Cropping 2,450,000 29,400, 000

2) Livestock 427,500 5,130,000


4) Trading 341,691 4,100,300

5) Services 177,420 2,129,040

6) Employment /Salary 267,667 3,212,005

7) Handicraft 103,850 1,246,202

8) Others 225,066 2,700,800

Total monthly and annual income/HH (Kip) 3,993,221

47,918,657

Total monthly and annual income/HH (U$) 499

5,989


95

e

Table 54: Education Facilities in Veunkham, Pak Sao and Pakmee Villages

5.4.5 Public Health and Sanitation

A HC is found at Veunkham and Pakmee. The Pakmee village has 4 drugstores. Interviews with local

villagers in the area suggest that the project area suffers from similar diseases to those nationally. The

overall health of the project villages appears to be average. Key complaints concern flu like illnesses

and respiratory issues, diarrhea, stomach and back ache. Nutrition is deemed poor within the village

area and the level of tobacco smoking within males in the community is high. Overall, mortality is

associated more with old age than through illness. In general an

observed during the wet season.

increase in illness is generally

Table 55: Public Health Facility in Veunkham, Pak Sao and Pakmee Villages

No serious outbreaks of dengue fever or malaria have been recorded since 2006. This can be attributed

to a successful health promotion program by the government (via local health volunteers).

No.

Type of healthcare facilities

Veunkham

Paksao

Pakmee

01

Hospital

0

0

0

02

Health Administration

0

0

0

03

Public health center

1

0

1

04

Dispensaries /Drugstore

0

0

4

05

Public Physicians

0

0

0

06

Public Dentists

0

0

0

07

Public pharmacists

0

0

0

08

Public nurses

2

0

0

No.

Types of Educational Facilities

Veunkham

Pak Sao

Pakmee

01 Public primary schools 1 1 1

02 Public secondary schools 1

0

03 Public high school 0

0

04 Private schools 0

0

05 Religious Buddhist schools 0

0

06 Village reading centers 0

0

07 Public library 0

0

08 Pre-school development center 0

0

09 Primary school (up to grade 4) 0

0

Discussions with the village healthcare

is in a very good condition despite

Most deliveries take place at hom

children and mothers occur regularly

to the local schools to provide the

5.4.6 Attitude towards Sanak

The sampling survey in the two villages

of total households) indicated tha

The reason for the uncertainty wa

to be employed by the contractor.

Consultation

at Ban

Figure 40: Focus Group Discussion

5.5 Downstream Communities

5.5.1 Objective, Scope & Methodolo

a) Objective

The study of downstream communities

CIA/TBIA.

Since many downstream people are

to-day living (including water supp

baseline social information is required

assessment can be made in this re


96

m

lthcare professionals revealed that the air quality in

despite the dust from vehicles and wind during the dry season.

me with a midwife (not qualified) or at the dispensar

gularly within the villages, with medical professionals

the necessary vaccinations.

Sanakham Project

villages (Ban Pak Sao and Ban Pakmee) of 40 households

at 75% agree with the project while 25% were unsure.

was a lack of understanding about the project and the

or.

Focus group with Pak

Village Chie

Lao Women’s U

Consultation eeting

Ban Pak Sao

ties

thodology

unities aims to provide social information to be used

are within Thai territory and dependent on the Mekong

upply, navigation, river-bank cropping, tourism,

required to inform the CIA/TBIA. It is noted

eport for the downstream communities.

in these three villages

season.

sary. Vaccinations for

nals coming regularly

households (about 10%

unsure.

he quarrying methods

Pak Sao

ef and

Union

sed in the subsequent

ekong River for day-

fishing, fish cultures)

noted that only an initial

b) Scope

Three surveys were conducted

information of the downstream villages

The study covered an area of app

100-km survey stems from the

(2010)). There is potential for h

located 40 to 50 km downstream

releases these peaking events c

addressed 430,000 people living

the highest peaking potential (inc

Pak Lay and Xayaboury) (Figure

Therefore the Sanakham HPP downstream

main dam. In consultation with the

km in distance from river banks)

in other contracts.

Figure 41: Population in the 100km Dow

c) Methodology

The following methods were em

HPP.

Review of related doc

information, related studie

Discussions with senior

boat-taxi drivers, tourism


97

d in the period of October 2010 to March 2011

villages both on the Thai (right-Bank) and Lao P

pproximately 100 km from the Sanakham main

MRC’s guidelines (see MRC’s Strategic Environ

hourly spikes in water level of up to 3 to 6 m in

m of the mainstream cascade dams. Under unpla

could be larger giving little time for notificatio

within 100 km downstream of the Mekong mai

cluding Sanakham, Luang Prabang, Sambor, Stung Treng,

42).

downstream study covers a distance of approximately

the MRC, the study area (km in distance along the

banks) will be finalized in the CIA/TBIA which will be

Downstream of Mekong Mainstream Dams

mployed in gathering the downstream social data

ocuments in the study area including district/sub

ies/researches on the Mekong Mainstream.

district/sub-district administrators, some traders,

tourism service business people.

011 to gather social

PDR (left-bank) sides.

dam. The reason for

onmental Assessment

in towns and villages

anned and emergency

ion. The MRC’s study

instream projects with

ng Treng, Ban Koum,

tely 100 km from the

he Mekong River and

be conducted separately

ta for the Sanakham

district/sub-district general

, river-bank farmers,


98

Interview with public utility people such as local water works administrators and electricity

authority people;

Selected interviews with villagers and former fishermen residing on the right bank of the

Mekong River.

Survey by boats along the Mekong River on the Thai side.

Ground surveys checking the location and other social and livelihood issues.

5.5.2 Downstream Riparian Villages (Thailand)

a) Riparian Districts

There are two riparian districts located on the right bank of the Mekong mainstream, Chiang Khan and

Pak Chom. Location information of these two districts is as follows:

Chiang Khan District

Location: 17°53′54″N, 101°39′54″E

Chiang Khan (Loei Province) is a border district connecting with Sanakham District of Lao

PDR to the north and connecting with Kenthao District of Lao PDR on the west (Heung River

is the Thai-Lao border line with a distance of 12 km).

The district area of 940.5 km2 is covered with 60% of medium flood plain/hill terrace, and

with 40% of mountains.

There are 5 main rivers in Chiang Khan which include Loei River, Heung River, Houy River,

Mi River, and Souay River. All of these drain into the Mekong River.

As of March 2010, the Chiang Khan has 9 sub-districts, 82 villages with the total population of

59,732 people (29,600 female). The average den ity is 63 persons per km2.

16 villages are identified as Mekong riparian villages that may be indirectly affected by the

Mekong mainstream hydropower projects. (see next sections)

o o

o

o

o

o

Pak Chom District

Location: 18°1′18″N, 101°53′18″E

The district area of 945 km2 is covered with 60% of medium flood plain/hill terrace, and with

40% of mountains.

Pak Chom has 3 rivers namely Chom River, Mang River, and Sa Ngao River which all drain

into the Mekong River.

The statistic in June 2010 showed that Pak Chom has 6 sub-districts, 50 villages with the

population of 38,845 people (19,065 female). The average density is 41persons/km2.

14 villages are found to be the Mekong riparian villages. (see also next sections)

o o

o

o

o

Figure 42: Map of Chiang Khan Area


99


100

C

b) Key Social Facilities & Services

Basic Infrastructure

The two districts are served with paved roads, waterworks, electricity, and telecommunications. The

main road linking Chiang Khan and Pak Chom is called River-front Highway Number 211 while other

links to major towns include highways 201, 2108, 2249, 2194, 2186, and 2108.

Table 56: Basic Infrastructure in Downstream Villages (Thailand)

1) Education

Thai standard primary/secondary/high schools and other educational services are available in these two

districts including Buddhist religious schools and a number of pre-school development centers. In

terms of tertiary education, there are Rajaphat University and Buddhist University both located in the

Loei provincial town. Higher vocational schools are also available in Loei.

Table 57: Educational Facilities in Downstream Villages (Thailand)

No.

Type of Educational Facilities

Chiang Khan

Pak Chom

01

Public primary schools

41

36

02

Public secondary schools

4

3

03

Private schools

1

-

04

Religious Buddhist schools

2

8

05

Village Reading Centers

82

36

06

District Library

1

1

07

Pre-school development centers

35

12

Total

166

96

No.

Basic Infrastructures

Chiang Khan

Pak Chom

01

River-front highway

HW 211

HW 211

02

Highway linking major towns

HWs 201, 2108,

2249, 2194, 2195

HWs 2186, 2108

03

Waterworks

68 Stations

32 Stations

04

Electricity

Available

Available

05

Telephone

Available

Available


101

2) Public Health & Sanitation

Like other remote provinces in Thailand, health care is available at a cost of only 30 baht for any

health treatment cases. There are also private clinics

number of private clinics can be found in Chiang Khan.

available but at higher cost per case. A

Table 58: Public Health Facilities in Downstream Villages (Thailand)

Every village has solid waste management system operated by the Municipality Office and by Sub-

district Administration Office. All houses have a bathroom/ toilets: 3% are flush latrine; 94% are

mould latrine; and 3% mixed flush and mould latrines.

3) Demography of Riparian Villages

The surveys revealed 28 villages residing along the Mekong River on the Thai side (Table 52) - 15

villages within the Chiang Khan District and 14 villages in the Pak Chom District. The general

demography of these villages is as follows:

Total households: 6,109

Total population: 20,847

Female population: 10,532 (50.57% of total population)

Average household size: 3.41

No.

Type of Health Care Facilities

Chiang Khan

Pak Chom

01

District hospital (30 beds)

1

1

02

Health administration

1

1

03

Public health clinic

14

10

04

Private health clinic

18

3

05

Dispensaries/drug store

7

4

06

Public Physicians

3

3

07

Public Dentists

1

1

08

Public Pharmacists

3

2

09

Public Nurses

51

29


102

0

Table 59: Location and Population of Riparian Villages Surveyed

No.

Village Name

No. of

HH

No.of

Pop.

No. of

Female

Location

MRRB

Distance from

Dam

1. Chiang Khan District

01 Tha Di Mi 247 993 502 KM 1736.0 5.5 km

02 Khok Ngiu 159 575 291 KM1732.7 8.8 km

03 Na Chan 123 531 269 Nam Heung 6.5 km

04 Khok Mat 146 544 275 KM1725.5 16.0 km

05 Chiangkhan Moo 2 144 675 341 KM 1116.5 24.0 km

06 Chiangkhan Moo 1 208 498 252 KM1117.0 24.5 km

07 Noi 211 729 369 KM1712.8 28.7 km

08 Pha Baen Moo 8 158 703 355 KM1709.0 32.5 km

09 Pha Baen Moo 6 288 1,058 534 KM1708.0 33.5 km

10 Pha Baen Moo 11 251 462 233 KM1707.0 34.5 km

11 Wattana Phirom 70 278 141 KM1705.0 36.5 km

12 Buhom Moo 1 320 1,223 618 KM1703.5 38.0 km

13 Buhom Moo 9 118 510 258 KM1703.0 38.5 km

14 Khok Lao Tai 195 930 469 KM1708.5 44.0 km

15 Khok Lao Nua 206 871 440 KM1700.0 51.5 km

Total 2,844 10,58

5,347

2. Pak Chom District

16 Hat Bia 143 473 242 KM1687.5 54.0 km

17 Khok Phai 171 566 267 KM1681.0 60.5 km

18 Pakchom Moo 10 173 551 267 KM1679.0 62.5 km

19 Pakchom Moo 1 791 1,848 950 KM1678.0 63.5 km

20 Si Phuthon 306 947 465 KM1676.5 65.0 km

21 Pak Niam 208 800 399 KM1672.5 69.0 km

22 Sa Ngao 267 897 444 KM1669.0 72.5 km

23 Non Sawan 254 931 464 KM1668.0 73.5 km

24 Huai Thapchang 93 389 199 KM1663.0 78.0 km


103

a

a k na S

ng k e

MRRB = Mekong River Right Bank, KM = Distance in km from estuary, HH = Households

Figure 43: Downstream Communities Surveyed

o

a

25 Pak Mung 113 341 157 KM1661.8 80.2 km

26 Hat Khamphi 214 528 348 KM1658.0 83.0 km

27 Khok Wao 108 382 188 KM1653.0 88.0 km

28 Huai Khop 236 912 451 KM1650.0 91.0 km

29 Huai Hiam 188 702 344 KM1648.0 93.0 km

Tot l 3,265 10,267

5,185

Grand Total 6,109 20,847

10,532


104

r

4) Housing

Most of riparian houses are detached houses: only a few are row houses. In terms of construction

materials, approximately 30% are cement/brick houses, 20% wooden house and 65% a

combination of wood and brick. The cottage houses are very few accounting for only 2.8%.

In terms of ownership status 91.5% are owned with land, 2.6% are rented and 5.9% arrre occupied

rent free.

5) Household Income

The average monthly household net income of ripanian household is estimated at 20,504 Baht at

Chiang Khan and 15,411 Baht at Pak Chom. (Tables 60 and Table 61)

Table 60: Estimated Riparian Average Household Net Income in Chiang Khan

Sources: Estimated by study team based on 2010 Loei Statistical Office,

Note: Exchange Rate - US $ 1 = Baht (B) 30

Sources of Income

Average (Baht/month)

Average (Baht/year)

1) Wages and salaries

6,300

75,600

2) Net profits from business

5,337

64,044

3) Net profits from farming

1,935

23,220

4) From current transfers

1,521

18,252

5) From property income

2,100

25,200

6) Non-money income

2,551

30,612

7) Non - current money income

759

9,108

Total monthly and yearly income/HH (Baht)

20,504

246,036

Total monthly income and yearly/HH (US $)

684

8,201

Average (net) US $/person/day

6.6


105

Table 61: Estimated Riparian Average Household Net Income in Pak Chom

Sources: 2010 Loei Statistical Office,

Note: Exchange Rate - US $ 1 = Baht (B) 30

6) Water Uses

Both Chiang Khan and Pak Chom districts use the Mekong water via pumps operated by the

Provincial Waterworks Authority. The main service area is within the municipality. Many riparian

villages have their own waterworks with at least one pumping station operated by the sub-district

administration. Very few irrigation punps for cropping/agricultural purposes were observed. In

sum, 85.1% had inside pipe water, 7.7% used underground piped water and the remaining have

their own water supply system.

For drinking water, about 20% used bottled water; 10% used taps; and 70% from rain-water

storage tanks.

7) Mekong Riverbank Agriculture

A number of river bank agriculture was observed based on cash crops such as rice, bananas,

eggplant, papaya, cabbage, maize, groundnuts and soybeans. The popular riverbank products in the

area are banana and maize which supply Loei and nearby northeastern provinces.

Sources of Income

Average (B/month)

Average (B/year)

1) Wages and salaries

4,400

52,800

2) Net profits from business

2,327

27,924

3) Net profits from farming

3,938

47,256

4) From current transfers

1,521

18,252

5) From property income

149

1,788

6) Non-money income

2,734

32,808

7) Non - current money income

342

4,104

Total monthly and yearly income/HH (Baht)

15,411

184,932

Total monthly and yearly income/HH (US $)

514

6,164

Average (net) US $/person/day

4.9

Figure 44: River-bank Banana Plantation

Figure 45: Riverbank Farming

8) Fishery on the Mekong River

Based on the survey in October/Nove

Mekong fishery was not the

this zone.

Since there are limited fish

number of fish culturing

observed, mainly in the

Area.

The size of fish culturing bas

x 4m with 2 m in depth.

The only type of fish cultured

or Pla Nil (Thai), Panin (Lao).


106

ation in Pak Chom District

Figure 46: Banana Products Delivering

r

tober/November 2010 and interviews of former fisher

main income source of income because of limited

h resources, a

baskets were

Chiang Khan

basket size is 4m

cultured was Tilapia

Lao).

Figure 47: Fish Culturing at Ban Khok Ngiu in Chiang Khan

ring to Market

ishermen, the natural

ted fish population in

an District of Thailand

The survey in the same period

Chiang Khan and 40 in Pak Cho

Chiang Khan

o Ban Khok

o Ban Khok

o Others

Pak Chom:

Total

9) Navigation

The navigation in the Mekong

between Chiang Khan (Tha

available depending on route

town upstream about 20-30 km

the construction of bridge across the

will link two main towns, Tha

Information of Chiang Khan-

Number of boat

o 11 Thai boats

o 31 Lao boats

Capacity per boat

o 12 seats

Service time

o Everyday

o 08:00 to 16:

Fee: 50 Baht/person

10) Tourism

Tourist Sites

(a) Chiang Khan, An

Chiang Khan is an old town of

Luang Prabang of Lao PDR. This

Laotian roofs. Such architecture

Chiang Khan is very simple and,

River, there are local style house

of Lao PDR and has a very good taste.

River can be found at any restaurants


107

riod found that there were a total of 220 fish-cultu

Chom.

n

Khok Ngui:

Khok Mat:

180(production of about 200,000

(100)

(46)

(34)

40 (production of about 50,000 kg/year)

220 baskets.

Mekong River in this zone is mainly by taxi boat c

ailand) and Sanakham (Lao PDR). Some boat

ute and distance. For example, the cost for boat r

km will cost about $US100 per trip. The Thai Govern

bridge across the Nam Heung River limits the need for bo

Tha Li of Thailand and Kenthao of Lao PDR.

-Sanakham boat-taxi service is as follows:

ats

ats

:30

Figure 48: Boat Taxi at Chiang Khan and

An Old Cultural Town on Mekong River (Right

of more than 200 years. The cultural character is

This can be found from amateur temples of unique

e can be found in Luang Prabang in Lao PDR

nd, and the town is relatively free from pollution

ses, guest houses, and restaurants. Local food is ve

good taste. For people who love to eat fish, the giant cat f

rants in town.

culture baskets: 180 in

0 kg/ year)

kg/year)

crossing the Mekong

boat rental services are

rental from Sanakham

vernment’s support of

oat travel. This bridge

nd Sanakham

Bank)

s beautiful similar to

que architecture with

R. The way of life of

pollution . Along the Mekong

ery similar to the food

cat fish from Mekong

The sunset at this old town is very

Mekong River, they can walk along

the balcony of the restaurant. Walking

from the big city want to do.

Many tourists come to Chiang Kha

Chiang Khan people are traditional

the Buddhist Temple to offer food

of the most favorite tourist destinations.

The famous festivals include:

End of Buddhist Lent Festival

on the full moon day of th

generations + There is

illuminated boat contest, Tak

the festival,

Fire Boat Festival (October

Songkran Festival (Water s

Figure 49: Old Town Area of Chiang Khan


108

ry fascinating. If the visitors of Chiang Khan want to see the sunset

long the bank of the river in the evening, or they

Walking in the evening in the old town of Chiang

Khan to see how people live their lives in a very

traditional farmers. They wake up very early in the mo

food to the monks. Then they go to their farms. Chiang

destinations.

ival This festival is organized in front of Chiang

he 11th lunar month every year + This festival has

the Prasat Phueng procession, long-boat races

Tak Bat Devo, and various local cultural shows

ber), and

splashing of Thai New Year in April), etc.

han

Khan want to see the sunset on

y can see the sunset at

Chiang Khan is what people

small town. Most of

orning, and they go to

iang Khan is now one

Khan District Office

as been passed on for

es, Ruea Kap races,

and entertainment in

Figure 50: Chiang Khan Market in the E

(b) Kaeng Kut Khu

A popular and beautiful rapids attractive

River of the Chiang Khan Distric

Kaeng Kut Khu (October 2

Figure 51: Kaeng Kut Khu (October 2010)

In‐land Tourist Service

Figure 53: In-land Tourist Service


109

Evening of October 2010 Festival

Khu

ttractive to local visitors in the summertime is located

ict

2010)

10) Figure 52: Kaeng Kut Khu (Summ

On‐sand Food Shops

Figure 54: On-sand Food Shops

Kaeng Kut Khu (Su

5

1

cated on the Mekong

mmer 2005)

s (March 20 1)

Shops (March 2011)

ummer 200 )


110

0

Tourism business can be summarized as follows:

The interview with Senior Public Administrator at Chiang Khan revealed that Kaeng Khut Khu is one

of the main income sources of local villagers.There are about 50-60 households or 150-200 people

involved in the tourism business at this tourism spot.

Lodging: There are some small hotels and guesthouses and linked with the hotels and

guesthouses in Chiang Khan Town.

Souvenir shops: Mostly operated by both private and village housewife organizations

Food service: Thai, Lao and Western food are available.

There is concern that changes in hydrology may affect the beauty of Kaeng Khut Khu and therefore

tourism.

Number of Visitors

Information collected from the Provincial Tourism Authority indicated that in the first half of 2010

there were 90,933 visitors to Loei. About 95% are Thai and 5% are foreigners (Table 62). This

indicates domestic tourism is very important.

Table 62: Guest Arrivals at Accommodation Establishments in Loei Province

Nationality

January - June

2 10

2009

Changes (%)

Thai 86,092 108,008 - 20.29

Indonesia 3 0 -

Laos 400 346 + 15.50

Malaysia 20 77 - 73.69

Myanmar 3 1 + 246.07

Philippines 8 9 - 9.32

Singapore 76 54 + 40.47

Vietnam 10 13 - 20.14

China 209 199 + 4.88

Hong Kong 7 1 + 637.60

Japan 242 232 + 4.57

Korea 20 67 - 70.39

Taiwan 0 33 -

Austria 53 50 + 5.75

Belgium 12 34 - 64.86


111

0

Summary on number of visitors compared to the same period of the previous year is as below.

Nationality

January - June

2 10

2009

Changes (%)

Denmark 12 47 - 73.54

Finland 0 14 -

France 428 791 - 45.94

Germany 279 314 - 11.28

Italy 10 37 - 73.64

Netherlands 1,792 278 + 544.44

Norway 4 20 - 82.77

Russia 4 13 - 72.77

Spain 5 3 + 78.44

Sweden 28 43 - 34.42

Switzerland 61 86 - 28.45

United Kingdom 263 318 - 17.04

East Europe 206 199 + 3.93

Canada 27 53 - 49.48

USA 318 437 - 27.13

India 30 75 - 60.57

Australia 238 134 + 78.47

New Zealand 7 17 - 58.11

Middle East 4 0 + 1106.07

Israel 12 8 + 52.44

Africa 0 4 -

Others 110 223 - 50.52

Grand Total 90,993

112,237

- 18.93


112

Table 63: Guest Arrivals at Accommodation Establishments in Loei Province

Table 63 shows numbers of local and international tourists

changes over 2009 and 2010.

in Loei Province and the percentage

Observed Tourist Activities

Most of tourist activities in Loei and Chiang Khan include:

Photography & Videography

Fog filled valleys

River Views

Sunsets

Old town street scenes

Old wooden shop houses

Visit local residents

Friends & family participating activities

Merit making

Worship

Shopping

Ride bicycles

Ride motorcycles

Writing messages on shop walls

Writing postcards

Participate in the New Year Festivities

Eat local food

Relax at riverside restaurants

Massage

Sightseeing at the fresh market

Village sightseeing

Visit natural attractions

Visit Mekong River Rapids

View mist filled valleys from hill tops

Walk along the river bank

Souvenir & Handicraft

Nationality

January - June

2010

2009

% Changes

Thai

86,092 (94.6%)

108,008 (96.2%)

- 20.29

Foreigners

4,901 (5.4%)

4,229 (3.8%)

+ 15.90

One of the most famous souvenirs

coconut is called Ma Prao Kae

souvenir for their relatives and friends.

Ma Prao Kaeo.

Figure 55: Examp le of Small Scale Enterp rise Souve nirs/H andicr afts of Chian g Khan

5.5.3 Downstream Riparian Villages:

Different survey teams conducte

surveys revealed 14 villages (with

the left bank of the Mekong Riv

right bank in Kenthao District w

in the analysis of communities

villages included in the same anal

Six left-bank villages (Phalat, Pak

Sanakham District of Vientiane

Namhi, Konekham, Khokmued,

of Lao ethnicity; only a few villages


113

nirs is fried sweet young coconut. The name of

eo. People who visit Chiang Khan always buy

friends. The village near Kaeng Khut Khu is the

illages: Demography, Ethnicity and Culture (Lao

ed separate surveys of downstream communities on

ith a population of 3,453 households with 17,65

River. As mentioned above, there is a village call

which is located near to construction site. This village

located to construction and quarry sites. There

lysis: namely, Ban Pak Sao and Ban Pakmee, on the

Pak Phang, Juansavanh, Tak Dad, Siphoum, Sanakh

Province. While the other six villages (Pak Sao,

Pakchan) are residing in Meun District of Vientiane.

ges in Meun District are mixed with some Khmou

this chewable sweet

this product to be a

best place to produce

o PDR)

on the Lao side. The

56 people) residing on

led Veunkham on the

village will be included

are also another two

the left bank.

Sanakham) belong to

Sao, Don Hieng, Vang,

iane. Most people are

u people.


114

P

0

Table 64: Location and Population of Downstream Communities (Lao PDR)

No

.

Village Name

Population

Coordinate

Dist.FromDam(k

m)

English

Lao

Fam.

HH.

Pop.

Femal

Ethnic

X

Y

Sanakham District(Vientiane Province)

01

Phalat

179

170

751

366

Lao

17.52.18.

1

101.34.13

.2

15

02

Pak

Phang

870

627

3,072

1,519

Lao

17.53.33.

5

101.36.40

.5

22

03

Juansava

nh

75

75

379

195

Lao

17.54.00.

7

101.38.09

.9

25

04

Tak Dad

135

128

604

307

Lao

17.54.03.

7

101.39.06

.7

27

05

Siphoum

194

182

844

417

Lao

17.54.21.

0

101.39.54

.1

29

06

Sanakha

m

642

625

3,242

1,702

Lao

17.54.37.

5

101.40.33

.5

30

07

Pakmee

380

345

1,653

834

Lao

17.55.06.

0

101.41.23

.9

32

Total

2,475

2,15

2

10,545

5,34

(HH size = 4.26)

Meun District(Vientiane Province)

08

Pak sao

57

58

298

157

Lao

18.01.20.

5

101.45.12

.4

56

09

Don

Hieng

90

98

406

212

Lao

18.04.36.

0

101.47.10

.8

60

10

Vang

180

185

836

416

Lao

18.03.03.

9

101.51.11

.7

65

8

8

36

18

Khmou

11

Namhi

111

109

517

254

Lao

18.02.23.

3

101.53.28

.3

68

12

Konekha

m

159

162

924

430

Lao

18.04.47.

8

10155.45.

3

72

88

88

541

253

Khmou

a) Basic Infrastru

All downstream riparian villagelocated within the two districts,and Meun. The field surveys fobasic infrastructures for the communities. Paved roads are availableSanakham and Meun districts towns.parts about 10 km of the riverfrontpaved but the rest are dirt roads.

Electricity is available in most villages.

regular phone is very limited. Water

district civic center.

Table 65: Basic Infrastructures of Lao Downstrea

No.

Basic infrastructures

01 River front high way

02 Roads linking major town

03 Water works

04 Electricity

05 Telephone

13

Khokmue

d

150

4

14

Pakchanh

235

226

Total

1,308

Grand Total

3,783


115

6

6

h

e

ucture

es in Lao are ts, Sanakham found limited downstream

are available in the towns. In some

rfront road is

Figure 56: Access Road at Ban

villages. Telephone service especially mobile phone

Water works system that served with clean water

Downstream Villages

es

Downstream villages in Sanakham

Downstre

None Yes

ns Limited Limited

Available in district center Available in

Available Available

Available Available

131

644

314

Lao

18.06.25.

0

101.57

3

34

15

Khmou

234

1,464

717

Lao

18.09.17.

9

101.01

225

1,411

690

Khmou

1,301

7,111

3,47

(HH size =

3,453

17,656

8,816

e

Phalat

hone is available but

is found only in the

eam villages inMeun

in district center

101.57.11

.5

87

101.01.06

.9

102

e = 5.44)


116

r

p

p

3

4

b) Education Facilities

Educational services are also limited: primary schools are not available in all villages. Furthermore,

secondary/high schools are only available in the main district towns.

Table 66: Educational Service in Lao Downstream Villages

Table 67: Estimated Average HH Income of Downstream Villages (Meun)

Dist ict

Sources of Income

(Kip/month)

(Kip/year)

Sanakham

1) From Agriculture 2,600,000 31,200, 010

2) Livestock 410,000 4,930,000


4) Trading 516,666 6,200,000

5) Services 351,670 4,220,040

6) Laboring /Salary 181,500 2,178,005

7) Handicraft 96,300 1,156,402

8) Other 92,000 1,100,800

Total monthly and yearly income/HH (Kip ) 4,673,779 56,085,357

Total monthly and yearly income/HH (US $) 585 7,010

No.

Types of Educational Facilities

Sanakham

Meun

01

Public primary schools

23

18

02

Public secondary schools

3

3

03

Public high school

2

1

04

Private schools

-

-

05

Religious Buddhist schools

-

-

06

Village reading centers

-

-

07

District library

-

-

08

Pre-school development center

-

-

09

Primary school (up to grade 4)

9

-

Total

7

2

r

c) River-bank Gardening

Most of villages on the Lao practicebank gardening. The mainvegetables such as onion, chili Some sweet corn and maize arethe Phalat village in Sanakham.land size for each village for gardenifrom 5,000 to 10,000 dependingslope and land availability. Banknormally observed in the area.

m2 m2

5.6 Resettlement Host Comm

5.6.1 Resettlement Site Information

The last social group includes the

“Resettlement” sites. “Relocation

located near the original village

moving people from old villages

site, the “host community” re

relocated or resettled.

District

Sour

Meun

1) From Agr

2) Livestock

3) Sale of Forest

4) Trading

5) Services

6) Laboring

7) Handicraft

8) Other Tot(Ki

al monthly andp)

Tot(US

al monthly and$)


117

r

3

ardening

practice river- n crops are and peanuts. re observed in . The average rdening ranges depending on

Bank erosions are

Figure 57: River-bank Gardening

munities

mation

the people residing within or near to the proposed

on Site” means the area for shifting affected families

e. The “Resettlement Site” means the area selected

s to arrange new villages in new lands. In a rese

efers to the people already living in the area w

rces of Income

(Kip/month)

Agriculture 2,450,000

k 427,500

orest Product 166,692

341,691

177,420

/Salary 267,667

ft 103,850

225,066

and yearly income/HH ,993,221

and yearly income/HH 499

Gardening at Ban Pak Phang

sed “Relocation” and

families to upper terraces

cted in other place for

ettlement or relocation

where APs are to be

(Kip/year)

29,400, 000

5,130,000

2,000,310

4,100,300

2,129,040

3,212,005

1,246,202

2,700,800

47

,918,657

5,989

c

The resettlement site study has been

This study is focused on the social

elaborated below.

There are two villages located adjacent

along the district road (local road

Province. This road also connects

International Check Point.

These host communities are currently

fertile land called Khoun Houa

resettlers. The potential conflict

the existing host people and newc

the host communities are of grea

two communities needs to be ca

communities. The positive will

and water supply systems, standa

Khoun Houa Na

Access Road to K

Ac ess Road to

Figure 58: Resettlement Site KD3


118

n

been conducted for each affected village can be

ocial group of host community in one new area,

djacent to the selected resettlement site KD3 - Dong

road No.4) connecting Kenthao and Paklay di

connects the north-western part of Lao PDR with

rrently residing along this road exploiting the opportuni

Nam Kay Area. The good soil will also be beneficial

over sharing NTFPs in the vicinity area could u

ewcomers. A sound understanding of the socio-ec

at importance. The public consultation meeting with

arried out to disseminate the project benefits pa

be the better basic facilities such as paved road

ard school and HC.

am Kay

Ban Dongs

KD3 ‐ Dong Houay Ang

Khoun Houa Nam

Ba Ban Donmen

3 ( Part 1)

Ro

ad N

o.

4

n

seen in Appendix 1.

rea, namely KD3, as

ong Houay Ang Area

istricts of Xayaboury

h Thailand via Thali

ortunity to crop in the

beneficial to the project

upset harmony among

conomic conditions of

ith the people of these

articularly to the host

ds, standard electricity

sangouan (host)

Ba Houay Lod (host)

Photo

Dong

Ban Dongsangouan

Figure 59: Resettlement Site KD3

5.6.2 Socio-economic Condition

a) Demography

Two villages, Houay Lod (Kenthao

communities for resettlement site


119

of Site KD3 –

g Houay Ang

Road

gouan(host)

Mekong R

Ban Houay Lod (host)

3 (Part2)

Condition of Host Communities

enthao District) and Dongsangoun (Paklay District),

e No. KD 3.

No. 4

River

are identified as host

Ban Houay Lod was approximately 40 years ago. village registration was in 1958.

It has a population of 237 houspeople, of this 540 are female).

The village can be accessed viathat links between Kenthao districts centers.

Location of Ban Houay Lod isKenthao District Town.

Ban Donsangoun is located Paklay to the north of Ban Houalso established in the same pePaklay District.

Ban Donsangoun has a populathouseholds (458 people, of female).

For land transportation, the villageby the same road that access toLod.

Table 68: Host Population at Resettlemen

No.

Village Name

1

Houay Lod

2

Dongsangouan

Total


120

o

o

o

established The official

1958.

seholds (1055

via road no. 4 and Paklay

is 23 km from

Ban Houay L

To Kentha

Figure 60: Resettlement Sit

23 km from uay Lod. It was riod but in the To Paklay

population of 201 this 209 are

Ban D ngsangouanvillage is served to Ban Houay

Figure 61: Resettlement Sit

ment Site KD 3

HHs

Pop.

Female

Ethnicity

237

1,055

540

Lao

201

458

209

Lao

438

1,512

749

o

o

d

Site Houay Lod Village

aklay

n

Site Donsangoun Village

Distance from district town (km)

23

23


121

b) Ethnicity and Culture

The villagers at Ban Houay Lod and Ban Dongsangoun are Lao. The monastery and Buddhist temples

are the centers for their cultural life. Since they believe in Budhism, the most active festivals are

Boun PhimaiLao or Lao New Year and Boun Bangfai or the Rocket Festival. Lao New Year is

celebrated nationwide in mid April every year.

c) Infrastructure

These two villages are residing on both sides of the road number 4. This local unpaved road is difficult

for traveling during the rainy season. The two villages have all year round water supply both from

nearby natural streams and ground water. Electricity service in these two villages is available.

d) Education and Health

Each village has a primary school but with limited teaching personnel and related facilities such as

library, computers, and other supporting learning materials. No HC is found in these two villages.

When people are severely ill they go to hospitals in Kenthao and in Paklay.

e) Land Resources Livelihood

Similar to the Sanakham upstream affected villages, the way of life of people at Ban Houay Lod and

Ban Dongsangoun is based on rice and maize farming. Livestock rearing (such as cattle, goats and

poultry) is also an important livelihood source in these two villages. Animal husbandry is a source of

family cash income. When people need cash they will sell one or two of their cattle and goats.

Available NTFPs resources are observed at Khoun Houa Nam Kay forest reserve located on north-west

and south-west of Houay Lod and Ban Dongsangoun, respectively.

Labour is mostly employed in the farm. Some families do their trading business at Kenthao markets.

5.7 Country and Region

5.7.1 Power Development, Rural Electrification, and Country Income

In 2010, the Lao PDR has the installed capacity of 1,838 MW, mostly from hydropower generation.

The GOL has a policy to export electricity to neighboring countries. By the year 2020 Lao has an

agreement to export to Thailand 7,000 MW, Vietnam 3,000 MW and Cambodia 1,500 MW. By 2015,

1,145 MW will be exported to Thailand and Vietnam and 227 MW for domestic supply. The

Government’s goal for electrification is to reach 70 percent of households by the year 2010 (already

achieved), 80 percent by 2015, and 90 percent by 2020.

The revenue from hydropower development will greatly contribute to national income through tax,

dividends, and royalties. By 2025, the foreign exchange earned is predicted to reach US$ 900 million

per year.

Figure 62:

5.7.2 Economic Development

In 2010, the Lao PDR showed a

reflects substantial investment

contributed most to the growth.

metal prices. Output of copper

147,500 tons.

Sanakham HPP is an investment

the order of 3,000 to 4,000 jobs dur

5.8 Global Social Issues

5.8.1 Greenhouse Gas

The APEC Energy Demand and from the energy sector are proje

tons of CO2 in 2030. The electricity

total CO2 emissions in 2030, or

electricity from Lao PDR in the a

electricity produced to Thailand.

In this regard, we have to address

specialist has calculated the net e

below:

1) The forest biom

of the standing

2) As generally em

by weight;


122

62: Forecasted Revenue from Hydropower in Lao PDR

evelopment

an increase in GDP of 7.5%. This prolonged period

in mining and hydropower. Industry grew by

Mining production rose by 19.0% last year, spu

from the two main mines, Phu Bia and Sepone,

nt worth US $ 500 million and is expected to generate

during the construction period of 75 months.

Supply Outlook 2006 mentioned that Thailand’sected to increase from 193 million tons of CO2 in

electricity sector will be the major contributor accounting

294 million tons CO2. Thailand has agreement t

amount of 7,000 MW by 2020. The Sanakham H

address global issues that relate to global warming.

emissions based on a “benefit transfer approach”

mass proxy (that is 259 ton/ ha) estimates of all forest

forest in the project area;

mployed, 0.5 is used to estimate the carbon content

iod of growth mainly

18.0% in 2010 and

urred by higher global

ne, rose by 21.0% to

nerate employment in

s total CO2 emissions in 2002 to 734 million

accounting for 40 percent of

to import hydropower

HPP is expected to sell

The climate change

with assumptions as

forest types and state

ent in forest biomass,


123

3) We assume that 40% of the forest biomass is harvested for the dam construction,

hence 60% remains un-harvested to decay;

4) Assume zero under-ground biomass, invariably justified by the remaining 60%

above-ground above—thus no methane emissions;

5) Estimated biomass for this type of forest according to source is 259 tons/ ha;

6) Estimated inundated land for hydropower project is 4,298.79 ha;

7) Only 10% of the standing forest is lost to flooding.

For methane emissions, it is estimated at approximately 10% of the forest to be affected by dam

construction and 40% harvested in Sanakham HPP that:

Forest biomass being cleared = 0.4 x 0.1 x 259 tons/ ha x 4,298.79 ha

= 44,535.46 tons biomass

With an estimated 50% of the biomass being carbon, the total carbon emissions are 22,267.73 tons

carbon dioxide emitted. This is a rather small amount to be released compared to the amount of

avoided emissions calculated above.

The above figure is small compared to the nearly 52 million tons of carbon dioxide avoided. In sum,

the avoided emissions coming from hydro-generated electricity of the Sanakham HPP modestly

estimated far out-weigh the emissions considered from biomass clearing activity alone. The more

efficient biomass harvesting, will be the less methane emission that will subsequently follow. In light

of this project, nonetheless, it is not clear what the extent of methane emissions will be produced by the

dam flooding, hence, the real total net emissions could be under-estimated.

These positive results obtained from the current calculation can also be enhanced with careful and

efficient biomass clearing, already called for by the Lao PDR government in its guideline. Such timber

benefit from biomass clearing could be cash benefits used to finance local projects, including for

instance, reforestation in the dam areas. The Sanakham HPP will not generate significant negative

impacts contributing to climate change. A carefully designed, managed and operational project will,

and could, contribute positively to enhancing the climate change in the long run. The well managed

Sanakham dam could enhance the local microclimate by creating a larger body of water to enhance

moisture, and thus cooler environment.

5.8.2 Depletion of Fossil Fuel

The Sanakham HPP planned to export electricity to Thailand where Thailand’s power generation is

mostly based on fossil fuels with natural gas and lignite that contributes more than 50%% of total

electricity generation. The economy’s electricity generation is projected to increase annually at 5.5

percent, from 111 TWh in 2002 to 504 TWh in 2030, which less than half the growth rate of 14.1

percent observed before the financial crisis in 1997.

Figure

The growth of energy consumption was

extent, by industries, at a rate

generated through natural gas,

electricity generation.

One way to support the reduction

hydropower electricity from neighboring

global climate change.


124

Natural

Lignite

Oil

Hy

Figure 63: Graph of Natural Gas and Lignite Use

ion was fuelled by robust consumption from consu

of 8.0 percent. More than 40% percent of Th

, reflecting the economy’s heavy dependence

tion of global warming is to use renewable energ

ighboring countries is considered an acceptable

atural gas

ignite

il

ydropower

umers and to a lesser

hailand’s electricity is

e on natural gas for

ergy; the import of

le alternative to help


125

6. Identification of Social Changes and Risks

Chapters 4 and 5 have addressed comprehensive baseline information and environmental and social

concerns of the Sanakham HPP.

This chapter will start to identify social changes and risks that may arise from the project development

of which their social impact will be addressed (in detail) in the next chapter (Chapter 7).

6.1 Identification of Alternatives & Impact Avoidance

In 1994, in a study on the Mekong Mainstream Hydropower Dams, the MRC Secretariat mentioned

about the Sanakham HPP that it would operate at a normal water level of 230masl. Under this scheme,

the damsite was located at 0+1772km from the estuary.

Until 2009/2010, careful engineering, social/environment and economics related to: topographical and

geological conditions of the damsite; rational use of hydropower resources; improvement of navigation

conditions; reservoir inundation loss; requirements for environmental protection; project’s regulating

performance; hydropower energy; and economic parameters, the selected normal water level for

Sanakham Hydropower Project is now optimized at 220 masl. This has included social and economic

impact avoidance since the water retention level in the upstream was reduced from 230 m to 220masl.

6.2 Bio-Physical Changes Create Social Changes

The Sanakham HPP is not a conventional storage reservoir. It is a run-off-river type that will make use

of the river flow for power generation and other associated purposes. Even though the run-off-river

dam provides less environmental and social impacts compared to the conventional storage dam, the

environmental changes from the creation of main dam and upstream pond will result. The bio-physical

studies revealed some key changes as discussed in Sections 6.2.1 to 6.2.3.

Table 69: Land Use Changes in the Upstream Area

No.

Land Use Type

Area in ha

% of Total Loss

01

Bamboo

2,631

41.5

02

Mixed deciduous forest

16

0.2

03

Residential and other lands

676

10.7

04

Ray

51

0.8

05

Rice Paddy

308

4.9

06

Un-stocked forest

770

12.2

07

Water

1,880

29.7

Total

6,332

100.0


126

6.2.1 Upstream and Quarry Areas

At the water retention level of 220 masl, the project main dam will alter 4,425 has of land that

currently is utilized as villages, rice paddy, forest and others into water area. When 1,880 ha of existing

Mekong water body is included, the upstream project pond will have an area of 6,332 hsa. As a result,

the following biophysical changes include:

Higher water level in the upstream area where 4,425 ha of land will be lost. This land loss

includes residential, agricultural production area, and other livelihood resources.

Increase sedimentation and slower water velocity.

Disconnection from downstream river due to the creation of dam across the Mekong River

Mainstream, which may affect fish migration.

The above will create social changes. As has been mentioned, three villages are directly affected

requiring resettlement while ten will be partially submerged requiring relocation.

Anticipated social issues/risks resulting from above bio-physical changes can be listed among project

development phases as follows:

Pre-construction Phase

o Psychological o Social conflict o Household investment

o Economic benefits

Construction Phase

In-migration

Disturbance

Health risks

Employment and income

Displacement

Livelihoods

Fishing

Cultural heritage

Navigation

Tourism

Gender/vulnerable group issues

o

o

o

o

o

o

Operation Phase

o Livelihood restoration o Health/education o Fishing o Navigation o Tourism o Land transportation

6.2.2 Downstream Areas

The Sankham main dam will disconnect the downstream river while the discharge of 5,500 cubic

meters per second may change seasonal variation of water level. During the dam construction, the

water quality will be changed from construction activities especially in the dry season.


127

It is predicted that these biophysical changes will create social changes that can cause the following

social risks of impacts:

Construction Phase

o Water quality change o Employment o Household investment

o Social capital building

o Food supplying

Operation Phase

In-migration

Water variation

Fishing/fish culture

River-bank gardening

Tourism

Land transportation

Navigation

Employment

o

o

o

o

o

6.2.3 Relocation and Resettlement Areas

Pre-construction Phase

o Social conflict o Household investment

o Social capital building

o Employment

Construction Phase

o In-migration o Resource conflict o Social facility o Gender/vulnerable

o Area development

o Employment

6.2.4 Country/Region

Rural Electrification

Regional Power Grid

Foreign Direct Investment

Agricultural output

National income

Employment

Cumulative Impact

Trans-boundary Impact

6.2.5 Global

Global Warming

Less Use of Fossil Fuels


128

7. Assessment of Social Impacts

7.1 Objective/Criteria/Methodology in Assessing the Impacts

7.1.1 Key Objectives This chapter presents potential socio-cultural and health impacts from the construction of

the Mekong Sanakham HPP and its different components in the project impact areas:

upstream, downstream; relocation and resettlement; construction and quarry. When

identifying impacts, this chapter discusses the type, range, extent and severity of impacts

that are likely to result from the different project activities.

The specific purposes of this section are to:

Identify and assess the range of impacts and extent of their severity.

Explain the ways in which the project might affect socio-economic resources,

demographics, livelihoods, health, cultural patterns, infrastructure and access issues.

Inform the project proponents and other key stakeholders about how identified issues

could affect the project.

The impacts have been identified through consultation/meetings/interviews with the

village community/district authority officials, village representatives and opinion leaders,

as well as other civil society groups in the potential impact area. Experience and

understanding of how these project activities affect the socio-economic environment,

culture, livelihood, education, infrastructure and health form the basis for the prediction

and assessment of the potential impacts of the project. The identified impacts have also

been the source for the development of mitigation and enhancement measures used in the

formulation of the SMMP and the RAP framework.

7.1.2 Criteria for Identification of Social Impacts

The social field survey identified key impact areas as follows:

Upstream and construction/quarry.

Downstream.

Resettlement and relocation.

Country/region and global.

For the purpose of reporting the impacts, identification has been categorized on the basis

of four phases of the project including the following:

Pre- construction Phase.

Construction Phase.

Operational Phase.

Decommissioning Phase.

Since the Mekong Sanakham HPP Dam can be utilized for at least 50 years, the

decommissioning phase is too far into the future to predict. There are a number of


129

unknown socio-economic and environmental variables involved. The anticipated impacts

and their assessment will only focus therefore on the pre-construction, construction and

operation phases.

7.1.3 Methodology

Potential impacts have been assessed in context of stage wise project activities and the

social components within and surrounding the project area. The impact assessment

considers whether the identified social impact of the project is a negative type of impact

or a positive one. The severity and duration of the impact is analyzed as well as the

peoples’ ability to adapt to the impact. Finally the overall significance of the impact is

rated. The Significance of a given impact is a function of the other impacts and can be a

negative type impact or a positive type impact. The impacts are explained with a

comprehensive Matrix which can be used as a source of discussion. After the Matrix more

details are given as required.

The impact significance suggested in the sections below is based on consideration of

appropriate mitigation and enhancement measures being taken by the project proponents.

It needs to be pointed out that without the mitigation measures, as evident in the SMMP

and the RAP, most of the project impacts are likely to be negative and significant.

Impacts are measured using the following parameters:

Type: relates to the positive or negative nature of impacts

Severity: the extent of an impact is assessed by considering the proportion of the

area within which the impact is likely to occur and whether positive benefits or

negative impacts will impact many people or relatively few (i.e. only a small number

of individuals or households). Using this basis these impacts are categorized as Low -

meaning the influence area extends to individuals/ household, Medium - meaning the

influence area extends to a small number of households and High - meaning that the

influence area extends to large area or a full village.

Duration: is assessed by whether positive benefits or negative impacts will be

short term (less than one year), medium term (2-6 years) or long term (more than 6

years);

Ability to Adapt: this is the extent to which resources or affected people are able to

adapt to the change and maintain pre-impact levels. Based on this, impacts can be

categorized as Low when those affected will not be able to adapt to changes and

continue to maintain pre-impact livelihood. Medium when those affected will be able

to adapt to change, with some difficulty, and maintain pre-impact livelihoods,

culture, quality of life and health but only with a degree of support and High when

those affected are likely to adapt to the changes with relative ease, and maintain pre-

impact livelihoods, culture, quality of life and health.


130

Significance: significance is the overall measurement of an impact and is

determined using the factors above. More specifically Significance is determined by

the levels of Severity, Duration, the Ability to Adapt prediction. In addition, the

Significance is considered either Negative (adverse) or Positive (beneficial). The

level of Significance can be low, medium or high.

Using the methodology of this study, the most negative or adverse impact poss ble could

be described like this, ‘Overall this is a negative type impact of high Significance’; the

most positive or beneficial impact possible could be described in this way, ‘Overall this is

a positive type impact of high Significance’.

7.2 Upstream, Construction/Quarry Areas

The social impact assessment for the upstream construction/quarry areas is assessed according to the

project phase.

7.2.1 Pre-construction Phase

a) Concern

During the pre-construction period, many parties came to the potentially impacted villages for

information collection, reservoir demarcation, interviewing, census of affected people and assets,

including engineering surveys such as hydrological/geological investigations. These activities have

created some worries to the potential impacted villagers such as:

Feeling of loss of control over land.

Social conflict among people because of agreement or disagreement about the

potential dam project.

Reluctance for households to invest.

Employment and income related to the feasibility study activities.

b) Context

The Mekong Sanakham HPP will occupy an area for upstream tailwater of 6,332 ha. Of this 4,452 ha

is a land area (including 308 ha of paddy land) that people are currently enjoying and living in. Parts

of their community area will also be affected. The construction and quarry sites cover an area of about

2 km2.

Results of the project tailwater demarcation and census indicated that severe inundation below 220

masl will occur in three villages: Houay Lah, Khae and Donsok. Meanwhile other villages will

be partially submerged: Donmen (120 families), Nakham (19 families), Donsang (17 families),

Boungma (10 families), Kengsao (29 families), Nasack (3 families), Houaytao (56 families),

Donphoung (10 families), Maipakthoun (54 families) and Ban Khokkhaodor (6 families).

The 3 severely impacted villagers would need to be resettled while the partially submerged villages

will be required to relocate above 220 masl within the home village.

Approximately 50 people or more went to the above upstream villages for Engineering/ESIA survey

activities. Attitude surveys (Table 7-1) were taken to determine whether APs residing below the 220

masl inundated area “disagreed” with the Mekong Sanakham HPP. APs were also asked whether they

“agreed” with or were “not sure” about the project.


131

The attitude surveys showed approximately 10% disagreed with the dam project, approximately60%

agreed and approximately30% were not sure. The total numbers of families interviewed was 624.

Table 70: Summary of Attitude towards Sanakham HPP

c) Assessment

At the time of feasibility study phase (duration of approximately 1-2 years), there were no construction

activities but only some Engineering/ESIA survey activities. Changes in bio-physical environment

such as noise, dust and lower water quality resulting directly from the pre-construction activities are

not expected to occur in local villagers. However, some stress/worries can be observed at the family

and village levels in the upstream area. This can be attributed to the loss of land and related feelings of

uncertainty about their future.

Four impact areas, as per table 72, are analyzed, namely, psychological, social conflict, family

investment and economic benefits.

Table 71: SIA in Upstream and Construction/Quarry Areas during the Pre-construction Phase

Anticipated

Impact/Risk

Issues

Type

Severity

Duration

Ability to Adapt

Significance

Neg

ativ

e

Pos

itiv

e

Low

Med

ium

Hig

h

Sh

ort

Ter

m

Med

ium

Ter

m

Lon

g T

erm

Low

Med

ium

Hig

h

Low

Med

ium

Hig

h

1) Psychological

2) Social conflict

3) Family investment

Community

Disagree

Agree

Not Sure

Total Interviewed

HH

(%)

HH

(%)

HH

(%)

HH

(%)

Vientiane Province

Sanakham District:

Left bank directly affected

3

26

107

136

Xayaboury Province

Kenthao/Paklay Districts:

Right bank directly affected

56

368

64

488

Total

59

(9.5)

394

(63.1)

171

(27.4)

624

(100.0)


132

1. Psychological - this impact refers to stress and worries which are negative impacts. They are

expected to be high as their influence extends to 11 villages and more than 800 families in the

upstream project area. The duration is short term because the feasibility study

(engineering/ESIA surveys) occurs within 2 year period. Overall this impact is negative and

of high Significance.

2. Social conflict - because 10% of total population disagreed with the project there is potential

for social conflict within the community. Although a negative impact, it can be adapted to by

affected residents through the community participatory process. Overall this impact is

negative and of medium Significance.

3. Family investment - the severity of this impact should be low to medium as little large

investment is expected by local families. The duration of impact is short to medium term.

Overall this impact is negative and of medium Significance.

4. Economic benefits - during pre-construction economic benefits relate to the market demand

of the 50 survey people for transportation (land and waterway), lodging, food and beverage,

and a small number of extra workers to be employed. The amount of approximately US

$200,000 (or more) is expected to be circulating in Sanakham, Kenthao and Pak Lay districts

due to pre-construction activity. The duration is low to medium term because the impact will

be limited to a certain period. Overall this impact is positive and from low to medium

Significance.

d) Recommendation

The project proponent must provide comprehensive information disclosure about the project

(particularly of construction/quarry sites) to the communities in the upstream area with full

participation of APs (including gender/vulnerable groups) and the district authorities.

The process of consultation and grievance handling should be done in a fair and transparent manner. A

grievance mechanism needs to be set up in all levels: village, district, and province.

This participation and grievance mechanism should be well in place prior to the construction phase.

This will help to reduce the stress and worries of the potentially affected people.

All information gathered including the results of the ESIA analysis will be used for the

engineering/social/environmental mitigation/enhancement designs for the project.

In addition to the SMMP, a RAP is required to help resettle three villages and relocate families from

ten villages. The three villages to be resettled are Houay Lah (81 families), Khae (150 families),

Donsok (36 families), which in all totals 267 families or 1,127 persons. The ten villages from which

families need to be relocated are Donmen (120 families), Nakham (19 families), Donsang (17

families), Boungma (10 families), Kengsao (29 families), Nasack (3 families), Houaytao (56

families), Donphoung (10 families), Maipakthoun (54 families) and Ban Khokkhaodor (6 families.

7.2.2 Construction Phase

a) Concern

4) Economic benefits


133

N

e

a

T c

Large-scale run-of-river hydropower construction activities (main low-head dam, many power houses,

ship lock/fish pass facilities, access roads, quarries, and other associated infrastructure) require the

following:

A number of laborers/workforces that will create in-migration and job seekers coming to

the project sites which can on local social services.

Land acquisition and resettlement of people from land taken for project development, in

particular in the upstream tailwater area from the dam which can impact on social

conditions and livelihood of affected residents (See Figure 64).

Furthermore, bio-physical impacts such as noise, dust, and heavy traffic during

construction normally provide disturbance/nuisance to the communities located close to

the construction and quarry sites.

b) Context

There will be 3,000 people (on the average) and 4,000 people (during the peak period) working during

the 75 months of construction of the Mekong Sanakham HPP in a 6-7 year construction period. An

influx of job seekers, mostly from nearby high poverty districts, is likely to occur as news of the

project spreads. There will likely be increased market demand for alcoholic drinks, entertainment and

potentially prostitution which may increase risks of such severe communicable diseases as HIV/AIDS

to the area.

In regard to land acquisition and resettlement, the creation of the upstream pond at 220 masl will cause

267 families to be resettled and 354 families to be relocated. There is also a potential loss of public

infrastructure including 4 schools, 5 temples, and the local unpaved roads of 13 km, as shown in Table

73 below.

Table 72: Quantitative Social Impacts of Sanakham HPP

Pro

vin

ce

Dis

tric

t

No. Village name

Affected Families Affected Public Infrastructures

To be

resettled

To be

relocated School

Temple

Local road

(km)

Xay

abou

ry (

Rig

ht B

ank)

Ken

thao

Severely Affected

Approx. 1

km of dirt

road from

Ban Donmen

to Ban

Namxong

will be

affected from

larger

tributary

streams

81 - 1 1 01 Houay Lah

02 Khae 150 - 1 1

To be resettled 231 0

Partially Flooded

03 Donmen - 120 - 1

Bank Erosion Risk

04 Nakham - 19 1 1

05 Donsang - 17 - -

Pa

kla

06 Boungma - 10 - -


134

07 Kengsao - 29 - -

08 Nasack - 3 - -

To be relocated 0 198 -

Vie

nti

ane

(Lef

t Ba

nk)

San

akh

am

09 Donsok 36 - 1 1

Approx.12

km of dirt

roadfrom

Ban Takdad

to

BanHouaytao

To be resettled 36 0 -

Partially Flooded - -

10 Houaytao - 56 -

Bank Erosion Risk

11 Donphoung - 40 -

12 Maipakthoun - 54 -

13 Khokkhaodor - 6 -

To be relocated 0 156

Grand Total Affected 267 354 4 5 13

Figure 64: Affected Villages and Road


135

ds in the Upstream Area

c) Assessment

The construction phase impacts

construction/quarry sites. The construction

have socio-cultural and health im

interaction between the host community

disturbance, health risks, displ

cultural heritage, navigation, tourism

impacts is displayed in the follow

Table 73: Matrix - SIA in Upstream Area

These construction phase impacts

1) In-migration –

deal of change.

Significance.

2) Disturbance – The

and vibration to

approximately 1

Anticipated

Impact/Risk

Issues

Type

Neg

ati

ve

1) In-migration

2) Disturbance

3) Health risks

4) Employment/income

5) Displacement

6) Livelihoods

7) Fishing

8) Cultural heritage

9) Navigation

10) Tourism

11) Gender/vulnerable gr.


136

ts mostly affect the villages and settlements

onstruction phase of the project’s different com

mpacts on the community of which the extent are linked

community and external agents. These impacts

displacement and effects on employment/income,

ourism and gender/vulnerable groups. The compl

wing table (Table 74). .

rea during the Construction Phase

ts are very interdependent and are explained according

the in-migration of job seekers/construction work

Overall this is a negative impact and is expect

The construction activities will also create disturb

to villages residing near the construction site (Veunkham

1 km downstream of the main dam) and to the qu

Type

Severity

Duration

AbilitAda

Neg

ati

ve

P

osit

ive

Low

Med

ium

Hig

h

Sh

ort

Ter

m

Med

ium

Ter

m

Lon

g T

erm

Low

Med

ium

s in and around the

omponents are likely to

linked to the nature of

include in-migration,

livelihoods, fishing,

lete estimate of these

rdingly.

kers can cause a great

ted to be of medium

bance from dust/noise

Veunkham is located

uarry site (Paksao and

ty to apt

Significance

Med

ium

Hig

h

Low

Med

ium

Hig

h


137

Pakmee villages are located close to the quarry areas). Overall this is a negative

impact and is expected to be of medium Significance

3) Health risks – The interactions of the migrant workforce with the local community

may create health risks particularly on the vulnerable, such as alcoholism, STIs, and

HIV/AIDS. These risks are relevant to a large area and many people, which deems

that the severity is high. The duration is medium term because the impact will be

limited to a certain period and the project proponents will take steps to mitigate these

health impacts. Table 75 below addresses the potential health impacts of the Mekong

Sanakham HPP during the construction period. Overall this is a negative impact

and is expected to be of medium Significance.

Table 74: Anticipated Health Impacts of Mekong Sanakham HPP during construction period

areas

The following table (Table 76) summarizes health risk impact mitigation measures and expected

results after mitigation.

Table 75: Health Risk Impact Mitigation During Construction Phase

Potential impact Descriptions of Impact

Villages nearby

construction/

quarry sites

Communities in the vicinity of the construction sites include three villages, one near to dam site and two near quarry sites. During the construction activities of the project there may be adverse effect on health from temporary disturbance of dust, noise and vibration and also an increased risk of accidents.

Affected upstream villages

Families from 3 upstream and 10 partially inundated villages will be relocated and their health may be affected from bio-physical changes and increased worry and stress.

Construction camps

Construction camps with an average of 3,000 and a peak of 4,000 workers including technicians, staff/experts, and laborers may create work-related accidents, infectious disease epidemics or other environmental- occupational health problems.

Gender and vulnerable groups

Within the villages potentially impacted by the project, a subsector of the population is likely to be particularly vulnerable to health impacts, especially vulnerable groups including children <5 years of age, elderly people and poor and handicapped people.

Camp followers

There is a likelihood that large numbers of the worker’s families will co-locate in the same geographical area as the working spouses. Experience from other infrastructure projects in Lao PDR suggests that large numbers of vendors selling food and entertainment services will attempt to locate in the vicinity of construction camps. This may create health risk of communicable diseases such as Malaria and STIs.

Other issues for local residents

During construction phase the health of local residents may potentially be affected due to many changes, such as accidents, outbreak of diseases, increasing number of HIV and STIs cases and environmental health conditions.


138

x E

regulations; reliable

system

morbidity and mortality

communities

morbidity and mortality

nearby communities

care and absenteeism

malaria

years)Improvement of

project activities

Health Risk Issue

Cause and Exposure

Mitigation

Expected Results

Accidents and Injuries

Noise and Vibration

Personal protective equipment for workers

Reduced absenteeism and improved productivity

Heavy equipment and machinery during construction

Safety awareness and

inspection and monitoring

Unsafe water or poor water quality

Water-vector borne diseases ;communicable diseases; toxicity to fish and aquatic insects and human heath

Water quality management; proison of a clean water system; proper management of hazardous material; treatment of water prior to discharge; appropriate site drainage management

Reduced incidence of

among workers and

Respiratory and

cardiovascular diseases

Air pollution from dust (fine particulates and gases)

Air pollution control; minimize dust through watering of roads.


among workers and

Prevalence/ incidence of communicable diseases

Increasing incidence of communicable diseases; for example, potential outbreaks of cholera or dengue fever.

Appropriate disease surveillance and response; hygiene –sanitation practice performed and enforced

Reduced incidence of morbidity and mortality among workers and communities

HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted Infection (STIs)

Migrant sex workers during construction and operation phases

Routine medical test for Infection, awareness campaign, provide condoms

Reduced cost of medical

Malaria incidence

Increased breeding sites in water-filled excavations during construction

Surveillance and treatment, environmental management measures


Food and nutrition

Loss of productive land and decreased productivity of fisheries

Community development funds investment in sustainable agriculture and development of aquaculture schemes

Reduced incidence of malnutrition in vulnerable groups(children < 5

communities living conditions

Psychosocial environment

Noise from heavy trucks, heavy machinery and processing of construction

Proper noise control and management

Reduced health impact

Changes in living patterns resulting from the project

Regular consultation with local communities

Reduced impact of changes in living patterns


139

4) Employment/income - If job seekers secure jobs, there is a positive impact of

employment and increased income. The severity has been predicted as medium as the

benefit may extend to many villages and people. The duration is low because the impact

will be limited to a period of time. The impact may be negative particularly among those

who are unsuccessful in securing jobs which may lead to crime, lower safety and less

harmony in community affairs. Overall this impact is positive and of medium

Significance.

5) Displacement and livelihood - it is logical to explain these two impacts together. These

are negative impacts with a high severity since the project impact extends to 13 villages

and the displacement of more than 500 families. The duration and ability to adjust is

medium as the community (both resettled and host) will take some time to adjust with

some degree of inconvenience. Overall these impacts are negative and of high

Significance.

We can elaborate these impacts as below:

The land in and around the project area is covered with forest and grazing areas

which are used by the community to support livestock and meet household needs of

timber, fuel wood, nutrition (like wild vegetables, berries, herbs, etc). Apart from

this, the forest and its NTFPs such as herbs, and wild vegetables are also used as an

additional income source by household (NTFPs can be sold or used for making

handicrafts such as basketry from bamboo).

The displacement of people will lead to changes livelihood and occupational patterns

of the community. Income and livelihood impacts are also likely to result from the

loss of productive land to the project.

Occupational impacts are envisioned due to a high dependence of the community on

agriculture and livestock and the lack of alternative employment skills in the

community, especially among gender/vulnerable groups.

6) Fishing - The creation of an upstream pond will disrupt/hinder the flow of stream/rivers

in the area and have a negative impact on the fishing activities resulting in impacts on

household income levels. However, the field surveys indicated limited fish population in

the upstream area. The duration is predicted as low to medium term with a medium ability

to adjust. Overall this impact is negative and of medium Significance.

7) Cultural Heritage - the field surveys indicated limited archaeological resources in the

upstream area. The duration predicted low to medium term with a medium ability to

adjust. Overall this impact is negative and of medium Significance.

8) Navigation and Tourism – these impacts are explained together in this section. These

activities are mainly cross border navigation/tourism by taxi boat between Chiang Khan

(Thailand) and Sanakham (Lao PDR) including land transport from Tha Li (in Loei

Povince of Thailand) to Kenthao (Lao right-bank border district of Lao PDR). There is

also a ferry service across the Mekong from Ban Houay Kouad to Kenthao. There are

both positive and negative impacts of the the project on navigation and tourism. Even


140

though there may be some visual and noise disturbance during construction, more people

may come to the area. The duration and severity are predicted low to medium with

medium ability to adjust. Overall these impacts should be positive for some but

negative for others and the Significance is medium.

9) Gender/vulnerable groups – the following table addresses anticipated impact and

mitigation requirements (Table 7.7). The analysis shows that vulnerable groups, including

children, may be positively and negatively impacted from the construction of the project

depending on mitigation and other factors. The key negative impacts are due to the loss of

land and the potential difficulty of finding off-farm employment while the positive

impacts are related to a new opportunities from wider access to social facilities and to

participate in project development. Overall this impact can be positive or negative and

should be of medium Significance.

Table 76: Anticipated Social Impact on Gender and Vulnerable Groups

affected areas.

vocational training which

Exis

ting Condit

ion

Potential Impact

Miti

igation /Dev

Require

elopment

d

Positive

(+)

Negative

(-)

Women are participating

and preserving traditional

customs, rituals and

ceremonies

Participate in

welcoming and

hosting newcomer

project officers and

workers.

Loss of temples,

spiritual places. Different group of

people may have

cultural conflict

Sensitize the project

officer and worker to

traditional customs, rituals

and ceremonies. Rebuild temples in the

Many girls cannot get

access to education

because their families are

too poor or live too far

from schools.

Access to

education

Set up primary and

secondary school in or

near the affected areas.

Women get married at a

young age, have high birth

rates and heavy workload.

More health

knowledge will

be provided

Organize reproductive

health awareness

program.

Most of the people are

farmers. Some of them

don’t have not enough rice

for a whole year’s

consumption.

Creation of more

jobs and small

businesses.

Have access to

market in order to

deliver their

product.

Having no adequate

agricultural land.

Having not enough

wa er for agriculture

and fisheries.

Organize some

is suitable for their

resources in those areas. Provide some economic

supporting facilities.

Animal rearing is

considered as source of

New knowledge and

experiences will

Organize husbandry


141

d) Recommendation

APs will have a heightened awareness of potential dangers through the participation and grievance

channels to be set up by the project with the assistance of local provincial/district authorities.The

representative of Lao Women’s Union in the provincial, district and village levels must be actively

involved in every step of the project. It will be essential to have strict regulations to control worker

behavior in the community and this must be implemented and enforced.

Directly affected people should be given priority in project employment. If possible a member of each

directly affected family should be hired in order to have a 6-7 year income support for livelihood

restoration, especially those of vulnerable groups or who have less productive land. Vocational training

and technical assistance should be provided to them as well.

To mitigate the impact on culture, the project staff should consult and work closely with the

representative of Lao Women’s Union and should be trained and sensitized to traditional customs,

rituals and ceremonies.

The recommended criteria used to select a proposed resettlement areas should include:

Suitability of land for agricultural development, uch as soil, topography, slope, drainage. The area be easily accessible and be connected with a district center and adjacent district. Availability of year-round water supply for irrigation. Access to forest and other legally exploitable natural resources (including the reservoir and drawdown zone where feasible) should be as convenient as possible. The location/resettlement sites should be located close to their existing village area and primarily based on villagers’ preferences. The site should be in a focal development area and/or subject the Master Plan of Socio- Economic Development of the districts/provinces of Vientiane and Xayaboury.

Other recommendations are relevant with mitigation and enhancement measures and strongly require

organizing. These are explained in detail in the SMMP/RAP.

Basic infrastructure such as schools, temples and other health/training centers should be rebuilt

and developed in the relocation/resettlement sites.

Different kind of awareness programs should be organized regularly.

Health care system should be developed and continually supported.

Village saving funds or micro credit projects should be established and supported.

Adequate land for housing and agriculture should be provided.

urgent cash. provide more

rearing skills.

Have access to

amarket

(particularly at

construction site).

skills training.

Provide some breeds of

animal.

Establish and support the

village saving fund or

micro credit project and

provide some loans.


142

7.2.3 Operational Phase

a) Concern

During the operational phase, project impacts are mostly linked to the after effects of the project and its

activities. These impacts (Table 78) are attached to settlements in and around the upstream pond, main

dam and power house, transmission line, access roads and other utilities. These apply to the 13 villages

in the upstream relocation and resettlement areas where directly affected people are adjusting to new

land. The key issues related to relocatees/resettlers are concerned with how to restore livelihood and

how to adapt to the host site without depression and anxiety.

b) Context

Development of two resettlement sites needs to be established. They include one on right bank for two

villages [Houay Lah (81 families), Khae (150 families)] and one on the left bank for Donsok village

(36 families). In addition, 10 relocation sites within the ter itory of the original villages also need

to be established for the following families: Donmen (120 families), Nakham (19 families),

Donsang (17 families), Boungma (10 families), Kengsao (29 families), Nasack (3 families), Houaytao

(56 families), Donphoung (10 families), Maipakthoun (54 families), and Khokkhaodor (6

families).These resettlement/relocation villagers will be in the process of livelihood restoration.

After the commissioning date, the dam/power house and associated structures will operate water

between 220 masl in the wet season and 119 masl in the dry season with ship locks and fish pass

facilities on the left-bank and right-bank of the main dam respectively. The detailed design of the

fishpass is underway. For the navigation pass, the single-line one stage ship-lock on the left bank flood

plain right side of sluice gate will be in service. They consist of upstream approach channel, upstream

lock head, downstream approach channel, upstream and downstream berthing piers. The dimension of

navigation lock is 120x12x4 m and the maximum navigation clearance is 8m. The mean duration of

passing the lock in one time is tentatively defined as 40 minutes; the daily mean passing frequency is

20; the number of navigable days is 330; and the annual total dead weight tonnage of one way passing

is 2.64 million tons. The daily mean water consumption is about 5.6 m3 per second.

The 24.2 km access road from Ban Pakmee to the head work area will be in service. This includes 6.35

km around the seat of Sanakham Town. The access road is a highway grade III (asphaltic surfaced with

two-lane 8m wide) with design speed of 30 km/hour. A similar design will also be used for access to

the quarry site with a total length of 1.88 km connection to the main access road.

c) Assessment

Table 77: SIA in Upstream and Construction/Q

1) Livelihood restoration

period. The severity

impact is negative and

2) Health/education -

to the fact that potential

water to breed. The

slight risk of drowning

and education impa

educational infrastructure

sites. The ability to

medium Significance.

3) Fishing – this is considered

above the main dam

upstream pond is like

place, which poten

adapt is predicted

constructed but thes

to be negative for downstream

level of Significance.

Anticipated

Impact/Risk

Issues

Ty

Ne

gati

ve

1) Livelihood restoration

2) Health/ Education

3) Fishing

4) Navigation

5) Tourism

6) Land transportation


143

ruction/Quarry Areas in the Operation Phase

estoration - this is a negative impact. The duration will

verity is predicted as high with a medium ability to

and of high Significance.

the run-of-river scheme may not create serious im

ntial diseases like malaria and other vector linked

The upstream pond once inundated with higher wa

drowning due to communities’ lack of knowledge and a

pact is considered positive from the construction

infrastructure at the dam headwork and at the relocation

to adapt is predicted medium. Overall this impa

ce.

considered both a negative and a positive impact

m. The dam will block some migratory fish species;

likely to be resource rich in fish if a fishery mana

ntially could replace the loss of fishing downst

to be medium. It should be noted that fish p

ese cannot be used by all ish species. Overall this impact is p

downstream areas and positive for upstream areas

e.

Type

Severity

Duration

Ability to Adapt

Po

siti

ve

Low

Me

diu

m

Hig

h

Sho

rt T

erm

Med

ium

Te

rm

Lon

g Te

rm

Low

Me

diu

m

Hig

h

ill be for a long term

adjust. Overall this

mpacts on health due

linked ailments require still

ater level may pose a

awareness. The health

construction of better health and

relocation and resettlement

act is positi e and of

in the upstream area

species; however, the

agement program is in

tream. The ability to

pass facilities will be

s impact is predicted

areas with a medium

Significance

Hig

h

Low

Me

diu

m

Hig

h


144

4) Navigation and tourism – the presence of the dam and reservoir and improvement in

road access may lead to an increase in tourism and navigation in the local area. Since the

damsite is located in close proximity to Chiang Khan Old Town (Thailand) it may benefit

Veunkham village and the Sanakham township because more tourists and boat taxies will

come to the project area. The duration would be long term. Overall this impact is of

medium Significance.

5) Land transportation - the project will undertake construction/strengthening of roads

and access paths to facilitate movement of goods, equipments and vehicles. These roads,

later maintained by the project, will be used by the local community and enable improved

access markets and other opportunities. The duration is long term. Overall this impact is

positive and of medium Significance.

1) Recommendation

The project will make efforts to ensure that livelihood impacts linked to fisheries are mitigated to

whatever extent possible. The fish stocking in the upstream area above the main dam is likely to be

resource rich in fishing if a fishery management program is planned and implemented.

Options like exclusivity of fishing rights to the nearby communities will be considered. The project

will also take adequate measures to address health issues linked to the accumulation of water.

Tourism opportunities will be explored to enhance and promote the project dam area as a potential

tourist site link with Chiang Khan and Tha Li (Thai side) and with Kenthao and Sanakham on the Lao

side.

The livelihood restoration program will available to substitute dependence on land with alternative

income sources such as building and fisheries. Livelihood restoration is a challenge due to the lack of

fertile/cultivable paddy land, low skill levels of the community and limited linkages with the market

due to inaccessibility. Impacts on livelihood are also linked to the loss of sustenance resources that the

community is currently able to access due to the presence of forests, pasture land and garden areas

These resources satisfy fuel, fodder and nutritional needs apart from generating some additional

income for the affected families.

7.3 Downstream Area

7.3.1 Analysis of Downstream Impacts

Based on

However,

the contract, the analysis of downstream impacts will be performed in the CIA/TBIA.

to at least have some available information for the decision making process, this section

presents potential impacts that may occur in the downstream area within 100 km (on both banks of the

Mekong River) from the Mekong Sanakham HPP maindam.

During the pre-construction phase, the main project activities are related to project planning which

include engineering studies, ESIA studies and other feasibility research/studies to formulate run-of-

river schemes. Therefore, there are no direct downstream impacts because construction activities are

not expected to be performed in this period. Only some surveys for data collection to the downstream

communities were made that may create some business to local villagers from hiring boats,

accommodation and food demand. However, some anxieties among the community in the downstream

area may arise since limited projec

Impacts below (Table 79)

Table 78: Social Impact Assessment in Downstrea

7.3.2 Construction Phase

1) Concern

Following inundation of the upstream

downstream in some villages both

Anticipate d

Impacts /Risks

Issues

Type

Sever

Ne

gati

ve

P

osi

tive

Low

1. CONSTRUCTION PHASE

1.1 Water quality change

1.2 Fishing/fish culture

1.3 Employmen t

1.4 Household investment

1.5 Food Supply

2. OPERATION PHASE

2.1 Water variation

2.2 Fishery and livelihood

2.3

Tourism


145

ject information is disclosed to them. See the table

Downstream Areas

e

upstream tailwater level of 220 masl, the potential

both in Thailand and Lao PDR located in the short distance

ity

Duration

Ability to Adap

Me

diu

m

Hig

h

Sh

ort

Ter

m

Me

diu

m T

erm

Lon

g Te

rm

Low

Me

diu

m

Hig

h

table for Downstream

l impacts may occur

istance of 1-40 km. It

pt

Significance

Hig

h

Low

Me

diu

m

Hig

h


146

is noted that the ESIA surveys of downstream information have been conducted within a distance of

approximately 100 km from the Mekong Sanakham HPP maindam.

Physical impacts during construction on soil could result from (i) loss of topsoil, (ii) failure to

rehabilitate borrow areas and temporarily acquired land, (iii) soil erosion and siltation, (iv) soil

contamination by fuel and lubricants, and (v) disposal of excess earthworks. Loss of topsoil can be

avoided by stripping and storing topsoil (where present) prior to construction and reusing it for

rehabilitation works. These may impact on water quality and affect downstream use of water.

The downstream surveys indicated the main uses of the Mekong River were for water works,

fishing/fish culture and tourism (mostly on the Thai side). The changes of water quality may affect

these activities especially on the right bank which have more economic activities than on the left bank

of Lao PDR.

Some economic benefits (such as employment, household investment) may result from increased

demand (for food, lodging and boat transportation) from more people in the project area during

construction.

2) Context

The construction of the Mekong Sanakham HPP will involve the construction of worker camps, the

coffer dam, diversion structures, powerhouse on the river bed, switchyard, sluice gate, navigation lock,

fish pass and access road and other structures. Approximately 3,000 to 4,000 workers are expected to

come to the construction and quarry areas. The demand for food, lodging, boat transportation and other

entertainment are expected to rise in the downstream area such as Veunkham and Chiang Khan (right

bank), and Sanakham (left bank).

The construction of these structures will involve the clearance of forest and topsoil, ground leveling,

waterbed digging, excavation and removal of overburden layers over the river bed which is mainly

composed of fine sand. Construction of the navigation lock and other components. can affect the water

quality by increasing total solids and sediment that will drain into the Mekong River. Any spills of oil

and chemical may also create negative impacts on fish and water use in downstream areas.

3) Assessment

The EIA assessment identified changes in the water quality as follows:

Change in pH, primary due to contamination with concrete.

Increase in Biological Oxygen Demand concentration from construction camp sites and

temporary construction offices. This will occur from untreated wastewater and

insufficiently treated sewage water. Therefore, mitigation measure must be strictly

implemented during the construction period.

Oil contamination from maintenance and equipment / machine use; accidents including oil

spills and other similar products contamination.

The rock fill quarry will be within the reservoir boundary, thus restricting physical change

to an area.

1) Water quality – *********** Overall this impact a negative impact of medium to

high Significance.


147

2) Fish and fish culturing – this will be of short term duration during the construction

phase. The severity and the ability to adapt are predicted at medium. Overall this impact is

considered to be negative and of medium Significance since it’s concerned with the

livelihood of the downstream people.

3) Employment, household investment and food supply - these are positive impacts on

some downstream villages. The duration and severity are predicted low to medium while

the ability to adapt is medium. Overall these are considered to be positive impacts of

medium Significance Recommendation

Good practice in the management of biophysical impact protection/mitigation is required for the

construction contractors and sub-contractors. Information disclosure and community consultation with

the participation of downstream villagers is recommended.

7.3.3 Operation Phase

1) Concern

The flow regulation will have a change in water release to the downstream area. The potential impacts

from changes of downstream water levels may include downstream fishing and livelihood activities

including some natural-rapids tourism in the Thai side.

2) Context

In the operation phase, the Mekong Sanakham HPP dam/power house and associated structures will

operate at a water level between 220 masl in the wet season and 119 masl in the dry season with ship

locks and fish pass facilities on the left-bank and right-bank of the main dam respectively. The detailed

design of fish pass is underway and is utilizing the result of ESIA aquatic biology and fishery surveys.

For the navigation pass, the single-line one stage ship lock on the left bank flood plain and right side of

sluice gate will be constructed. The water release of 5,500 cubic meters per second downstream will

operate 12 bulb turbines.

The interviews of former fishermen revealed that the fishing activities were not the main livelihood

income except the fish culture of more than 100 baskets on the Thai side. However, the native fishing

by using hook and gill net are still a way of life of some people for household consumption.

The survey found a popular domestic tourism at Kaeng Khut Khu (some 25 km from the main dam). It

is utilizing the beauty of large rapids as a place for local recreation, especially in the dry season. No

less than 50,000 tourists per year visit this place. Approximately 50-60 households (150-200 people)

are involved in the tourism business at this tourism spot.

3) Assessment

The change in flow regime and ecology will impact on fish availability, variety and catches

downstream and upstream. This decline will impact on the villagers in terms of nutrition and also in

terms of the way-of-live of local villagers.


148

I. Water variation, fishing and livelihood – These negative impacts are of a long term

duration. The severity is predicted at medium with a medium ability to adapt. Overall

the Significance is predicted at medium.

II. Tourism - it is not clear about the water level at Kaeng Khut Khu in the summer time.

If the rapids can be observed the impact will not be a major one but the impact is

highly significanct if the water level is 2m higher (compared to pre-project levels) in

the months of March to May. In general the impact of tourism has positive and

negative aspects in the long term bot which are medium in severity and ability to

adapt. The positive aspect is that there will be more people visiting Chiang Khan and

Sanakham because of the project. But the negative aspect would be if the higher water

level in the dry season would overcome the rapids at Kaeng Khut Khu. Overall this

impact would be negative or positive and of medium Significance.

4) Recommendation

The CIA/TBIA needs to consult with the MRC and include the participation of representatives of Lao

PDR, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

The changes in water quality during construction need to be mitigated and protected to avoid impact on

downstream uses along the Mekong mainstream. The main downstream way-of-life activities that may

be impacted include fish culturing and tourism in the Chiang Khan District of Thailand.

Consultation of the above potentially affected people is required prior to the approval of the project.

In regard to fisheries, the upstream area above the main dam is likely to be resource rich in fishing if a

fishery management program is in place, which could replace the loss of fishing downstream.

However, access to this site for the local villages as well as training in appropriate fishing techniques

with provision of adequate equipment would be necessary for this to be successful.


149

7.4 Impact to Country/Region

a) Concern

On the macro perspective, the creation of Mekong Sanakham HPP may support the country and

regional development. These positive impacts include rural electrification, a sub regional inter-

connected grid and increased employment and income from the economic activities generated.

The negative impacts are the loss of agricultural production from the fertile lowland rice farming area,

which is to be inundated. There are potentially cumulative and trans-boundary impacts from a series of

proposed hydropower projects on the Mekong mainstream, which is likely cause bio-physical changes

of the Mekong River.

One important issue is the sharing of project benefits, particularly higher economic growth and poverty

reduction if related support systems are well organized and focused.

b) Context

Rural electrification and development of regional power grid requires more supply of power for sub-

regional development in the GMS. For rural electrification, in the next few years, approximately 1,150

MW will be exported to Thailand and Vietnam and 227 MW for domestic supply. In 2010, the GOL

achieved electrification of approximately 70 percent of households and has targeted to reach 80

percent by 2015, and 90 percent by 2020.

For country and regional economy, the inflow of FDI during the construction stage including foreign

exchange earnings from hydropower during the operation phase will support economic development in

Lao PDR and neighboring countries. Direct investment in the Sanakham HPP in the Lao PDR is

expected to be about US $500 million

A probable side impact from high demand for labour and construction materials may be rising wages

and higher inflation, particularly of construction materials.

c) Assessment

The impact of rural electrification and a sub-regional inter-connected power grid are positive with

medium severity and ability to adapt. The duration is predicted medium to long term.

The impact of foreign direct investment (FDI), including employment and income, are positive. The

intensity is predicted medium in a medium to long term duration. The ability to adapt is predicted

medium. The Significance is predicted high particularly since Lao PDR is still depending on foreign

assistance. Foreign exchange earnings will give the country better prospects for autonomous

development.

A potential negative impact is the loss of agricultural production. Without the project, the

riverbank/valley rice paddy area of approximately 300 ha can produce glutinous rice of some 1,100

tons per year. With the project, this amount of rice is expected to be lost. The Significance is predicted

as major.

Cumulative and trans-boundary impacts are subject to a long term perspective of intensity and ability

to adapt. The issue of benefit sharing is affected by external factors such as GOL policy and also

internal factors such as the limit of low land fertile area.

Table 79: Social Impact Assessmen

d) Recommendation

At this point we can draw recomm

Rural electrification and

development growth rate

is expected that the Lao

higher per capital use of e

Regional power intercon

overcome a number of hurdles

regulatory protocols, cro

countries.

The inflow of FDI to L

reserves for the Lao PD

exchange may have side

labor and goods and services

management to avoid or mini

Since there will be le

improvement of agricultural

inhabitants. This can

development.

Anticipated

Impacts/Risks

Typ

Ne

gati

ve

CONSTRUCTION/OPERATION • Rural

electrification

• Regional power grid

• Foreign direct investment

• Employment and income

• Agricultural output

• Cumulative impact

• Trans‐boundary impact

• Benefit sharing


150

ment in Country/Region

ation

mmendations at a country and regional level as follows:

and development of the regional power grid are required

rate since the provision of electricity is needed for

standard of living can be improved from increas

electricity from hydropower rather than fossil fuel.

nnection between the Lao PDR, Cambodia, and

hurdles such as the lack of transmission facilitie

ross-border tariffs… These gaps need to be fil

Lao PDR and the region will generate substantial

DR, strengthening its’ macroeconomic status.

e effects on some macroeconomic variables such

rvices including the currency exchange rate. This

minimize such side-effects on the economy.

ess fertile lowland land area, the GOL must

agricultural productivity of the land remaining to secure food

be achieved through comprehensive agricultural

pe Severity

Duration

AbilityAdap

P

osi

tive

Low

Med

ium

Hig

h

Sho

rt T

erm

Med

ium

Te

rm

Lon

g Te

rm

Low

Med

ium

CONSTRUCTION/OPERATION PHASES

ows:

quired to sustain the

income generation. It

sed power supply and

fuel.

d Vietnam has yet to

es affecting transfers,

lled among the LMS

tial foreign exchange

The flow of foreign

such as higher prices for

is will require careful

t concentrate on the

food security for rural

agricultural research and

ty to pt

Significance

Med

ium

Hig

h

Low

Med

ium

Hig

h

In the construction phase,

this is a good chance for

as labourers (especially

sub-contractors.

There will be a need to

down to the Mekong delta

by addressing the regiona

The benefits of the project

especially upstream fishe

7.5 Global Impacts

a) Concern

There are a number of research

warming. These include:

High quality forest managthe growth of its forests

warming will be slowed d

Next one is energy effic

bigger chance.

Alternative sources of e

global warming. Hydro-

burning gas, or coal for e

The Mekong Sanakham HPP is a

the relocation/resettlement of so

replacing dependence on fossil fuel

plants.

Table 80: Matrix - Social Impact Assess

Anticipa

ted

Impacts/ Risks

Type

Severity

Neg

ativ

e

Pos

itiv

e

Low

CONSTRUCTION/OPERATION

• Less global warming


151

e, as the labor force requirement is considered large

for the Mekong Sanakham HPP to give priority to Lao

those who are directly affected from inundation)

conduct a CIA/TBIA in a separate report, cover

delta in Vietnam. The study will be a regional consultation

al perspectives of Mekong mainstream development.

project may include electricity, irrigation, navigation,

ery management. The benefit sharing mechanism should

h studies that have indicated alternative ways to

management to enable the reduction of CO2 by treests and does not allow them to be cut down indiscriminat

down.

ciency: with less energy used, the reduction of global

energy omit little or no greenhouse gases. Using

-power, solar energy, and windmills can be used

electricity.

a run-off-river project that will inundate some forest

ome riparian villages. It seems to support less global

fuel in Thailand, which heavily relies on natural g

ssment in Global Level

Severity

Duration

Ability to Adapt

Med

ium

Hig

h

Sh

ort

Ter

m

Med

ium

Ter

m

Lon

g T

erm

Low

Med

ium

Hig

h

TION PHASES

large at 3,000 people,

Lao people to be hired

inundation) including the local

ring areas from China

consultation for the project

lopment.

igation, tourism and

should be set up.

o help reduce global

s. If a country fosters discriminately, global

global warming has a

ng them will help curb

used to take the place of

rests area and require

global warming from

gas/lignite fired power

Significance

Hig

h

Low

Med

ium

Hig

h

b) Context

The Mekong Sanakham HPP plans

is mostly based on fossil fuels

electricity generation. The econ

percent, from 111 TWh (or equivalent

growth rate of 14.1 percent observed

Thailand’s total CO2 emissions fromof CO2 in 2002 to 734 million tons

accounting for 40 percent of tot

agreement to import hydropower

Approximately 52,000,000 tons

hydro-generated electricity of the

c) Assessment

The less global warming and slower

created from the Sanakham HPP.

The replacement of no less than 600

fossil fuel power plants (emitting

long run.

d) Recommendation

In the economic benefit/cost econo

benefit of less global warming of

Euros per ton of carbon.

• Slower depletion of fossil fuels


152

ns to export electricity to Thailand where Thailand’s

s with natural gas and lignite contributing more

economy’s electricity generation is projected to increa

equivalent to 1012 watts) in 2002 to 504 TWh in 20

rved before the financial crisis in 1997.

from the energy sector are projected to increase fromtons of CO2 in 2030. The electricity sector will be the

total CO2 emissions in 2030, or 294 million tons C

electricity from the Lao PDR to the amount of 7,000

of carbon dioxide emissions are predicted to be

the Sanakham HPP

lower depletion of fossil fuels are potential benefits

HPP.

replacement of no less than 600 MW of hydropower electricity to the existing hi

(emitting 52,000,000 tons of CO2) is predicted of medium

ation

onomic analysis, the benefit stream of the project

of approximately 52,000,000 tons of CO2 with

Thailand’s power generation

re than 50% of total

ncrease annually at 5.5

030, less than half the

from 193 million tons be the major contributor

CO2. Thailand has an

,000 MW by 2020.

e avoided because of

benefits expected to be

g high exploitation of

m Significance in the

project should include the

the rate of about 15


153

8. 8.1

Public Participation Objective & Scope

The consultation aims to introduce the proposed project to stakeholders, inform them as it develops,

and identify their views and concerns. The objective is to incorporate stakeholder concerns and local

knowledge in the design and execution of the project, and avoid/reduce potential conflicts to the

possible extent. This approach fosters stakeholders’ engagement and contribution to the project,

enhances its acceptability and encourages realistic expectations as to what the project will deliver to

them.

The key objectives of the consultation program are to:

Identify problems, concerns and needs.

Inform stakeholders about the project.

Obtain feedback.

Learn from local knowledge and understanding.

Evaluate alternatives.

Promote ownership and enhance social acceptability.

Avoid or resolve conflicts.

Demonstrate commitment of the project proponent in addressing issues raised during

consultations.

Scope of consultation will focus on four main components:

Information Collection - involving collecting information on the environmental and social

baseline conditions of the study area to determine key sensitive receptors.

Information Dissemination - involving disclosure of information about the intended activity,

project objectives and their outcomes in order to enable meaningful consultation.

Consultation - involving an interactive, two-way flow of information, views and ideas

between stakeholders and the project proponent, China Datang Overseas Investment

Company.

Participation - defined as a voluntary process in which stakeholders and project proponents

come together to share, negotiate and control the decision-making process in project design

and management. It builds on the consultation component.

The consultation process will involve, but will not be limited to:

1) Formal meetings with government authorities, institutions, individuals, specialists and any

NGOs identified.

Meetings with opinion leaders, community representatives (village committees or councils).

Household survey questionnaires, aimed at the local population within the project area. The

survey questionnaires are a fundamental component of both the RAP and the SIA as they

provide the basis for identifying impacts and developing management and mitigation measures

that are specific to the local conditions.

2)

3)


154

8.2 Identification of Key Stakeholders

8.2.1 MRCS & Lower Mekong Riparian Countries

As discussed earlier in Section 3.11 of Chapter 3, the regional agreement on ‘Cooperation for the

Sustainable Development of the Mekong River Basin (1995)’ requires that in addition to Mekong

River Commission Secretariat (MRCS), four countries need to be consulted on the E&S issues of

Mekong Sanakham HPP. These are:

1)

2)

3)

4)

Cambodia

Lao PDR

Thailand

Vietnam

The road map/agenda for inter-country consultations requires suggestion and guidance

MRCS.

from the

8.2.2 Central GOL Bodies

The central government concerning hydropower development can be listed as follows:

Lao’s National Mekong River Commission

Water Resources and Environment Administration

Ministry of Energy and Mines

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

Ministry of Planning and Investment

Ministry of Finances

Ministry of Health

Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare

Ministry of Information and Culture

National Land Management Administration

Any other relevant departments identified in consultation with Datang/NCG

8.2.3 Provincial/District GOL

Similar to those at the national level, the provincial and district administration and related

authorities include:

key

Provincial/District Cabinet Offices

Provincial/District Energy and Mines Offices

Provincial Water Resources and Environment Office

District Environment and Land Offices

Provincial/District Agriculture and Forestry Offices

Provincial/District Planning and Investment Offices

Provincial/District Health Offices

Provincial/District Labor and Social Welfare Offices

Provincial/District Information and Culture Offices


155

8.2.4 Village Leaders and APs

Since the main impacts of the project is on villages, priority groups are at the village level, particularly

APs, village leaders and gender and vulnerable groups. The following must be consulted:

Village heads in each of the project affected villages.

Key village informants, including village teachers, village elders, spiritual leaders and

health-care workers.

Directly and indirectly affected families in the project area.

Gender and vulnerable groups (including ethnic minority group).

Key village interest groups including landowners, land users, identified vulnerable groups,

guardians of cultural and spiritual sites.

8.2.5 Non-Governmental Organizations

Lao Women’s Union

Lao National Front

Lao Front for National Construction

Lao Youth Association

Other NGOs as listed in Appendix 2 of which will be finally selected by Datang/ NCG and

Provincial/District Government

8.3 Consultation with GOL Provincial & District Authorities

Consultation with GOL stakeholders will involve a series of formal meetings and discussions. The

purpose of the interviews at national, provincial and district levels will be to inform the stakeholders of

the proposed project, to discuss the associated environmental, social and resettlement issues as well as

to gather any relevant secondary data. The consultations with district and provincial stakeholders will

also discuss the most practical and feasible mitigation measures in the opinion of these stakeholders. It

is expected the majority of these interviews will be undertaken by NCG and the local consultant team.

Consultation at these levels is an important step in the protocol of working in the local area. It is a

courtesy to inform the relevant government bodies and leaders of the intention to conduct surveys and

interviews in the Sanakham, Kenthao, and Paklay districts.

The consultations/meetings will take the form of s mi-structured interviews in which a short

presentation about Datang and the purpose of the EIA, SIA and RAP tasks. This will be followed by

discussions about the role and responsibilities of the government office in general; it’s specific role in

relation to the Sanakham HPP; any requirements in relation to construction and operation of the

project; opinions about the positive and negative impacts of project and suggestions for Datang and

NCG. A series of such meetings are envisaged with the central and provincial line departments such as

MONRE. During these meetings, the key issues and concerns raised by the stakeholders will be

recorded for inclusion in the RAP, SMMP and EMMP.

8.4 Consultation with Villages & Local Communities

8.4.1 Purposes

Consultation with members of the communities in the vicinity of the project area are undertaken

through village meetings, interviews with representatives of the local villages and as part of the

household surveys. The survey is used to develop a baseline socio-economic profile of the local

communities and find out about the

project. Individual household interviewees,

communities, the range and extent

the village level consultations will

Gather information on

re

and explore options

measures, including resettle

Identify key environm

water, impacts on land

ah

d

All village leaders and village repr

about the project and were consulted

resettlement and livelihood develop


156

the level of awareness of the project, concerns and

nterviewees, social dialogues were used to document

nt of impacts both at the household and commun

ill be held for the following purposes:

on the profile of the community and the possible soc

comm structure, local resources and livelihood patterns.

al conducted in some village, such as cultural an

project on communitunityy

“focus group” was

alssoo Houay Lah

(Figure 65). Assess

the scale of resettlement, loss of assets and livelihood (individual

for the most suitable livelihood restoration and

settlement site options.

mental concerns of the communities, especially related

use, and construction activities.

Figure 65: Focus Group at Ban Houay Lah

8.4.2 Work Accomplishedd

To date, 43-village information disclosures and consultation meetings were completed

presentatives (including women and vulnerable g

ulted on resettlement sites with their comments and

lopment programs for the village.

and expectations of the

cument the profile of

nity level. Specifically

social impacts of the

tterns. Some specific

nd archaeology at Ban

dual and community)

and asset replacement

elated to diversion of

mpleted (see Table 82).

groups) were informed

and suggestions on the

Figure 66: Consultation Meeting at


157

at e Ban Houay Lah, Kenthao District, Xayaboury Provinc Impacted Village Requiring Resettlement

e.a Severely Upstream


158

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Table 81: Information Disclosure and Consultation Performed Date

No. Village Name District Location

Consultation

Date u/p d/s c/q LB RB

Vientiane Province

1) Donsok Sanakham X X 14/ 2/2010

2) Donphoung Sanakham X X 14/ 2/2010

3) Maipakthoun Sanakham X X 22/ 2/2010

4) Houaytao Sanakham X X 21/ 2/2010

5) Khokkhaodor Sanakham X X 21/ 2/2010

6) Kokngeaw Sanakham X X 20/ 2/2010

7) Huaykhayaeng Sanakham X X 23/ 2/2010

8) Pakmee Sanakham X X 12/3/2010

9) Sanakham Sanakham X X 12/3/2010

10) Takdad Sanakham X X 12/3/2010

11) Juansavanh Sanakham X X 12/4/2010

12) Siphoum Sanakham X X 12/5/2010

13) Pakpang Sanakham X X 12/5/2010

14) Phalath Sanakham X X 12/2/2010

15) Paksao Meun X X 12/6/2010

16) Donhieng Meun X X 12/6/2010

17) Kokmeud Meun X X 27/ 2/2010

18) Namhee Meun X X 27/ 2/2010

19) Konkham Meun X X 27/ 2/2010

20) Vang Meun X X 27/ 2/2010

21) Pakchanh Meun X X 28/ 2/2010

Xayaboury Province


159

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Note: c/q – construction/quarry areas, d/s – downstream area, u/p – upstream area, LB – Left Bank,

RB–Right Bank

Kenthao X X 30/ 1/2010

Kenthao X X 12/6/2010

22) Veunkham

23) Houay Lah

24) Donmen Kenthao X X 12/8/2010

25) Khae Kenthao X X 12/ 1/2010

26) Nakham Kenthao X X 14/ 2/2010

27) Donsang Kenthao X X 14/ 2/2010

28) Boungma Pak Lay X X 14/ 2/2010

29) Takdad Pak Lay X X 16/ 2/2010

30) Kengsao Pak Lay X X 17/ 2/2010

31) Nasack Pak Lay X X 16/ 2/2010

32) Nasavang Pak Lay X X 19/ 2/2010

33) Senglay Pak Lay X X 18/ 2/2010

34) Houayxaykham Pak Lay X X 20/ 2/2010

35) Khae Pak Lay X X 21/ 2/2010

36) Sisavang Pak Lay X X 18/ 2/2010

37) Don Pak Lay X X 21/ 2/2010

38) Sisa-at Somphou Pak Lay X X 19/ 2/2010

39) Xaiyamoungkhoun Pak Lay X X 18/ 2/2010

40) Houaylay-Noy Pak Lay X X 20/ 2/2010

41) Namxong Pak Lay X X 19/ 2/2010

42) Mouang-Tai Pak Lay X X 22/ 2/2010

43) Mouang-Nua Pak Lay X X 22/ 2/2010


160

B

S

B

e e

n

y

y

y

e

g

v

h

o

d

p

m

h

e

8.4.3 Key Feedbacks from Consultation

Four villages that will be directly impacted and required to relocate/resettle have expressed their

comments, suggestions and expectations on relocation and resettlement as feedbacks for the RAP and

SMMP as follows:

Box 8: Ban Donsok

Box 9: Ban Houay Lah

an Houay Lah

Houay Lah’ s villagers (especially village hea man and other leaders ) wished

tod

develop t he land on two mountains to locate the village temple and the primary

school. R ight now the

se mountains

are part of the village protected forest situated

in northe rn part conne cting Pao L oua Yai creek.

When relocating the village, there is no need to hold a ceremony. When the

resettlement time arries, they will accept the move.

Key requirements are concerned with fair compensation in accordance with

property lost and the improvement of livelihood.

an Donsok

If the project is approved to go ahead, Donsok villagers and their leaders will

have to r ly on the government or the project developer to find a suitable place

for resettlement because they cannot think of a good place to move to.

They would like to make a request though stating that compensation should go to

all villagers including outsiders (people who do not live in Ban Donsok) who

have property that is affected by the project.

When moving to a new place, to the village requested that the project as to build

houses for the resettlers and at least including 1 hectares of farming land for each

family. The village requested that they would also need a new school, market,

road, healthcare center, clean water and a tem le.

After being resettled, people stated that they would like to be looked after for at

least 3-5 ears.

ome additional recommendations/suggestions for resettlement ceremonies

Relocation of a temple requires nothing since there are no monks in our current

temple

Ceremony required to be arranged for moving village’s cemetery.

Ceremony is required due to moving the respected village spiritual for st

that may include a buffalo, 28 bottles f traditional Lao-Lao whiskey, etc.


161

s

c

T h

m

w

d

o

o

o

d

s o

w o

m

T

B

o o

c

o

Box 10: Ban Donmen

Box 11: Ban Khae

Khae Village:

Villagers of Khae Village and their leaders agreed that if they had to be

resettled, they wish to select Donghouayang & Koumnamkay, whi h is a well-

known place and suitable for resettlement. he place is on the west side of Khae

village about 18-20 kilometers away. The place is connected to Houaylod,

Nong, and Kongdeng village which are close to the border of Pak Lay District,

along the road number 04.

The village shall follow the resettlement plan but requested that cmpensation

be in a cordance to the loss of property. New land must be able to support their

lives. he ability to produce rice and keep livestock is the key for them,

otherwise, why move? At least they wish to produce no less than the current

level or more would be better.

Ban Khae does not need to hold any traditional resettlement ceremonies. The

most important thing is to improve their livelihoods.

Ban Donmen:

Villagers of Ban Donmen and their leaders agreed that if they had to be

relocated/resettled, they wish to be put in the place called Dong H uay Ang &

Koum Nam Kay, hich is a well-known place and suitable for settlement. The

place i on the west side of Khae village about 15 km away from Donmen. The

place is connected to Houaylod, Nong, and Kongdeng villages which are

located close to the border of Pak Lay District along the road number 04.

The village shall follow the resettlement plan but requested that compensation

should be in accordance to the loss of property. Being resettled may be

acceptable as long as they have agricultural land and other facilities which will

support their lives. The ability to produce rice and keep livestock is the key for

them, otherwise, why relocate? In the resettlement, at least they have to

produce, at the minimum, to the current level or if they can produce more it

will even be better (similar comments and request to Khae village).

Traditional cerem nies have t be arranged before moving which may at least

include 2 buffalos and other necessary ite s.


162

8.5 Consultation with Other Stakeholders

In addition to the GOL and local communities mentioned, it is anticipated that other stakeholders

including the construction contractors, NGOs and other civil society organizations will be consulted

over the course of the EIA, SIA and RAP consultation program.

Consultation with these stakeholders will take the form of ad hoc meetings similar to those described

for the GOL. These consultations will assess the issues and concerns of these stakeholders on the

project and its different activities. Construction contractors and NGOs may also be invited to

participate in an impact assessment workshop as part of the EIA/SIA.

The Mekong Sanakham HPP is a Mekong Mainstream development project, so it requires regional

consultation in 3 countries, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. The key issues will be assessed in the

CIA/TBIA.

At the minimum, the following key aspects that need to be included in the regional consultation:

Impact area

o Upstream/catchment o Downstream o Construction/quarry sites o Country o GMS

o Global

Issues

Water resource development

Socio-economic development

Fishery

Hydrology

Sediments

Resettlement

Navigation

Tourism

Climate Change/Global warming

o

o

o

o

o

8.6 Public Consultations

Kenthao District


163

onsultations at Village and District 12-13 July 2012


164


165


166


167


168


169

Sanakham District


170


171


172

‘


173


174

8.7 Technical workshop and Site visit 25-28 March 2013


175


176


177


178


179


180

8.8 Provincial Consultation 6Dec2013


181


182


183


184


185


186


187


188

9. 9.1

Conclusions & Recommendations National Economic and Power Development

The economic development in Lao PDR is progressing. It is expected that the Lao PDR’s economy

will grow by 7.5 percent in 2011, compared to 7.4 percent in 2010. The economy will be on a strong

growth path during the period of 2011 to 2012. The economic growth is largely driven by exports from

hydropower projects and increased production by the mining industry. Domestic demand has remained

strong owing to higher private expenditures on consumer goods and residential construction.

The power sector in Lao PDR continues to play three important roles for the country’s economy. These

include:

Promotion of economic and social advancement by providing a reliable and affordable

domestic power supply.

Earning foreign exchange from electricity exports.

Supporting the reduction of poverty.

The US$ 500million Mekong Sanakham HPP is one of the large-scale hydropower development

projects that will positively support the above roles for the Lao PDR’s national economic and power

development including support for the development of rural electrification and regional power

interconnection with Thailand. Also important is the creation of 3,000 to 4,000 jobs in the project area.

It is recommended that project development should follow international engineering, envi onmental

and social best practice and policy for sustainable hydropower in the Lao PDR. The reduction of

poverty can be of substantial progress through giving priority to hire local labor and sub-contractors.

9.2 Compensation

The Mekong Sanakham HPP will acquire land of 4,452 ha. Of this, 676 ha are community and non-

forest area and 308 ha production lands (rice paddy) which require compensation either land for land

or cash compensation and/or combination approach.

Housing structures of 621 units with associated structures such as rice storage and animal cages will be

affected and also require compensation or replacement. Four primary schools and five temples are

public structures that also require reconstruction in relocation/resettlement sites. The earth road totaling

13 km must be replaced afterinundation. There are also other assets such as trees that require

compensation.

The compensation for affected individuals and households for all losses associated with land loss

should be done in a timely, fair and equitable manner through the direction of official GOL committees

and grievance mechanisms. The RAP needs to be formulated with the participation of the APs and with

the involvement of women and vulnerable groups of people.

It is recommended that the implementation of compensation for Mekong Sanakham HPP has to

comply with Decree 192 on Compensation and Resettlement, issued on 7 July 2005.

Normally the Lao PDR prefers land-for-land compensation; however, there will be many cases that

may require cash compensation. The policy requires that compensation for land must be at replacement

cost based on current market values. There is difficulty in reaching agreement on what constitutes fair

market value. The determination of market value for land should be based on transactions that have

taken place for the same type of land in the same geographic area.


189

Normally compensation for a house will include reconstruction of a quality house at the resettlement

site in an appropriate size (10-14 m2 per person). In cases some families do not want to join the project

resettlement scheme, cash compensation for housing structure will include classifying affected

structures into three main categories; for example, permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary.

Compensation will be paid on a market price basis or based on the judgment of GOL Committee.

In regard to tree-crop compensation, trees and plants are generally established based on the age and

productivity of fruit and perennial trees. The rates for different types of trees will be established by

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry or by the specific committee to be set up by the GOL.

9.3 Relocation and Resettlements

9.3.1 Proposed Criteria for Relocation and Resettlement

As presented earlier in Chapter 7, development of the Mekong Sanakham HPP requires the

resettlement of three villages, including Houay Lah (81 families); Khae (150 families); Donsok

(36 families). In addition, the project requires the relocation of families from ten villages to an area

above 20 masl within the original village area These villages include Donmen (120 families);

Nakham (19 families); Donsang (17 families); Boungma (10 families); Kengsao (29 families);

Nasack (3 families); Houaytao (56 families); Donphoung (10 families); Maipakthoun(54 families);

and Khokkhaodor (6 families).

Relocation and resettlement of this scale needs a comprehensive RAP that at least addresses the

following issues:

Procure adequate land at new resettlement/relocation sites to accommodate all houses, and

amenities and other improvements that existed at the previous location.

Provide improved housing and community basic infrastructures.

Assist with the physical move and provide support to resettled individuals and households

during the transition period.

Ensure that every resettled household or individuals can effectively restore its household

food and livelihood income.

Monitor all aspects of the resettlement program after the relocation relative to the pre-

relocation period that complies with the GOL Policy.

9.3.2 Proposed Criteria for Resettlement Site Selection

In selecting the resettlement sites, it is recommended that:

The land should be suitable for agricultural development, suitable biophysical attributes,

such as soil, topography, slope, drainage, and so on.

The area should be easily accessible.

Availability of year-round water supply.

The area should be in a focal development area of a District Socio-Economic Development

Master Plan on the basis of market access and agricultural production criteria.

Enough area fto unify 2-3 small adjacent villages into one big village in accordance with

the Directives No. 09/PBP of the Political Bureau of the Lao People Revolutionary Party

dated on 08/01/2004, and the Directives No. 09/PM of the Prime Minister dated on

07/05/2007, on the establishment of Villages and Village Focal Development Groups.


190

9.4 Livelihood and Income Restoration

9.4.1 Proposed Criteria for Livelihood Restoration

There are 267 families to be included in the RAP and 354 families in the relocation plan. A key aim of

livelihood restoration is to help people shift from a subsistence economy to a market oriented

economy. The following is part of this quest.

Rain fed lowland/upland rice growing to secure family food.

a) Irrigated dry season rice growing in paddy fields.

b) Maize and other crops production for consumption and for cash.

c) Vegetable gardening either around the house or as planting on in fixed beds on river

banks with residual humidity and highly soil fertility or in paddy fields during the dry

season with water and organic matter supply to the parcels.

d) Fruit trees, either around the house or orchards.

e) Forest-related resources:

Possibly timber for housing.

Firewood collection for family consumption and for cash.

Charcoal mainly for cash.

NTFPs collection: bamboo, rattan, and other resins, edible tree leaves, i.e.,

vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, medicinal plants.

f) Aquatic resource use and sale:

Seasonal fishing for consumption making fermented sauce and sale.

Opportunistic fishing and trapping when releasing water from paddy fields at the of

end of rainy season.

Regular fishing, especially by women for small fish and shrimp as supplementary

family food.

Collection of seasonal bigger shrimps, frogs, shellfish.

Collection of aquatic plants, especially, spirogyra (algae) to make dry sheets, and

other water-green plants like cruciferous specie consuming as salad.

g) Livestock Raising:

Large animals including buffalo, cattle, pigs, and goats

Poultry such as chickens, ducks, and turkeys

h) Money earning activities:

Providing paid labor for rice planting, rice harvesting contraction work,

transportation.

Small shops, and agro forestry products.

Handicraft production such asweaving, tailoring, basketry, roofing materials, jewel

ring, art and sculpture works

Paid employment (government, hotels and guesthouses)


191

9.4.2 Methods to Improve Livestock Rearing

Livestock ownership represents family savings. Sale of livestock is used for many things, such as to

pay fees for health care, survive crop failures, or to pay for bicycles for children to get to school. Some

families with a large number of animals can afford a motorcycle or hand tractor. The latter can be used

to transport agricultural products from the fields to the house and from the house to the district

markets. In turn, the acquisition of productive capital through livestock sales raises productivity and

food security.

The benefits from livestock can even extend to those who do not own livestock, often the poorest

members of the community. A non-owner is sometimes able to obtain manure for fertilizer, or will

help to develop new paddy fields in exchange for livestock or animal hides or to get a reduced price for

such things. The role of livestock in rural Lao communities extends significantly beyond their

economic value; it plays an important role in social and cultural relationships - loans and gifts of

livestock contribute to family and community ties and often play a central role in cultural tradition

such as weeding, funerals, rituals, and receptions.

9.4.3 Methods to Improve the Contribution of Livestock

The resettled communities will be able to take their livestock with them. They will lose access to their

previous grazing land and water supplies, unless the new village site is close to the former village. Any

structures related to livestock rearing will be constructed. In any case, the most important thing to

consider is the improvement of grazing land and water supplies, since these two factors are the keys to

animal health and local development. Improved genetic materials of grasses and legumes should also

be promoted.

9.4.4 Methods to Improve the Contribution of Staple Food Crop

In regard relocating a village, it is desirable that the villages should not lose a harvest. The timing of

resettlement should therefore be after the harvest period in the dry season. All sites selected as

potential locations for resettlement should have land suitable for irrigated paddy, and in some cases for

rice terraces and other staple food crops. The project will ensure that rice terraces and growing areas

are cleared, prepared and provided with irrigation before people move.

It should be noted that use of the hybrid high yielding flint corn varieties already adopted in some

northern Lao provinces as cash crops requires training of farmers.

9.4.5 Methods to Improve the Contribution of Gardens and Fruit Trees

Resettlement sites have secure water supplies which deems the land suitable for gardens and orchards.

The project proponent will provide funds to recreate orchards and compensate for the number of years

of lost tree production. The project will support the introduction and expansion of integrated cropping.

For example, long term producing fruit trees can be under planted with short term producing

vegetables. Cash cropping will be supported where land is available. The whole agricultural process

from land preparation, seeds and planting through to harvest, storage, processing and marketing will be

financially and technically supported.

9.4.6 Suggested Steps in Income Restoration Program

In planning income restoration, the following processes may be considered:


192

Analyze economic activities of all APs by gender, age group, education, skills, income,

family size, preference options to assess their needs.

Identity multiple income restoration programs (both individual and group specific) through

beneficiary consultation and through market and financial feasibility and analysis.

Test training and income generating programs with selected resettled families on a trial

basis.

Develop a framework for institutional supervision and budgets.

Allow for product marketing within and outside the relocation/resettlement sites.

Evaluate programs and provide additional technical assistance.

Income restoration programs may require support and services for 5 to 8 years before they

become viable. The project management may need to implement both short and long term

strategies for restoring their income. Short term income restoration strategies are for

immediate assistance during relocation and may include:

Compensation for land, structure, and all other lost assets paid in full before

relocation.

House construction grants and relocation subsistence allowances are paid to cover

the full duration of the period of disruption and reestablishment.

Free transport or costs of removal and reestablishment for relocation.

Subsidize inputs for agriculture, li estock rearing, fisheries and forestry/NTFPs

production for the first two or three years or until income levels are restored.

Temporary or short term employment in civil construction activities at the

resettlement or project construction sites.

Special assistance, as appropriate, to vulnerable groups such as women,

indigenous people, the aged and the disabled.

o

o

o o

o

o

Long term income restoration strategies involve land and non-land based economic activities that will

provide a sustained source of income over a longer period of time, which will enable restoration, or

better still - improvement in the standard of living of resettlers/relocatees. These strategies may consist

of both project sponsored programs (for example, purchase of replacement land, employment, tree

planting and various inputs for income generation) and establishing linkages to local or national

economic development and employment programs in the project area.

9.5 Impact Equity

As there are a number of gender and vulnerable people in the three villages to be moved to the

resettlement sites, and among the families of ten villages to be relocated above 220 masl within the

territory of the original villages, the following recommendations are to be considered in the

formulation of the livelihood restoration plan.

Establish effective communication with affected individuals, households and stakeholder

groups throughout the resettlement process, particularly those identified vulnerable.

Develop special measures for resettlers/relocatees who are disadvantaged in terms of

income generation and employment.

Consult women and women’s groups and establish women-centered income generation

activities.

Involve gender and vulnerable groups and other organization in income restoration

planning and mutation.


193

9.6 Health Impact Assessment

Conclusion and recommendation from the HIA are as follows:

Three villages in the vicinity of the construction/quarry sites during the construction and

quarrying may have disturbance from dust, noise and vibration including an increase risk

of accidents.

Villages are located in the proposed upstream pond area face increase risks to their

physical safety.

The creation of the upstream pond will change the environment and catch locals unaware;

for example, water will be deeper in certain areas, or have different currents.

The project will result in a significant increase in the amount of traffic and dust on project

roads. Project roads will be used for transport of construction equipment and workers to

the construction site during construction phase and operation phase.

Three villages (totalling 267 families) and families from ten villages (totaling 354

families) require resettlement and relocation respectively. APs may be subject to potential

health risks including nervous disorders and outbreaks of communicable diseases

Construction camps (for 2,000-3,000 workers) will be required for construction during the

construction phasen which may generate work-related accidents, infectious disease

epidemics and environmental- occupational health problems compared to the case before

the project.

Health of vulnerable groups, in particular, <5 years of age children, elderly people, single

mothers, poor people and handicapped people may require special health care due to the

social and environmental impacts of the project.

It is likely that large numbers of the workers’ families will be co-located in the same

geographical area as village residents. Experience from other infrastructure projects in the

Lao PDR also suggests that large numbers of vendors selling food and entertainment

services will attempt to locate in the vicinity of construction camps.

During construction/operation phases, villagers both upstream and downstream may

potentially face health risks due to the project such as accidents, outbreak of diseases,

increasing of HIV and STIs risks including environmental health conditions.

9.7 Education

Four primary schools at Bans Houay Lah, Khae, Nakham, and Donsok will be inundated and required

to be rebuilt to a higer standard in the resettlement /relocation sites.

In Xayaboury Province (Kenthao and Paklay districts) and Vientiane Province (Sanakham District)

education is developing within a changing cultural/social and economic environment. The education

system remains subject to constraints of inadequately prepared and poorly paid teachers, insufficient

funding, shortages of facilities, and often ineffective allocation of the limited resources available.

The way how to help education in the project area should start with educational facilities and resources

in the Mekong Sanakham HPP resettlement and relocation sites. The SMMP budget should support the

above facilities.

A scholarship for each affected village should be made available for project affected students for

further education in the vocational/university levels. Scholarships could be made conditional that

recipients return home to help develop their dream villages.


194

9.8 Culture and Archaeology

Five temples in five villages (Houay Lah, Khae, Nakham, Donmen and Donsok) will be submerged

and required to be reconstructed on new lands. Beside temples, an important culture among

directly affected villages in the Mekong Sanakham HPP includes territorial spirits (Phi Muang)

that govern large areas and are an important considerations when relocating villages. These

territorial spirits receive annual offerings such as buffalo, pigs or chickens, along with alcohol and

other items prior to the commencement of the agricultural season which is usually in February. The

origin of these spirits is often a legendary person or founder of the village. Mediums and politically

powerful people have correspondingly powerful spirits and become associated with particular

territory and people residing in that territory. A relationship develops between the living and the

spirit consisting of offerings and respect for the spirit in exchange for protection and intervention in

times of need or disaster. The ritual offerings consist of animal sacrifice, alcohol and various

decorations. The date for the ceremony is agreed upon by the ritual specialists and approved by

village authorities.

9.9 Cumulative/Trans-boundary Impacts

Based on the environmental flow approach, the CIA/TBIA is to be conducted in a separate report

covering areas from China down to the Mekong estuary in Vietnam. The study will be

conducted through regional consultation and will address the regional perspective of Mekong

mainstream development. The environmental flow is the term for the amount of water needed in a

watercourse to maintain s healthy and natural ecosystems. It is used in the context of rivers which

have been dammed, with most or all of the flow trapped by the dam.

9.10 Benefit Sharing

One of the keys of sustainable hydropower is to distribute project benefits to the affected communities.

The benefits sharing principle should be formulated for Mekong Sanakham HPP to ensure that:

Directly affected APs will be among the primary beneficiaries.

Communities hosting hydropower projects in their locality become long-term partners in

the sustainable management of hydropower assets.

Local communities have access to financial support to take advantage of the new

entrepreneurial opportunities created by the project.

Investments supported by revenue-sharing funds raise income levels of affected

communities.

Policies to consider additional entitlements for affected communities to enhance their

natural resource access and take advantage of development opportunities created by the

project.

Existence of mechanisms for revenue sharing for the project development.


195

APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1: Relocation and Resettlement Study

1. Criteria For Resettlement/Relocation Sites Selection

General criteria used for selecting the proposed resettlement areas include:

The land should be suitable for agricultural development with suitable biophysical

attributes, such as soil, topography, slope, drainage.

The area should be easily accessible and connected with a district center

Availability of year-round water supply for irrigation.

Convenient access to forest and other legally exploitable natural resources (including the

reservoir and drawdown zone where feasible).

A location relatively close to their existing village area, if possible, due to villagers’

preferences.

The site is the focal development area in the Master Plan of Socio-Economic Development

of the three districts and the two provincial authorities that are in the project area.

1.1. Availability for Resettlement and Relocation

Most of the affected villages in the project area (see Table below) in the 3 districts have no reserve

community land or land large enough to satisfy the land area required for resettlement or relocation of

the anticipated number of people to be affected by flood or by bank erosion. Most of the lands have

been used for agricultural purposes including exports (maize, Jobs’ tears). For this reason, most of the

land area investigated is privately owned. Village heads had to ask the land occupants if they are

interested in providing parts of their land for development of housing plots for the APs. Most of them

agreed to provide part of their land. Some requested compensation in cash to get money for running

home business. Some requested the project developer to help develop their remaining land area and to

be entitled to participate in any livelihood development programmes the project will provide to the new

community.

Depending on the actual land location, the relocation site for different APs’ houses may not be on one

entire piece of land. The house plot with 20 x 25 = 500 square meters costs between 5,400,000 and

10,800,000 Kip or between 650 and 1350 US Dollars. The final compensation rate will be subject to

negotiation between the Resettlement Committee, the Land owners and the developer before the

implementation of the RAP.

H

7

2

5

Table 82: Affected Villages and Families of Mekong Sanakham P

rov

ince

Dis

tric

t

No. Village Name FMs H

Totally Flooded

Xay

abo

ury

Ken

thao

1 Houay Lah 81 7

2 Khae 150 140

No. to be resettled: 231 217

Partially flooded

3 Donmen 217 217

Bank Erosion Risk

4 Nakham 72 7

5 Donsang 82 7

Pa

kla

y

6 Boungma 268 258

7 Kengsao 151 161

8 Nasack 168 170

Subtotally Affected: 1189 117

No. to be relocated:

[MEKONG SANAKHAM HYDROELECTRIC POWER PROJECT Social Impact Assessment

196

H

7

2

5

F

HPP (FSL at 220 masl)

Population Affected FMs

s People emale Ethnicity To be

resettled

To be

relocated

323 150

Lao

81

0 649 308 150

7 972 458 231 0

7 1023 511 120

339 172 19

365 169 17

8 1235 616 10

1 814 357 29

0 845 404 3

70 5593 2687

0 198

T – SIA – FINAL REPORT – FEB 2014] 206

Affected Assets Upstream

fom dam

(Km) Schools Temples

1 1 2

1 1 40

1 32

1 1 44

47

52

55

57

1

1

2

2

Vie

nti

an

e

San

akh

am

Totally Flooded

9 Donsok 36 2

No. to be resettled: 36 2

Partially flooded

10 217 Houaytao Bank

135

240

275

814 8

Erosion Risk

11 Donphoung

12 Maipakthoun

13 Khokkhaodor

Subtotally Affected:

No. to be relocated:

Grand Total No. to be resettled/relocated by the Reservoir:

Grand Total No. of Affected by the

Reservoir: 2003 206

[MEKONG SANAKHAM HYDROELECTRIC POWER PROJECT Social Impact Assessment

197

1

1

2

2

28 155 73 36

28 155 73 36 0

66 805 405 56

27 576 255 40

38 1984 593 54

47 1611 492 6

895 5131 1818

0 156

oir: 267 354

65 10724 4505

T – SIA – FINAL REPORT – FEB 2014] 207

1 1 27

55

41

50

57

4 5


198

2. Potential Relocation/Resettlement Sites in Sanakham District (SD)

Relocation Site refers to the land area for affected families that have been shifted to upper terraces

located near to the original village.

Resettlement Site refers to the land area selected for affected people from villages that have to be

moved enitirely and upon which a new village will be established.

There is a proposed resettlement site that has been investigated for the feasibility of resettling Ban

Donesok APs and 4 relocation sites for the potentially affected households from river bank erosion.

Resettlement Site No. SD 1 – Done Kouad Area, 6 km from Ban Phalad on the way to the new

ferryboat station to Ban Veunkham for 28 affected households with 36 families from Ban Donsok.

Relocation Site No. SD 1 – Ban Donphoung Upper Terrace for Relocation of 40 FMs from the

Donphoung Village.

Relocation Site No. SD 2 – Ban Maipakthoun Upslope Area, for Relocation of 54 FMs in the

Maipakthoun Village.

Relocation Site No. SD 3 – Ban Houaytao Upper Terrace, for Relocation of 56 FMs along

Houaytao River on the hill opposite to the bridge on the eastern part of current village location.

Relocation Site No. SD 4 – Ban Khokkhaodor Upper Terrace, for Relocation of 6 FMs in the spare

site of the Village.

2.1. Resettlement Site No. SD 1 – Done Kouad Area/Houay Kaleuang Area:

The consultation was started by the meeting with Sanakham District Governor on the 8th of January

2011 led by the Deputy Head of Sanakham District Cabinet to discuss and consult on resettlement

issues in the district area.

During the period of 8th and of January 2011, the field examination was carried out to study the

feasibility of proposed sites for compensating the loss of agricultural land and for resettlement of

potentially inundated villages of Sanakham District. The Donkouad site investigation team was

composed of 13 participants: 7 officials from Sanakham District and Phalad village administration, 3

specialists from China Datang Overseas Investment Co. Ltd and 3 specialists from NCG Company.

9th


199

o Name

Resettlement Site No. SD 1 – Done Kouad Area

o Location

6 km southwest of the current Ban Phalad on the road to the ferryboat station that connects Sanakham and Kenethao Districts via Ban Veunkham, a village of Kenthao District in Xayabouri Province.

o GPS Locations

1. N- 17.49.43.4; E- 101.33.09.6; EL = 225 masl.

2. N- 17.49.06.5; E- 101.32.32.5; EL = 225 masl.

3. N- 17.50.11.2; E- 101.32.51.6; EL = 230 masl.

4. N- 17.49.44.9; E- 101.33.46.8; EL = 228 masl.

o Purpose of Usage

For resettlement of 28 households with 36 families composing of 155

people of which 73 are female from Khoum Donsok, a Sub-village of Ban

Phalad since 2008

o Minimum Land area required

The minimum land area for resettlement of 36 families, for development of basic facilities and infrastructure and for cultivation is approximately 45 ha.

o Size of Available Land

According to the village authority report, the size of available land is 24 ha. The area can be expanded with the help of machinery up to 50 ha

o Topography of the area

Flat or almost flat, undulating and hill slope at the elevation higher than 225 - 230 masl.

o Availability of water source

Water source for housing and agriculture can be use from Houay Kaleuang (stream) which flows into Mekong River about 2 km downstream of the Dam.

o Soil fertility

Moderately fertile. Some proper improvement may required

o Land use and land cover

Mostly perennial crop cultivation

o Practicality of land

Perennial crops, such as: maize and Job’s tears and vegetables.

o Current land occupation

The land has been allocated to government officials of the district administration who have no land for agricultural practice in order to generate income with the rate of 1,030,000 kip per hectare. The land ownership certificates have just been distributed. The land occupancy rate varies from 2 to 20 ha and totally accounts for 31.8 ha.

o Opinions and requests of Land occupants

Current occupants accounted for 8 households have been interviewed and they agreed to allocate land for new resettles. Some asked for compensation in cash to start running family business. Most of them requested the developer develop their remaining land and access benefits in the livelihood development programs.

o Opinions and Suggestions of the

The Public Consultation meeting was carried out at Khoum Donsok on 9th

of January 2011. 27 household representatives participated in the


200

APs

discussion.

There are 3 optional sites proposed by the district and the APs: Boungkouang Area, Pongchok Area and Done Kouad Area. The first mentioned area has already been distributed to Sanakham District officials. The second area is appropriate for cultivation but not suitable for village establishment because it is situated in a far remote location, around 60 km far from the district township. This area is located inside the District Protection Forest. Finally, the APs agreed to be resettled at Done Kouad Area close to Houay Kalieng Area.

Their requests for compensation have specified that:

the APs who used to have a rice field get a new rice field plus land for perennial crops

prior agreement from the current land occupants must be obtained to avoid conflict in land use.

o Strengths of the site

Located along the main road connecting Sanakham and Kenthao Districts. The GOL has planned to upgrade the road as well as the ferryboat station and the parking area.

Located along the main road to the dam site construction which the Mekong Sanakham HPP developer has planned to subgrade.

Opportunity for a variety of new non land-based jobs for local people.

Sanakham District Authority is planned to develop Don Kouad Area to be a focal development zone and a new development township because it is located along the road that connects Kenethao-Sanakham- Vientiane Municipality


201

Minimum Land Area Required For Resettlement Site No. SD 1 Development

Resettlement Site No. SD 1 Development

Done Kouad Area

No. of Affected Families From Ban Donsok

36

Village Area:

House plot (20 x 30 = 600 m2 =0.06 ha/family)

2.16

Village office/Hall/Meeting room

1

Village Development Cluster Housing

0

Temple or Recreation Place

1

Secondary School

0

Primary School (6 rooms)

1

Market

0.5

Bus Station

0.5

Clinic/Healthcare Centre

1

Main In-village road (6 m width)

0

Small In-village road (4 m width)

0

Reserved Land

1

Subtotal:

8.16

Agricultural land (1 ha/FM):

36

Minimum Land Required in ha:

44.16

V

Figure 67: Map of Done Kouad Area – F

Figure 68: Done Kouad Field Survey

Ban DAM SITE

Ban eunkham

Hou


202

1 Site: Done

Focal Development Zone of Sanakham District

Figure 69: Done Kouad Area, Nrvey Team

Ban Houay Lah

Resettlement SD Boungk

Kouad

Ban Pha

ouay Kaleuang

Northwest direction

gkouang

a Lad

Figure 70: Done Kouad Area,

Figure 72: Resettlement Site No. SD1

2.2. Relocation Site No.

in the Donphoung V

meo Na

o Location In the

o GPS Locations To be

o Purpose of Usage For

Mekong

o Minimum Land arearequired

Theoffice

o Land Availability Thepurpose.purc

o Land use and landcover

Mos


203

p

Figure 71: Done Kouad AreArea, north director

1 – Done Kouad Area

No. SD 1 – Ban Donphoung Upslope Area, for Relocation

Village Area.

Relocation Site No. SD 1 – Ban Donphoung Up er

the northeastern area of the current Ban Donphoun

be investigated after confirmation

the relocation of 40 families whose houses are located too

kong River bank.

The land area required for the relocation of 40 familiesoffice and village meeting hall is approximately 4 ha.

The village authority report indicated no community purpose. The required land for relocation of 40

chased from the villagers.

stly perennial crop cultivation (maize/Job’s tears,

p

ea, northeast direction

elocation of 40 FMs

er Terrace

ng

ocated too close to the

ilies including a village a.

reserved land for this families needs to be

and others)


204

o Opinions requests of owners

and Land

Current occupants who are interested in selling part of their land have been asked by the Village Authority. They requested cash compensation for land.

o Opinions Suggestions APs

of

and the

The Public Consultation meeting has not been carried out yet to get the APs opinions and suggestions relating to the compensation, relocation process and the developer responsibility

Minimum Land Area Required

Relocation Site No. SD 1 Development

No. of Affected Families From BMaipakthoun

Village Area:

House plot Area (20 x 30 = 600 ha/FM)






205

p

Required For Relocation Site No. SD 1 Development

lopment

Ban Donphoung Up

Ban

40

m2 =0.06

2.4

room

1

width)

0

h)

0

3.4

p pper Terrace

Figure 73: View of Existing Ban Donphoung

2.3. Relocation Site No.

within current Maipakt

me


o Na Relocation

o Location East

o GPS Locations To

o Purpose of Usage Forthe

o Land area requiredvillage

o Land Availabilityreserved54


o Opinions and requests ofLand owners been

m

o Opinions and Suggestions of the APs the

relocation


206

S

S

p

1Relocation ite No. SD

Donphoung

No. SD 2 – Ban Maipakthoun Upslope Area for Relocation

Maipakthoun Village.

uired For Relocation Si e No. SD 2 Developmen

Relocation ite No. SD 2 – Ban Maipakthoun Upper

East of the current Ban Houaytao on the road to

To be investigated after confirmation

For relocation of 54 families whose houses arethe Mekong River bank.

The minimum land area for the relocation of 54village office and village meeting hall is approxim

According to the village authority report, therereserved land for this purpose. The required land54 families needs to be purchased from the villagers.

Mostly perennial crop cultivation (maize, Jobs’ tears,

Current occupants who are interested in selling partbeen asked by the village Authority. They requestedmoney for running family business.

The Public Consultation meeting has not been the APs opinions and suggestions relating torelocation process and developer responsibility

p

1

Relocation of 54 FMs

ent

Upper Terrace

Ban Maipakthoun

e located too close to

4 families including a mately 4.5 ha.

there is no community d for the relocation of ers.

ears, and others)

part of their land have requested cash to get

carried out yet to get to compens tion, the

Figure 74: Ban Maipakthoun


No. of Affected Families From BMaipakthoun

Village Area:

Res Area (20 x 30 = 600 m2 =0.06






207

Ban Maipakthoun

Relocation Site No. SD 2

lopment Ban Maipakthoun U

Ban 54

=0.06 ha/FM) 3.24

room 1

width) 0

h) 0

4.24

Upper Terrace


208

2.4. Relocation Site No. SD 3 – Ban Houaytao Upper Terrace for Relocation of 56 FMs

along HouayTao River on the hill opposite the bridge on the eastern part of the

current village location.

Minimum Land Area Required For Relocation Si e No. SD 3 Development


No. of Affected Families From Ban Houaytao

Village Area:

Res. Area (20 x 30 = 600 m2 =0.06 ha/FM)





Ban Houaytao Upper Terrace

56

3.36

1

0

0

4.36

o Name

o Location

o GPS Locations

o Purpose of Usage

o Land area required

o Land Availability


o Opinions and requests ofLand owners

o Opinions and Suggestionsof the APs

Relocation Site No. SD 3 – Ban Houaytao Upper Terrace

On the east direction of Current Ban Houaytao on the road to Ban Maipakthoun

To be investigated after confirmation

For the relocation of 56 families of 4 village units: Unit No. 1, 2,

3 and 4. These families live in the south part of the village along

Houaytao.

The minimum land area for relocation of 56 families, for Village Office and Village meeting Hall is approximately 4.5 ha.

The village authority report revealed no community reserved land for this purpose. The required land for the relocation of 56 families needs to be purchased from the villagers.

Mostly perennial crop cultivation (maize, Jobs’ tears, and other)

Current occupants who are interested in selling part of their land have been asked by the Village Authority. They requested cash to get money for running family business.

The Public Consultation meeting has not been carried out yet to get the APs opinions and suggestions relating to the compensation, relocation process and developer responsibility


209

cted

s

Figure 75: Relocation Site SD3


210

2.5. Relocation Site No. SD 4 – Ban Khokkhaodor Area for Relocation of 6 FMs within

the Village Area. There will not be any problem for relocation of only 6 households.

The actual location depends on the land availability.

Minimum Land Area Required For Relocation Si e No. SD 4 Development


Ban Khokkhaodor Area

No. of Affected Families From Ban Khokkhao dor

6

Village Area:

Res. Area (20 x 30 = 600 m2 = 0.06 ha/FM)

0.36


0.36

o Name Relocation Site No. SD 3 – Within Ban Khokkhaodor Area

o Location Within the current Ban Khokkhaodor Area

o GPS Locations To be investigated

o Purpose of Usage

For relocation of 6 families whose houses are anticipated to be affected by bank erosion in the future.


The minimum land area required for relocation of 6 families is approximately 0.5 ha.

o Land Availability

According to the village authority report, there is no community reserved land for this purpose. The required land for relocation of 6 families needs to be purchased from the villagers.


Mostly perennial crop cultivation (maize, Jobs’ tears, and other)

o Opinions and requests of Land owners

Current occupants who are interested in selling part of their land ave been asked by the Village Authority. They requested cash to get money for running family business.

o Opinions and Suggestions of the APs

The public consultation meeting has not been carried out yet to get the APs opinions and suggestions relating to the compensation, relocation process and the developer responsibility

Figure 76: Relocation Site

3. Potential Relocation

10th During the period of and

feasibility of proposed sites for

resettlement of potentially inundated

which is the first upstream village

There are 3 resettlement sites and

investigation:

Resettlement Site No. KD 1 – H

Lah for resettlement of 77 households

Resettlement Site No. KD 2 –

Dongsangouan along road No.

Residential Area for 140 househo

Resettlement Site No. KD 3 – K

Dongsangouan around 5 km east

150 families of Ban Khae and 120

Relocation Site No. KD 1 – Donm

the relocation of 120 of 217 hous

Relocation Site No. KD 2 – Nakh

households of the village and a sc

Relocation Site No. KD 3 – Donsang

relocation of approximately 17 of


211

on and Resettlement Sites in Kenthao District (KD)

12th of January 2011, the field examination w

for compensating the potential loss of agricultural

inundated villages of Kenthao District. The study started

ge located around 2 km from the dam site.

nd 3 relocation sites which have been proposed for

Houay Mouang Area, located about 1 km far from

holds comprising 81 families.

Dong Houay Ang Area located between Ban Houay

4 that connects Kenthao and Paklay Districts

ouseholds comprising 150 families of Ban Khae.

Khoun Houa Namkay Area, located between Ban

t of main road No. 4 that connects Kenthao and

120 families of Ban Donmen who will lose their rice

men Area, located upslope of the current Donmen

eholds about 500 m west from current residential

Nakham Area, located upslope of current village for relocation

school on the west from current residential area.

onsang Area, located upslope of the current village

of 82 households west from current residential area.

KD)

was out to study the

ultural land and for

started at Ban Houay Lah

for further feasibility

m current Ban Houay

Houay Lod and Ban

for development of

Houay Lod and Ban

Paklay Districts for

rice field.

n village location for

area.

relocation of 19 of 72

llage location for the

a.


212

3.1. Resettlement Site No. KD 1 – Houay Mouang Area

The Public Consultation Meeting on a feasible resettlement site for Ban Houay Lah APs was

launched on the 10thof January 2011. 66 people attended the meeting of which 20 were female.

There were 3 proposed sites: 1. Upper area of current location of the village – 6 ha; 2. Houay Lah

originating area – 10 ha; and 3. Houay Mouang Area – 6 ha. The site investigation team was

composed of 9 participants: 6 representatives of Ban Houay Lah, a representative of Kenthao

District Authority and 2 specialists from NCG.

o Name

o Location

Resettlement Site No. KD 1 – Houay Mouang Area

Located around 1 km far from the current Ban Houay Lah along the earth road that goes to Ban Donmen around 23 km on the north

o GPS Locations 1. N- 17.49.25.6; E- 101.30.56.8; EL = 230 masl.

2. N- 17.49.31.3; E- 101.30.38.4; EL = 228 masl.

3. N- 17.49.31.7; E- 101.30.43.8; EL = 229 masl.

4. N- 17.49.37.1; E- 101.31.02.4; EL = 231 masl.

o Purpose of Usage For resettlement of 77 households with 81 families comprising 323 people

of which 150 are female from the current residential area. The site

development will compose of residential plots and infrastructure and

community facilities.

o Land area required The minimum land area required for resettlement of 81 families is approximately 11.5 ha.

o Size of AvailableLand

The size of available land at Houay Mouang Area is approximately 6 ha. The area can be expanded with the help of machinery up to 12 has.

o AlternativePossibility

The Option No. 1 - Upper part of current location of the village – 6 ha can be used for building community facilities: Village Office and Meeting Hall, Village Development Cluster Housing, Health Center, School and Temple; and

Resettlement Site No. KD1 can be used only for residential area for the APs

o Topography of thearea

Undulating and hill slope at the elevation higher than 228 - 231 masl.

o Availability of watersource


o Current land

Water sources for housing and agriculture can be from Houay Lah (stream) which flows into Mekong River around 2 km upstream of the Dam. The weir can be built to use water for irrigation. The shallow bore holes with hand pumps can be made for household use.

Mostly perennial crop cultivation

Current occupants accounted for 3 households who participated in the


213


Houay Mouang Area

81

4.86

1

0.5

1

0

1

0.5

0.5

1

0

0

Resettlement Site No. SD 1 Development

No. of Affected Families From Ban Houay

Lah Village Area:

Res Area (20 x 30 = 600 m2 =0.06 ha/FM)




Secondary School


Market

Bus Station




Reserved Land 1

Minimum Land Required in ha: 11.36

occupation


o strength of the site

site investigation. They agreed to allocate land for new resettlers. They asked for compensation in cash to start running family business and requested the developer develop their remaining land and access benefits in all the livelihood development programs.

Suitable for Residential Area

The Xayaboury Provincial Administration has approved the plan to build strategic standard road to connect Kenthao Township – Nam Heuang Area – Ban Houay Lah and Ban Donmen, with 74 km in length.


214

Option


215

Houay Moua

Houay Mouang


216

Mouang Area along the road near t Ban Houay

Current Location of Ban Houay

Mouang

Lah (1 km)

Lah

Area along the road near to Ba n Houay Lah


217

3.2. Resettlement Site No. KD 2 – Dong Houay Ang Area

The consultation was started by a short meeting with the Kenthao District Deputy Governor and Head

of Kenthao District Authority on the 11th of January 201 led by the Deputy Head of WREA to discuss

and consult on resettlement issues within the district area, particularly given the location of the

Provincial Conservation Forest Dong Houay Ang in the resettlement area.

The public consultation meeting on feasible resettlement site for Ban Khae APs was launched on the

12th of January 2011. 87 people attended the meeting of which 32 were female. The meeting took

around 3 hours to find out the solution because most of the APs do not want to move away. The

compensation mode for lost assets was also an important topic at the meeting. There were 3 proposed

sites: 1. Houay Gnoddkhonkhen Area; 2. Pak Houay Hia Area on the border with Ban Nakham; and 3.

Dong Hoauy Ang Area. No place was considered totally suitable for resettlement but the APs agreed

to be resettled at Dong Houay Ang Area although not unanimously. The site investigation team was

composed of 10 participants: 4 representatives of Ban Khae, a representative of Kenthao District

Authority, 3 representatives of the developer and 2 specialists from NCG Company. The Ban Houay

Lod Village Authority was interviewed for the actual condition of the area. Ban Houay Lod of Kenthao

District located south of the site and Ban Dongsangouan of Paklay District located north of the site will

be the host communities. Their opinions and their willingness to share the natural resources are of great

importance for the harmony of the new community.


218

Minimum Land Area Required For Resettlement Site No. KD 2 Development

o Name Resettlement Site No. KD 2 – Dong Houay Ang Area

o Location

Located between Ban Houay Lod and Ban Dongsangouan along the road No. 4 that connects Kenthao and Paklay Districts. The location is 23 km far from Kenthao Township and 33 km far from Paklay Township

o GPS Locations 1. N- 17.56.36.8; E- 101.21.14.5; EL = 277 masl.

o Purpose of Usage

For development of a residential area for 140 households with 150 families of Ban Khae.

The site development will compose of residential plots and required

infrastructure and community facilities.


The minimum land area required for resettlement of 150 families is approximately 17 ha.


The size of available land at Dongsangouan Area is enough for the resettlement of more than 150 families. The area can be expanded with the help of machinery to more than 17 ha


Flat and slightly undulating at the elevation around 277 - 330 masl.


Water source for housing can be used from Houay Tad (stream) which runs along Ban Dongsangouan border. Water for drinking can be from the bore holes within the area


The area is still covered by natural forest


There is no land occupants in the area

o Practicality of Suitable for residential and for gardening lands

o Opinions of the APs

This is the most suitable site and AP wish to be resettled in this area given there is not enough land to be located in the upper terrace of the current Ban Khae. They expressed their concerns about the compensation, the resettlement process and the responsibility of the developer to help improve their livelihoods ‘better-off’ than pre-project levels

They requested the developer compensate for the Water Pumping Project into the rice field land funded by the villagers that cost 575,000,000 kips or 71,875 US Dollars.

o Opinions of Kenthao Administration

Dongsangouan Area and Khoun Houa Nam Kay Area that the APs of Ban Khae want to be resettled has been registered as Provincial Conservation Forest of Xayaboury. The total area is approximately 7,500 ha. This is subject to consideration by the Provincial Authority.

o strength of the site

Located along the main road No. 4 that connects Kenthao and Paklay Districts will give opportunity for non-land based jobs

Resettlement Site No. SD 2 Development:

No. of Affected Families From B

Village Area

- House plot (20 x 30 = 600 m2

- Village office/Hall/Meeting room

- Village Development Cluster

- Temple or Recreation Place

- Secondary School

- Primary School (6 rooms)

- Market

- Bus Station

- Clinic/Healthcare Centre - Main In-village road (6 m width)

- Small In-village road (4 m width) - Reserved Land

- Minimum Land Required in h


219

Re

ide

consu

distri

authoriti

velopment: Dong Houay

Ban Khae:

2 = 0.06 ha/family):

room

Housing

width)

idth)

ha:

esettlement

KD2site

entification

and

consultation

with

istrict and

village

authorities

Houay Ang Area

150

9

1

0.5

1

1

1

1

0.5

1

0

0

1

17


220


221

Donmen

3.3. Resettlement Site No. KD3 – Khoun Houa Namkay Area

This site is proposed for developing the agricultural land for the affected households of Ban Donmen

and Ban Khae who will both lose their agricultural land especially the rice fields to the reservoir. All

the residents of Ban Khae will also lose their houses . The area is located inside the Xayaboury

Reservation Forest which has a total area of 7,500 ha. The Xayaboury Provincial Administration is

directly responsible for consideration on the APs and the 2 affected village administrations. According

to local villagers, a part of the Conservation Forest has been disturbed and most of the valuable

industrial wood trees have already been cut out. The villagers from adjacent villages have used the area

for NTFPs gathering and livestock raising but for not cultivation yet. They had submitted official letter

to the Provincial Authority to get official permission to make use of part of the land for cultivation

extension since the arable land in the villages has become limited day by day.


222

o Name Resettlement Site No. KD 3 – Khoun Houa Namkay Area

o Location

Located between Ban Houay Lod and Ban Dongsangouan about 5 km east of the main road No. 4 connecting Kenthao and Paklay Districts.

To the North: Houay Tad, Ban Dongsangouan; To the South: Chain of Phou Phanga; To the East: Road No. 4; and To the west: Poungdeng and Koumsio Areas.

It is about 28 km far from Kenthao District Township and around 38 km far from Paklay District Township.

o GPS Locations

1. N- 17°57’0.56”; E- 101°17’41.32”; EL = 621 masl. 2. Starting point of Access Road at Road No. 4 to Khoun Houa Nam Kay Area: N- 17°55’54.52”; E- 101°21’01.40”; EL = 301 masl.

o Purpose of Usage

For development of agricultural land for 150 families of Ban Khae and 100 families of Ban Donmen who will lose their rice field.


The minimum land area required for 150 families of Ban Khae is 150 ha plus 100 has of land to compensate the lost rice fields of the Ban Donmen APs. In total, the land area required is 250 ha.


According to Ban Houay Lod Authority and the APs, the size of available land is approximately 6 x 8 = 48 square km equivalent to 4,800 ha.


Moderate flat, undulating and hilly slope at an elevation of around 600 masl.


There are several sources - Houay Makkieng, Houay Namkay and Houay Tom - which water the area for the whole year and suitable for irrigation system


The area is still covered by natural forest. Part of the Conservation Forest has already been disturbed. At Khoun Houa Namkay Area, there is no valuable hardwood trees such as May Dou, May Taekha, May Khen, May Champi and other. There are mostly May Peuay Forest and wood for house building materials.


There is no land occupants in the area

o Land Fertility Very Fertile

o Practicality of land Suitable for rice cultivation, fruit tree plantation and livestock raising

o Opinions of the APs

The APs asked the Xayaboury Provincial Authority and Kenthao District Administration to take their requests into consideration because there is not enough suitable land in the area to replace their rice fields and other arable land anticipated to be lost by the flood from the reservoir. They expressed their concerns about the compensation, the resettlement process and the responsibility of the developer to help improve their livelihoods to be better- off than pre-project levels.

They requested the developer to compensate for all losses. For the lost rice

o


D ng Houay Ang – Xayabouri

Provincial Conservation Forest

Resettlement Site No. KD 3 Development

No. of affected families from Ban No. of affected families from Ban

Small farm road (3 m wide)

Agricultural land (1 ha/family


field land, replacement

o Opinions of Kenthao Administration

DongsangouBaConservationha.

o Strength of the site

LoDisselling


223

uired For Resettlement Site No. KD 3 Developm

Development Khoun Houa N

n Khae 150

n Donmen 100

To be esti

250

400

land, they requested the developer provide replacement not cash.

ongsangouan Area and Khoun Houa Nam Kay Aran Khae want to be resettled – are regis

Conservation Forest of Xayaboury. The total area is. This is subject to consideration by the Provincial

Located close to the main road No. 4 that connects Kstricts. There will be opportunities for non-land basedlling agricultural produce.

ment

Namkay Area

50

00

stimated

50

00

new rice field for

rea - where the APs of stered as Provincial s approximately 7,500

Provincial Authority

Kenthao and Paklay ased jobs and for


224

3.4. Relocation Site No. KD 1 – Donmen Area, upslope of the current location for

approximately 120 of 217 households, about 500m from current residential area to the west

of the village

The public consultation meeting on a feasible resettlement site for Ban Donmen APs was launched on

the 11th of January 2011 in the evening. 130 people attended the meeting of which 29 were female. The

meeting took around 3 hours. The key subjects of discussion were about the impacts of losing

agricultural land; and the compensation mode for all lost assets especially rice field loss. People

insisted to get new rice fields for replacement. The decree no. 192/PM (July 2005) was explained to the

APs and the best practices of the implementation of the RAP of Nam Theun II and other development

projects in Lao PDR also were shared with the APs(The decree No.192 has been adopted in F/S stage

and the decree No.21(Jan 2019) will be adopt in the project implementation stage).The APs requests

and suggestions were reported.

The participants who represented the APs agreed to be relocated west of the current village in the Dong

Houay Ang area to keep Ban Donmen from breaking down. For the APs who will lose agricultural

land, replacement land will be from the Khoun Houa Namkay Area. The APs complained that

commutation to the agricultural land there will make t e life harder but still agreed to have land at

Dong Houay Ang Area although not unanimously. The site investigation team was composed of 10

participants: 4 representatives of Ban Donmen, a representative of Kenthao District Authority, a

representative of the developer and 2 specialists from NCG.


225

o Name

o Location

Resettlement Site No. KD 1 – Donmen Area

To the west of the current Ban Donmen between the road from Ban Houay Lah and the road from Ban Donmen.

• To the North: It borders with Houay Na Noi and the road to Ban Houay Lod and Kenthao District

• To the East: - the current Ban Donmen and the Mekong River• To the West: - Phou Houay Fene and Houay Fene• To the South – Village sacred forest and the earth road to Ban

Houay Lah

o GPS 1. N- 17.56.43.4; E- 101.24.06.4; EL = 230 masl.Locations

2. N- 17.56.34.8; E- 101.24.08.9; EL = 228 masl.

3. N- 17.56.38.4; E- 101.24.18.7; EL = 231 masl.

4. N- 17.56.47.5; E- 101.24.20.4; EL = 230 masl.

5. N- 17.56.50.1; E- 101.24.14.2; EL = 229 masl.

6. N- 17.56.33.5; E- 101.24.05.1; EL = 228 masl.

7. N- 17.56.41.6; E- 101.24.01.5; EL = 234 masl.

o Purpose ofUsage

For the relocation of 120 households with 120 families composing 600

people of which xx are female. Because of their living location close to

the Mekong River Bank, the APs are concerned about the risk from bank

erosion in the future so they requested to be relocated at the safe place

o Size ofAvailableLand

From the site survey, there are 3 land plots that can be used for relocation. The total size of available land is approximately 19 ha. The first plot is located between the elementary and the junior secondary schools – an area of about 6 has. This place is proposed for community facilities such as a village office and a village meeting hall. The second plot is located to the north up the hill at the village entrance point which has about 3 has. This place is proposed for as a future temple location. The third plot is an area which extends from the northwest to the south west of the current village location.

o Topographyof the area

Flat or almost flat at the elevation around 228 - 231 masl.

o Availability ofwater source

Water sources for household use can be got from the bore holes only. The houay Na Noi and Houay Fene will irrigate only the agricultural land.

o Soil fertility Moderately fertile. Some proper improvement may required

o Land use andland cover

Mostly perennial crop cultivation and a plot of teak plantation.

o Current landoccupation

The investigated land belongs to Ban Donmen villagers.

The land owners agreed to allocate land for developing a residential area to co-villagers but asked for compensation in cash to start running family


226


Relocation Site No. KD 1 Development

Donmen Area

No. of Affected Families From Ban Donmen

120

Village Area:

Res Area (20 x 30 = 600 m2 =0.06 ha/FM)

7.2


1


0


1

Secondary School

0


0

Market

0.5

Bus Station

0.5


0


0


0

Reserved Land

0


10.2

business. Most of them requested the developer develop their remaining land and access to benefits from the livelihood development programmes.


Perennial crops, such as: maize and Job’s tears and vegetables.

o Opinions of the APs about the site

The APs agreed to be relocated in the proposed area to keep Ban Donmen as one. They requested the developer to take responsibility to improve their living conditions to be better off than pre-project levels and to develop the infrastructure of the village such as roads, electricity, tap water supply, schools, and a health center.


227


228


229

n o

3.5. Relocation Site No. KD 2 – Ban Donsang Upslope Area for thr relocation of 17 families of

the APs living too close to the Mekong River Bank (Bank Erosion).

o Name Relocatio Site No. KD2 – Ban D nsang Upslope Area

o Location Within the current Ban Donsang Area

o GPS Locations

To be investigated

o Purpose of Usage

For the relocation of 17 families whom houses are anticipated to be

affected by the bank erosion in the future.


The minimum land area required for relocation of 17 families is approximately 1.02 ha per family.

o Land Availability



Mostly perennial crop cultivation (maize, Job’s tears, and other)


Current occupants who are interested in selling part of their land have been asked by the Village Authority. They have asked for compensation in cash to get money for running family business.


The public consultation meeting has not been carried out yet to get the APs opinions and suggestions relating to the compensation and relocation process and developer responsibility.

r


View of Cu

Relocation Site No. KD2 Development


Village Area:

Res Area (20 x 30 = 600 m2 =0.06 Minimum Land Required in ha:


230

r

o

uired For Relocation Si e No. KD 2 Development

Relocation Site No. KD2

rent Ban Donsang

lopment Ban Donsang Upslope

Ban Donsang 17

=0.06 ha/FM) 1.02

1.02

nt

D2

ope Area

17

.02

.02


231

3.6. Relocation Site No. KD 3 – Ban Nakham Upslope Area for 19 families of the APs living too

close to the Mekong River Bank (Bank Erosion) and also for the relocation of a Village

school. The temple has been already relocated by the villagers.

Minimum Land Area Required For Relocation Si e No. KD 3 Development

Relocation Site No. KD3 Development Ban Nakham Upslope Area

No. of Affected Families From Ban Nakham 19

Village Area:

Res Area (20 x 30 = 600 m2 =0.06 ha/FM) 1.14


o Name Relocation Site No. KD3 – Ban Nakham Upslope Area

o Location Within the current Ban Nakham Area


o Purpose of Usage For the relocation of 19 families whose houses are anticipated to be

affected by the bank erosion in the future. A village school also is

anticipated to be at risk from bank erosion in the future.

o Land area required The minimum land area required for developing 19 house plots and for a school area is approximately 1.14 ha per family.

o Land

availability

According to the village authority report, there is no community reserved land for this purpose. The required land for relocation of 19 families needs to be purchased from the villagers. For the new school area, the village authority will be requested to find a community land. The developer will be responsible for relocation and building the new school.




Current occupants who are interested in selling part of their land have been asked by the village authority. They asked for compensation in cash to get money for running family business.

o Opinions andsuggestions of theAPs

The public consultation meeting has not been carried out yet to get the APs opinions and suggestions relating to the compensation, relocation process and the developer responsibility


232


233

4 Potential Relocation Sites at Paklay District (Pd)

In Paklay District, there are no potentially inundated villages due to the reservoir at FSL of water at

220 masl.. 42 households in 3 villages expressed their concern from the risk of bank erosion because

their houses are located too close to the Mekong river bank. They requested to be relocated to upper

and safer terraces. The relocation is needed to be planned for the 42 households from 3 villages in

Paklay District.

Relocation Site No. PD 1 – Ban Boungma Upslope Area for 10 families of the APs living too close to

the Mekong River Bank (Bank Erosion).

Relocation Site No. PD 2 – Ban Kengsao Upslope Area for 29 families of the APs living too close to

the Mekong River Bank (Bank Erosion).

Relocation Site No. PD 3 – Ban Nasack Upslope Area for 3 families of the APs living too close to the

Mekong River Bank (Bank Erosion).

4.1 Relocation Site No. PD 1 – Ban Boungma Upslope Area for 10 families of the APs

living just close to the Mekong River Bank (Bank Erosion).

o Name Relocation Site No. PD 1 – Ban Boungma Upslope Area

o Location Within the current Ban Boungma Area



affected by bank erosion in the future.

o Land area required The minimum land area required for developing 10 house plots is approximately 0.6 ha per family.

o Land Availability According to the village authority report, there is no community reserved land for this purpose. The required land for the relocation of 10 families needs to be purchased from the villagers.




Current occupants who are interested in selling part of their and have been asked by the village authority. They asked for compensation in cash to get money for running family business.

o Opinions andSuggestions of theAPs

The public consultation meeting has not been carried out yet to get the APs opinions and suggestions relating to the compensation and relocation process and developer responsibility.

V

B


iew of Current

an Boungma

Relocation Site No. PD 1 Development


Village Area:

Res Area (20 x 30 = 600 m2 =0.06



234

S

uired For Relocation Si e No. PD1 Development

Relocation ent

a

lopment Ban Boungma Up

Ban Nakham

=0.06 ha/FM)

S 1

t

ite No. PD

pslope Area

10

0.6

0.6


235

4.2 Relocation Site No. PD 2 – Ban Kengsao Upslope Area for 29 families of the APs living

just close to the Mekong River Bank (Bank Erosion).

Minimum Land Area Required For Relocation Si e No. PD2 Development

Relocation Site No. PD 2 Development

Ban Kengsao Upslope Area

No. of Affected Families From Ban Kengsao

29

Village Area:

Res Area (20 x 30 = 600 m2 =0.06 ha/FM)

1.74


1.74

o Name Relocation Site No. PD2 – Ban Kengsao Upslope Area

o Location Within the current Ban Kengsao Area

o GPS Locations

To be investigated

o Purpose of Usage

For the relocation of 29 families whos houses are anticipated to be affected by

the bank erosion in the future.


The minimum land area required for developing 29 house plots is approximately 1.74 ha per family.

o Land Availability



Mostly perennial crop cultivation (maize, Job’s tears, and others)


Current occupants who are interested in selling part of their land have been asked by the Village Authority. They asked for compensation in cash to get money for running family business.


The public consultation meeting has not been carried out yet to get the APs opinions and suggestions relating to the compensation and relocation process and developer responsibility


236

4.3 Relocation Site No. PD 3 – Ban Nasack Area for 3 families of the APs living just close

to the Mekong River Bank (Bank Erosion).

The relocation of only 3 families will not have any problems relating to the location. There will be

some villagers that want to sell their land to get cash for running home business or for any other

purposes but the cost of the land can be higher than in the remote areas since Ban Nasack is located

along the main road No. 4.


237

Minimum Land Area Required For Relocation Si e No. PD 3 Development

5.0 Host Communities To The Resettled Villages At Kenthao District (KD)

There are 2 villages located adjacent to Dong Houay Ang Area along the Road No. 4 that connects

Kenthao and Paklay District of Xayaboury Province. Additionally, the road No. 4 also connects the

North western part of Lao PDR with Thailand via Nam Heuang International Check Point. These 2

villages will be the host communities for the new resettlers. Living along the road and having

opportunity to cultivate fertile land in the Khoun Houa Nam Kay Area will bring advantages to the

new resettlers. There is potential conflict over sharing NTFPs in the area which could disturb the

harmony of the old and new communities. Toward successful resettle, an indepth understanding of the

Relocation Site No. PD3 Development Ban Nasack Upslope Area

No. of Affected Families From Ban Nasack 3

Village Area:

Res. Area (20 x 30 = 600 m2 =0.06 ha/FM) 0.18


o Name Relocation Site No. PD3 – Ban Nasack Area

o Location Within the current Ban Nasack Area



affected by bank erosion in the future.

o Land area required The minimum land area required for developing 3 house plots is approximately 0.2 ha per family.

o Land Availability According to the village authority report, there is no community reserved land for this purpose. The required land for the relocation of 3 families needs to be purchased from the villagers.




Current owners who are interested in selling part of their land have been asked by the village authority. They asked for compensation in cash to get money for running family business.

o Opinions andSuggestions of theAPs

The public consultation meeting has not been carried out yet to get the APs opinions and suggestions relating to the compensation and relocation process and developer responsibility

socio-economic conditions of the

the people of the 2 host communities

Sanakham HPP.


238

a

m

m

the host communities is essential. The Public Consultation

unities needs to be carried out to disseminate the project

Ban Houay Kenthao Di Host Com of Establish 1958HHs: 2

237Populat (Fem ‐ 540) LaoReligion BuddhistOc Farmer ……. ha

sunitment:3

ionEthnicity:

Ban Dongs Paklay Dist Host Com Year of Esta

…..HHs: ……Population: ……)Ethnicit LaoReligion BuddhistOc Farmer ………. ha to Paklay: 2

runitblF

a

m

m

Consultation Meeting with

project benefits of the

Lod; strict; unity 2:Year ment: 37, FMs:

ion: 1055 Ethnicity: : cupation:

Land Area: Distance

ngouan; rict; unity 1: blishment: FMs: ……..

……. (Fem.: y:

: cupation:

Land Area: Distance

3 km

APPENDIX 2: LIST OF

PROJECT DISTRICTS

Figure 77: NGOs in Sanakham District,

meNGO Name

Project Na

Action with Lao Reading ProChildren (ALC) Project

Agir pour les Repatriation,Femmes en RehabilitatiSituation Precaire Reintegration| Acting for Victims of TraffickingWomen in and Sexual ExploitatiDistressing

(AFESIP)

Association for Project for WheelchaiAid and Relief, Production fJapan (AAR) with Disabili

in Lao PDR


239

e

OF NON‐GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

S

Vientiane Province

me Activity S

ectors Cov red in this D

romotion Education; Health Care; Human Resources

Development; Social Development

Repatriation, Community Development; Educatio

ion and Humanitarian Relief; Human Resource

on of Women Income Generation & Economic Devel

Trafficking Development

Exploitation

Wheelchairs Health Care

for People

lities(PWD)

PDR

ATIONS IN

District

esources

on; Emergency and

urces Development;

evelopment; Social


240

CUSO-VSO Lao 2004-2009 Cooperant Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries; Community (CUSO-VSO) (Development Development; Health Care; Human Resources

Volunteer) Sending Development; Income Generation & Economic

Programme Dev.t; Natural Resources & Ecology; Social Dev.

Japan Natural Agriculture in Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries; Human Resources International Development Development; Natural Resources & Ecology Volunteer Centre

(JVC)

Pestalozzi Empowerment of the Education Children's Ethnic Minorities Foundation (PCF) through Education

project.

SNV Netherlands Capacity Development Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries; Community Development for Non-Timber Forest Development; Data Collection & Analysis; Human Organisation Products Resources Development; Income Generation & (SNV) Economic Development; Natural Resources &

Ecology;Social Development

Capacity Development Community Development; Data Collection &

for Pro-poor Analysis;Human Resources Development; Income

Sustainable Tourism Generation & Economic Development; Natural

Resources & Ecology;Social Development

WWF (WWF) PADETC & WWF Laos

- Water and Wetlands

Awareness in Schools

c

Figure 78: NGOs in Kenthao District, X

NGO Name

Proje

Action with Lao

ReadingChildren (ALC)

Projec

Agir pour les Femmes Repatren Situation Precaire | RehabilitatActing for Women in ReinteDistressing VictimCircumstances and Se(AFESIP)

Association for Aid and ProjecRelief, Japan (AAR) Production with D in Lao

CUSO-VSO Lao 2004-20(CUSO-VSO) (Development Volunteer)


241

c v

Xayaboury Province

t Name Acti ity Sectors Covered in this

ng Promotion

Education; Health Care; Hum

ect Development; Social Develop

triation, Community Development; Educati

Rehabilitation and Humanitarian Relief; Human

tegration of Women Income Generation & Economi

ms of Trafficking Development

exual Exploitation

ect for Wheelchairs Health Care

Production for People

Disabilities(PWD )

Lao PDR

2009 Cooperant Agriculture, Forestry & Fishe

lopment Development; Health Care; H

Volunteer) Sending Development; Income Generation

this District

man Resources

pment

ducation; Emergency and

Resources Development;

mic Development; Social

eries; Community

Human Resources

ation & Economic


242

Programme

Development; Natural Resources & Ecology;Social

Dev.

Macfarlane Burnet

Institute for Medical

Research and Public

Health (Burnet

Institute)

HIV prevention among

MSM under the

program of Scaling up

HIV and AIDS

prevention, care and

treatment in Lao PDR

Lao Youth Data Collection & Analysis; Education; Health

HIV/AIDS/STI Response Care;Human Resources Development; Social

Project Development

Xayabouri Youth HIV & Education; Health Care; Human Resources

STI Response Project Development; Income Generation & Economic

Development

Room to Read Laos

(RtR)

Enhancing the

Education of Lao

Children

Education

Save the Children

Australia (SCA)

Xayabouri Primary Health Care

Health Care Project

Figure 79: NGOs in Paklay District, Xay

NGO N

ame

Projec

t

Action with Lao ReadingChildren (ALC) Projec

Agir pour les Femmes Repatren Situation Precaire | RehabilitatActing for Women in ReintegrationDistressing VictimCircumstances and Se(AFESIP)

Association for Aid Projecand Relief, Japan Produc(AAR) with Disabili

in Lao

CUSO-VSO Lao 2004-20(CUSO-VSO) (Development


243

yaboury Province

vity Sectors Covered in t Name

Acti

ng Promotion Education; Health Care; Hum

ect Development; Social Development

triation, Community Development; Education;

Rehabilitation and Humanitarian Relief; Human Resources

gration of Women Development;Income Generation

s of Trafficking Development; Social Development

exual Exploitation

ect for Wheelchairs Health Care

ction for People

isabilities(PWD)

PDR

2009 Cooperant Agriculture, Forestry & Fisher

lopment Development; Health Care; H

this District

man Resources

ment

ucation; Emergency and

Resources

tion & Economic

ment

ries; Community

Human Resources


244

Animals

1) Pic - A - Pet 4 Home

2) Hua Hin Dog Rescue Centre

3) Wild Animal Rescue Foundation of Thailand

4) Atigaro Project

5) Aquatic Animal Disease Division u

6) Animal Shelter at Thung Seekan

7) Elephant Hospital in Lampang

8) Animal Husbandry Foundation

9) Hornbill Research Foundation

10) Sueb Nakhasathien Foundation

11) Bird Conservation Society of Thailand

12) The Society for the Promotion of Animal Welfare Under Royal Patronage (Animal

Shelter, Kanchanaburi)

13) Cat and Dog Fund

14) Save Thai Birds for Kids Project.

15) Wildlife Friends Foundation - Thailand (WFFT)

Volunteer) Sending Development; Income Generation & Economic

Programme Development; Natural Resources & Ecology; Social Development

Room to Read Laos Enhancing the Education (RtR) Education of Lao

Children

Save the Children Xayaboury Primary Health Care Australia (SCA)

Health Care Project


245

16) Love Wildlife Foundation - Thailand (LWL)

Anti-Drug Campaigns

17) Ruam Mit Centre in Chiang Mai

18) Anti-Drug Volunteer Association

19) Baan Poolsri Detoxification Centre (Soon Bambad Baan Poonsri)

20) Krong Karn Puea Dek Lae Yaowachon reabilitation center in Yasothorn province

21) Rebirth Therapeutic Community Centre (Soon Kerd Mai)

22) Hand in Hand Ministries

Community Development

23) Asia Foundation

24) ActionAid

25) Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA)

26) Amaranth Greenpeace Funds International (AGF International)

27) American Refugee Committee

28) Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC)

29) Burma Border Consortium

30) Canadian Alliance for Development Initiatives and Projects

31) CARE International Thailand

32) Caritas International Thailand

33) Catholic Office for Emergency Relief and Refugees (COERR)

34) Common Interest Foundation

35) Compasio Relief & Development

36) Cooperazione e Sviluppo

37) Department for International Development (DFID)


246

38) Development and Education Programme for Daughters and Communities

Center (DEPDC)

39) Eaglesrest, help for pastors

40) European Commission Humanitarian Office (ECHO)

41) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

42) Phu Fa shops

43) Sustainable Community Development Foundation

44) Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)

45) Family Network Foundation

23) Fernthai Volunteer Foundation

46) Foundation for Child Development

47) Friends of the Samaritans

48) Heifer Project International (HPI)

49) Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Thailand

50) Peace Corps Thailand

51) Plan International

24) Rotary club of Pattaya

25) Rejoice Urban Development Project

26) The Development Cooperation Foundation

27) International Christelijk Steundfonds (ICS)

28) Graduate Volunteer Programme

29) Saleng Fund project

30) Catholic Mission in Human Development Centre

31) Phud Hong Leper Foundation

32) Spirit in Education Movement (SEM)

33) Wat Worachanyawas Fund

34) Fountain of Life

35) Forest Conservation Community Fund


247

36) Cold Water Relief for Children in Remote Areas Project, by The Thai Red Cross

Society

37) Duang Prateep Foundation

38) Foundation for Lanna Artists

39) ThaiTogether Network

40) The Ngao Community Art Centre

41) The Foundation For Slum Child Care (The Milk and Supplementary Food Fund)

42) Foundation for Children, Baan Tantawan shelter

43) The New Light Foundation

44) The Love Line Family Centre

45) The Post Library Project

46) The Khru Thim Bun-ing Foundation

47) The Phet Khlong Jan Community

48) Mu Koh Surin National Park

49) Ban Na Muean Sri Weaving Group

50) Fund for Research and Development Networks (FRDN)

51) The Club of Human Rightists of Isan region

52) Wat Klang Community's Recycling Bank Fund

53) The Phuen Ban Oon Jai Project

54) United Nations Development Program (UNDP)

55) United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

56) USAID

57) World Food Program (WFP)

58) National Catholic Commission on Migration (NCC)

Education and Children

88) Abundant Life Foundation, Christian project

89) ActionAid Thailand


248


91) Adventist Southeast Asia Projects

92) Amaranth Greenpeace Funds International (AGF International)

93) Anglo-Thai Foundation

94) Asia Foundation

95) Baan Gerda home for AIDS orphans in Lopburi

96) Baan Unurak

97) Bangkok Post Scholarships

98) Better Thailand Foundation

99) Bright Dawn Foundation

100) Camillian social center in Rayong, operated by Saint Camillus Foundation

101) Camillian Home for Children Living with Disabilities Saint Camillus Foundation



104) Child Watch Phuket

105) Child Workers in Asia

106) Child's Dream

107) Children's Shelter Foundation Chiang Mai Home and education for underpriviledged

and deaf children from the hilltribes

108) For Life, with support of Christian Care Foundation for Children with Disabilities

109) Compassion International

110) CWEFT (Concordia Welfare and Education Foundation Thailand)

111) Development and Education Programme for Daughters and Communities

Center (DEPDC)

112) End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual

Purposes (ECPAT) International

113) FACE (Fight Against Child Exploitation)

114) Foster Home

115) Foster Home for orphans


249

116) Foster sisters and brothers

117) Foundation For Children (FFC)


119) Healing for the Abused

120) Isara Foundation

121) Jesters Care for Kids, in Chonburi and Rayong

122) Mercy International Foundation, Christian

123) Mercy Ministries Foundation (MMF)

124) Mimi Vang Foundation (MVF)

125) Orphanage.org

126) Plan International Thailand Foundation

127) Saint Theresa's Boarding Centre, run by Redemptorists

128) Sarnelli House, for children affected or infected by HIV in Nongkhai

129) Sister Joan Evans

130) SOS Children's Village Thailand

131) The Human Development Foundation

132) Occupational training, by UNICEF

133) United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

134) Volunteers in Asia

135) World Vision Foundation of Thailand

136) Youth Action Fund Thailand

137) Youth With A Mission (YWAM)

138) YWCA Pak Kret

139) Baan Had Thaeng village school

140) Baan Huay Moh Orphanage

141) Baan Ke Ra Kee Child Development Centre

142) Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Toy Banks


250

143) Bangkok Refugee Center

144) Bicycle Donations

145) Chaiwat Un-kaew

146) Chaiyapruk Foundation

147) Chang Kham Church's Street Children Project

148) Child Institute, Foundation for Children

149) Children and Youth for Development Centre

150) Clean Drinking Water for Kids

151) Dek Rak Pah Fund


153) Ecumenical Coalition on Tourism ECOT (www.ecotonline.org)

154) Education for Children Project

155) Foundation for Education and Development of Rural Areas (FEDRA)

156) Foundation for Rural Children Development (Moonnithi Pua Dek Thai Nai

Chonnabot)

157) Foundation for Rural Youth

158) Foundation for the Welfare of the Crippled

159) Holt Sahathai Foundation

160) Holy Mercy Home

161) Holy Mercy Home (Ban Phra Metta)

162) Home for Quality of Life Development Project.

163) Khom Loy Development Foundation

164) Last Wishes

165) Legal Aid Clinic

166) Life Skills Development Foundation

167) Malnourished children, run by the Foundation for Children

168) McKean Rehabilitation Centre, formerly a leper's colony

169) Mercy Center (Pattaya)


251

170) Mettapracharak Hospital's Eyeglasses Bank, Nakhon Prathom province

171) Nature Conservancy Club

172) Neo Humanist Foundation

173) Our School Projects

174) Pak Kret Dental Project

175) Pattaya Charity Network

176) Pattaya Orphanage

177) Pattaya Street Kids Support Project

178) Phibulsongkroh Foundation, Children's Fund.

179) Phyathai Babies' Home for boys

180) Powdered Milk Fund

181) Programme for Supporting Children's Education

182) Project for Ecological Recovery/Foundation for Ecological Recovery

183) Pure Heart Project

184) Recycled Bicycle Project, by Thailand Cycling Club

185) Saeng Thien Group Foundation

186) Safe Haven Orphanage

187) Santisuk Foundation

188) Save Thai Birds for Kids Project

189) School for Life (Chiang Rai)

190) Second Home for Child Labour, the Foundation for children's development

191) SET Foundation

192) Sparrow Home for babies of prisoners

193) Registered Charitable Foundation in Chiang Mai running Stratton House Childrens

Home

194) Starfish Country Home School Foundation

195) Suan Kaew Foundation

196) Support the Children Foundation


252

197) Thai Children's Rights

198) The Alliance for Safe Children

199) The Bangkok Post Newspaper Foundation

200) The Daughter's Education Programme (DEPDC), saving girls from the sex trade

201) The Centre for Urban Tribal Youth, a unit of the Inter Mountain Peoples Education

and Culture in Thailand Association (IMPECT)

202) The Child Labour Project

203) The Development of Older People Grou

204) The Duang Prateep Foundation

205) The Foundation For Slum Child Care

206) The Fund for Khru Noi's Home

207) The Fund for the Development of Children Living Under Bridges

208) The Health Project for Tribal People

209) The Jintana-Eaksakdi Daengdej Library Foundation

210) The Karen Culture Education Fund

211) The Khru Thim Bun - ing Foundation.

212) The Mae Moon Man Yuen School

213) The Volunteers Group for Children's Development

214) The Youth Centre for the Promotion of Life Services and Environmental Awareness

(YPLE)

215) Worldwide Faith Missions (Humanitarian programs)

216) Women Against Aids

217) World Education

Elderly


219) Help Age International

220) Thai Volunteer Service Foundation


253

221) Thanyaburi Welfare Home for Destitute Women in Pathum Thani province

222) The Diocese Social Action Centre of Bangkok (DISAC)

223) Memorial Camillian Sisters Foundation

224) Thammaprakorn Home for the Aged.

225) The Group for the Development of Older People.

226) Queen Sawangwattana Memorial

227) The Fund for Senior Performing Artists Welfare.

228) Foundation for Older Persons' Development

Environment

229) Plant A Tree Today Foundation

230) Tacomepai Organic Farm

231) The Project for Ecological Recovery/Foundation for Ecological Recovery

232) Khao Yai Conservation

233) Save Whale Shark for the Thai Sea Conservation Club (WSTC)

234) The Thai Fund Foundation

235) Khrong Karn Moo Bann Anurak Sud Pa (Wildlife Conservation Village Project)

236) Wildlife Fund Thailand

237) Yadfon Association

238) Ping Watershed Conservation Fund.

239) The Northern Farmers' Network, protect 100 community forests

240) Recycle Paper for Trees Programme

241) Kanchanaburi Environmental Group

242) Mangrove Ecology Study and Preservation Centre, Bang Taboon Witaya School

243) The Forest Conservation Community Fund

244) Ban Wat Chand Rice Fund

245) Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary


254

246) Technology for Rural and Ecological Enrichment (TREE), or The Kao-Kwan

Foundation

247) Committee for Natural and Environmental Conservation of 16 Institutes (CNEC)

248) The Forest Conservation Community Funds

249) World Wildlife Fund Thailand

250) The Panya Project

Hilltribes

251) Foundation for Karen Hilltribes in Thailand

252) Day-care centres for Karen children by Ralph Oberg

253) Karen Culture Education Fund

254) Chang Kham Church's Street Children Project

255) The Lower Klity village

256) Fund For the Innocents

257) Centre for the Coordination of Non-governmental Tribal Development Organisation

(CONTO)

NGO Coordinating Committee on Rural Development (NGO-CORD NORTH)

Ethnic Studies Network (Ethnet), Regional Centre for Social Science and Sustainable

Development (RCSD), Chiang Mai University

Friends Without Borders

Karen Studies and Development Centre

The Karen Hilltribes Trust

258)

259)

260)

261)

262)

HIV/AIDS

263) Baan Gerda home for AIDS orphans in Lopburi

264) Camillian social center in Rayong

265) Rejoice Charity

266) Suthasinee Noiin for Children and Youth Foundation

267) Sarnelli House

268) Siam-Care Thailand


255

269) Camillian Home for Children Living with Disabilities

270) Thai Red Cross Society, the AIDS Project

271) The Human Development Foundation

272) The Sem Pringpuangkeo Foundation

273) People with HIV/Aids Coordinating Centre

274) Agape Home in Chiang Mai

275) Life and Hope Club

276) Welcome House, by Catholic Mission AIDS

277) Mercy International, Christian

278) New Life Friends Centre

279) A.B.C - Aids Babies Centre in Chiang Mai

280) Community Aids Care Project, NorthNet Foundation

281) Sem Pringpuangkeo Foundation's Children Fund, Foster Parents Project

282) Health Hotline Fund

283) Pearl S. Buck International (Thailand)

284) Thammapakorn Home for the Aged

285) Thai Concern Foundation


287) Population and Community Development Association

Human Rights

288) Amnesty International Thailand

289) The Cross-Cultural Foundation (CrCF)

290) The Working Group on Justice for Peace (WGJP)

Media

291) Foundation for Community Educational Media, the organization who responsible for

Prachatai online independent newspaper


256

Information Technology

292) The Center for World Information Technology Education (CWITE)

Medical Help


294) ANESVAD Foundation

295) Saint Camillus Foundation, runs Camillian Hospital


297) Saint Louis Foundation, of Saint Louis Hospital

298) Bone Marrow Transplant, Ramathibodi Hospital

299) Karen Studies and Development Centre

300) Aksorn Vechakarn Songkrohclinic, free clinic

301) Camillian social center in Rayong


303) Central Correctional Hospital, medical treatment for inmates

304) Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Thailand

305) Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

306) Thai Red Cross Eye Bank

307) People's Eye Care Foundation, at Bangkok Hospital

308) McKean Rehabilitatin Centre in Chiang Mai, for victims of leprosy

309) The Duangkaew Foundation, Institute of Medical Research at Somdej Phra Pin Klao

Royal Thai Naval Hospital, surgery for the poor

310) Compassion of Christ Mission (CCM), mobile clinics

311) Thai Red Cross Society

312) The "five-baht doctor" clinic

313) The Kalayanavisut Foundation at Wat Don Clinic, free treatment


257

314) We Care, a group of Thai-born USA citizens

315) Thai Red Cross Society's Organ Donation Centre

316) Tour de Thailand Charity Bicycle Rides

317) Tsunami Volunteer Center

318) Paediatric Cardiac Surgery Foundation

319) Pan Nam Jai Hai Nong

320) The Educational Programme for Chronically-ill Children at Chulalongkorn Hospital

321) Bone Marrow Transplant Club (BMC)

322) The Thai Industrialist Development Forum, gives artificial legs to needy patients free

of charge

323) Thai Relief Project, in East Timor

324) Kong Tun Nuai Baht Diaw, "one baht heart"

325) Smile Thai Operation Project

The Disabled


327) The Foundation for the Mentally Retarded of Thailand ( Special Olympics )

328) Arunyik Mushroom Research and Development Centre


330) Samakhom Dontree Puer Khon Tah Bod ( Music Association for the Blind )

331) Foundation to Encourage the Potential of Disabled Persons

332) Digital books for the blind, by NECTEC

333) Reconstructive surgery, by Red Cross

334) Kidney Foundation of Thailand, kidney transplantant

335) Foundation for Children with Disabilities (FCD)

336) Kasetsart University Demonstration School's Educational Research Centre fo

Children with Special Needs

337) Handicapped People's Fund of Na Pho District


258

338) Training for the mentally handicapped, Punyawuthikorn School

339) The Redemptorist Vocational School in Pattaya

340) The National Association of the Deaf in Thailand

341) The Christian Foundation for the Blind in Thailand

342) Fund for the Vocational Training Centre for the Blind in Chiang Mai

343) Nakhon Prathom Disabled Club

344) The Prosthesis Foundation

345) YWCA Pakkred

346) The Foundation for Handicapped Children

347) Christian Care Foundation for Children with Disabilities

348) The Nature Conservancy Club.

349) Thai Industrialist Development Forum

350) Thailand Association of the Blind

351) Alternative Energy Project for Sustainability

352) International Support Group to the Department of Public Welfare

353) Disabled Peoples' International (DPI) Asia-Pacific Region

Women

354) Asia Foundation

355) Baan Unrak

356) Burmese Women Union

357) Fight Against Child Exploitation, protect Thai children from pedophiles

358) Foundation for Women

359) Goodwill Group Foundation, providing education, vocational training and career

services for underprivileged Thai women


361) International Rescue Committee

362) Phibulsongkroh Foundation, Children's Fund.


259

363) Soon Puea Nong Ying, a club for teenage girls

364) The Emergency Home and Relief Fund for Women and Children in Distress, a unit of

the Association for the Promotion of the Status of Women

365) The Friends of Women Foundation

366) The Kanitnaree Centre, help for rape victims

367) The Rahab Beauty Shop, emotional support and vocational training opportunities for

bar girls to get out of prostitution

368) Refuge Ministries Thailand, Serving Disadvantaged Women and Children in Thailan.

369) We women foundation, empowering unrecognized refugee women from Burma

Workers

370) Worker's CO-OP

371) Network of Health Service Complainants

372) Housing Security for Slum Dwellers

373) The Foundation for Children's Development

374) IDCCC, Christ Church, support for illegal workers

375) Lydia House for migrant workers

376) The Council of Work- and Environment-Related Patients' Network of Thailand

(WEPT)

377) The Good Samaritan, help for hilltribe orphans


260

APPENDIX 3: DOCUMENTS/WEB SITES USED FOR THE

PREPARATION OF THE SIA

1)

2)

3)

4)

APEC.2006. APEC Energy Demand and Supply Outlook 2006

Bellwood. P. 1979. Man's Conquest of the Pacific, Oxford University Press, New York

Boisselier. J. 1989. Trends in Khmer art, Cornell University, New York.

Bounsouk. 1970. The Museum of Religious Arts of the Wat Phra Keo, Lao-American

Association, Vientiane, Laos

Bounmy. T. 2006. The History of Lao ethni , Volume I, first published (Lao version).

Chiang Khan District Administration Office.2010. District Development Plan 2010-2013.

Colani. M. 1935. Megalithes du Haut-Laos, PEFEO.

Chazee. L. 1999. The Peoples of Laos: Rural and Ethnic Diversities, White Lotus Press,

Bangkok, Thailand

Earth Systems Lao & Department of Musuems and Archaeology (DMA). 2004. Phu Bia

Gold Project: Report on Archaeology Investigation, Earth Systems Lao, Vientiane, Lao

PDR

Grant. E. 2002. A Short History of Laos. Chiang Mai: Silkworm Books.

Grant. E. 1998. The Politics of Ritual and Remembrance. Laos since 1975, Chiang Mai:

Silkworm Books.

http://www.adb.org.

http://www.china-cdto.com.

http://www.dam.org.

http://www.directoryofngos.org.

http://www.egat.co.th

http://www.eppo.go.th

http://www.equator-principles.com.

http://www.globalwarmingarticle.com

http://www.hydropower.org

http://www.invest.laopdr.org.

http://www.mrcmekong.org.

http://www.poweringprogress.com.

http://www.worldbank.org.

Higham. C., 1989, The archaeology of mainland Southeast Asia from 10,000 B.C. to the

fall of Angkor, Cambridge University Press

Higham. C. 2002. Early cultures of mainland Southeast Asia, River Books, Thailand.

http://en.wikipedia.org.2011.List of Non-governmental Organizations in Thailand.

Kumpeera, K. 2009. Desk Review of Policy and Legislation” Asian Development Bank

RETA No. 6440.

Kumpeera, K. 2009. Status of Environmental Impact Assessment Tools in Environmental

Policies and Legislation, Asian Development Bank RETA No. 6440.

Khampheng.T & Khammanh.S. 2009. To know for ethnic group in Laos, Sibounhueng

Publishing house, Vietiane Lao PDR. (Lao version).

Khamphao. P. 2010. Muangkhong history on the past and the present, Sisavat Publishing

house, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR. (Lao version).

Lao National Tourism Administration.2009. 2009 Statistical Report on Tourism in Laos.

Loei Provincial Tourism Authority.2010. Statistic of Tourist in Loei January to June 2010.

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34) MRC.2010.Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of Hydropower on the Mekong

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Survey: Final Report, Earth Systems Lao, Vientiane, Lao PDR.

National Statistics Centre/Committee for Planning and Investment.2009, The Household

of Lao PDR, Social and Economic Indicators.

NCG. 2010. ESIA Inception Report of Sanakham Hydropower Project.

NCG. 2011. ESIA Interim Report of Sanakham Hydropower Project.

Pak Chom District.2010. District Development Plan 2010-2013.

Pham Huy Thong. 1990. Dong Son Drums in Vietnam, Vietnam Social Science

Publishing House, Vietnam.

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early Palaeolithic occupation of Southern C ina, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Burma”,

World Archaeology, Vol. 32(1).

Schliesinger. J. 2003. Ethnic Groups of Laos- Volume 3: Profile of Austro-Thai Speaking

Peoples, White Lotus Press, Bangkok, Thailand.

Schliesinger. J. 2003. Ethnic Groups of Laos- Volume 2: Profile of Austro-Asiatic

Speaking Peoples, White Lotus Press, Bangkok, Thailand.

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Steering Committee for Census of Population and Housing.2005.Results from the

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Suwanmontri, M. 1996. Assessment of Rural Resettlement Program in Thailand, NIDA.

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