Laos reconsiders hydropower strategy after dam collapse
The Lao Government decided to suspend the consideration of new hydropower projects to review the country’s hydropower development strategy after the breach of a dam last month left at least 34 dead and 100 still missing.
People evacuated after the dam collapse (Source: xinhua)Vientiane (VNA) – The Lao Government decided to suspend the consideration of new hydropower projects to review the country’s hydropower development strategy after the breach of a dam last month left at least 34 dead and 100 still missing.
The decision followed an abnormal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith on August 6-7 during which plans were also made to carry out safety inspections of all hydropower projects already built or under construction in the country.
Inspections will be conducted by the Ministry of Energy and Mines, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Ministry of Science and Technology with the help of international experts.
Any irregularities found in the design or construction standard of any dam must be reported to the government.
The Sepien-Senamnoi hydropower dam collapsed on July 23, causing massive floods which completely isolated six villages in the Sanamxay district of Attapeu province. The incident affected over 1,300 households with 6,600 people.
At the meeting, the government also decided to set up an investigation committee to coordinate with international organisations to look into reasons behind the dam collapse.
The committee will examine the quality of nearly 50 hydropower dams which have been completed as well as the design of those under construction, he said, adding that Laos will also establish a water management board to keep track of the volume of water in lakes.-VNA
You should also see
Cam Lam - Vinh Hao Expressway to help drive south-central region's economy
The 78.5km Cam Lam - Vinh Hao Expressway, one of the three sub-projects of the North - South Expressway project’s eastern wing, officially opened to traffic on April 26.
See more
World
Thailand expects wave of tourists during Golden Week
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) estimates that about 996,000 foreign tourists will visit the Southeast Asian country between April 26 and May 5, known as the Golden Week holidays in Japan, during which Chinese tourists also prefer to travel overseas.
World
Argentinian media praises Dien Bien Phu Victory
Argentinian newspapers have called Vietnam's Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954) a symbol of the national liberation movement of oppressed and colonialised peoples worldwide.
World
Laos speeds up granting licences to foreign workers
Laos's Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare plans to issue visas to illegal foreign workers and extend permits to legal ones so that they can continue to work in the country.
World
Argentinian scholar praises Vietnam’s April 30, 1975 victory
The complete reunification of Vietnam on April 30, 1975 was an extremely significant event in the history of the country and the world, opined a scholar from the Institute for International Relations at the National University of La Plata, Argentina.
World
Malaysia tackles food security challenges
Empowering local communities in the agriculture sector to attract young people to this field is one of the measures taken by Malaysia to address labour shortage while also contributing to tackling challenges in food security.
