Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (centre) and his delegation visit the Nam Theun II hydropower plant in Khammuan province. --Photo Prime Minister’s Office

PM calls for improved
standard of living in Nakai area

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone called for improvements to the living standards of people in Nakai district, Khammuan province, during a visit to the area on Friday.
He told local authorities to give priority to improving the living conditions of communities in the vicinity of the 1,070MW Nam Theun II hydropower dam - one of biggest power plants in Laos.
He asked officials to review the management of the development fund provided annually by the dam’s operators, to ensure it is used in the most effective way, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Use of the fund must be in line with the actual development needs of local communities, he added.
In this regard, local residents should enjoy a better standard of living, with better healthcare and education, more job opportunities, and improved infrastructure.
Visiting the Nam Theun II hydro plant, which has been in operation since April 2010, the premier asked the operators of the 25-year concession project (2010-2035) to fulfill their obligations in accordance with the signed agreement.
He also told the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to ensure that irrigation systems planned to channel water downstream of the dam for use by farmers were properly designed and built in a transparent manner to ensure their effective operation.
Once operational, these irrigation systems are expected to supply water to as many as 4,100 hectares of farmland, benefitting 7,362 people.
During his tour, the Prime Minister and his entourage also visited Yommalath district to give development guidance to local authorities.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update February 20, 2023)