Lao PDR govt sets up committee to inspect hydro power dams

During the meeting, the cabinet agreed to put a taskforce committee as the head of the investigation.

The Laos government recently made an announcement that it will be examining safety standards applied to the construction of dams.

The announcement came after the deadly disaster resulted in collapsing of the dam in Attapeu province.

The announcement was made yesterday by the cabinet after completion of its two-day meeting.

The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith in order to access improvement made after Sanamxay district disaster.

All those dams that are either complete or under construction will soon be inspected by the special committee.

The inspection will be carried out by the Ministry of Energy and Mines, along with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Science and Technology and international experts.

The government is also mulling over to suspend any investments in any new projects pertaining to hydropower so as to review its hydropower development strategy and plans.

During the meeting, the cabinet agreed to put a taskforce committee as the head of the investigation.

The dam collapse incident resulted in flooding of thirteen villages in Sanamxay district. The horrifying incident which happened on July 23 killed 34 people. The disaster left another thousand homeless fighting for survival.

The committee is chaired by Dr. Bounthong Chitmany, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Government Inspection Authority is open to help of the international experts to find the cause of the dam fracture and failure.

The committee is also planning to invite representatives of the Government of Thailand and South Korea whose companies had stakes in the Xe-Pian Xe- Namnoy hydropower project.

The members during the meeting also paid heartfelt gratitude to all Lao People for extending invaluable assistance and support for the relief and rescue mission.