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131644
Tue, 07/06/2010 - 16:59
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http://m.oananews.org//node/131644
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Lao dams don't impact Mekong River: Lao energy minister
VIENTIANE, July 6 - Dams on the Lao tributaries of the Mekong River have no impact on the low water levels currently characterising the Mekong River, said the Lao PDR Minister of Energy and Mines, who affirmed that his country will abide by international agreements if it builds more dams on the Mekong River.
Members of an extraordinary committee studying the alarming drop of the Mekong River's water level, Democrat MP Suthat Ngernmuen, chairing the committee, visited Thailand's neighbour to the northeast to gather data on dam construction and water management in the branches of the Mekong River in Laos.
Minister of Energy and Mines Soulivong Daravong reported to the Thai parliamentary committee that Laos considered the impact on the Mekong River in its operation of the dams.
The Nam Ngum and Nam Theun dams haven't affected the water level in the Mekong River as the waters reserved in the dams will be finally released into the Mekong River. In the past dry season, water from the Nam Theun dam helped increase the water level in the lower Mekong River, so it is not too dry, the Lao minister said.
Speaking about the idea to build a dam on the Mekong River, Mr Soulivong said that the proposal to build Pa Mong Dam on the Mekong mainstream was initiated 30 years ago and the plan was scrapped.
However, while the project may be resumed in the future, it will be a low dam which does not violate conditions agreed by international members. Whether the project resumes or not depends on feasibility studies which will be conducted first to find advantages and disadvantages.
“We have studied so many planned dam construction projects but there has been no decision to build any so far. Two dam projects in Saiyaburi and southern Laos near Cambodian border have been studied,” he said.
He confirmed that Laos will comply with international agreement and regulations transparently, particularly regarding the Saiyaburi dam which is believed to be of potential benefit to both Thailand and Laos.
According to the initial investigation, there are no problems related to flooding but the dams will affect fish stocks. A solution will be worked out on that, he added.
Meanwhile, Khempheng Pholsena, Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, clarified to the committee that the Lao economy this year has grown 7.8 per cent and is targeted to grow eight per cent.
However, Lao development is expected to be done in parallel with environmental conservation, the minister said.
The Lao PDR is targeting an increase in forest areas from the existing 41 per cent of the country to 70 per cent in 2020. (MCOT online news)
Members of an extraordinary committee studying the alarming drop of the Mekong River's water level, Democrat MP Suthat Ngernmuen, chairing the committee, visited Thailand's neighbour to the northeast to gather data on dam construction and water management in the branches of the Mekong River in Laos.
Minister of Energy and Mines Soulivong Daravong reported to the Thai parliamentary committee that Laos considered the impact on the Mekong River in its operation of the dams.
The Nam Ngum and Nam Theun dams haven't affected the water level in the Mekong River as the waters reserved in the dams will be finally released into the Mekong River. In the past dry season, water from the Nam Theun dam helped increase the water level in the lower Mekong River, so it is not too dry, the Lao minister said.
Speaking about the idea to build a dam on the Mekong River, Mr Soulivong said that the proposal to build Pa Mong Dam on the Mekong mainstream was initiated 30 years ago and the plan was scrapped.
However, while the project may be resumed in the future, it will be a low dam which does not violate conditions agreed by international members. Whether the project resumes or not depends on feasibility studies which will be conducted first to find advantages and disadvantages.
“We have studied so many planned dam construction projects but there has been no decision to build any so far. Two dam projects in Saiyaburi and southern Laos near Cambodian border have been studied,” he said.
He confirmed that Laos will comply with international agreement and regulations transparently, particularly regarding the Saiyaburi dam which is believed to be of potential benefit to both Thailand and Laos.
According to the initial investigation, there are no problems related to flooding but the dams will affect fish stocks. A solution will be worked out on that, he added.
Meanwhile, Khempheng Pholsena, Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, clarified to the committee that the Lao economy this year has grown 7.8 per cent and is targeted to grow eight per cent.
However, Lao development is expected to be done in parallel with environmental conservation, the minister said.
The Lao PDR is targeting an increase in forest areas from the existing 41 per cent of the country to 70 per cent in 2020. (MCOT online news)
