Downstream Programme

In January 2008 NTPC proposed a revised US$16 million Downstream Implementation Plan to the Lao Government and the International Financial Institutions. This provides a complete analysis of expected project physical impacts and the consequent social and economic effects, as well as measures defined in relation to the specific anticipated impact for each area.

The Downstream Programme’s mitigation, compensation and livelihood restoration activities involves people living along the Xe Bang Fai mainstream, from the junction of the Nam Gnom (located approximately 11 km upstream of the confluence with the downstream channel), to the Mekong River. It includes villages not located along the Xe Bang Fai mainstream but who rely on the Xe Bang Fai for fish or aquatic products.

The Downstream Program also covers villages that rely on the impacted waterway for fish or aquatic products (specifically villages in Khamkeut District and in the Nam Theun Hinterland) and will take into account any impact on historic or spirit sites and temples.