Laos: Local investor to study hydropower dam construction in Sayboury

The northwestern province of Sayboury plans to build a 5 MQ hydropower dam on Nam Houng River after singing an MOU on the feasibility study of dam construction with the Simeuang Group, last Tuesday. Nam Houng, a river flows through Sayaboury district to the Mekong River and feeding water for agricultural production of local residents in Sayboury. Two areas along the river has a high potential for the construction of a small scale hydropower dam, which is attractive to the local investor, especially the lower part of Nam Noung River 15 km east of Sayaboury township. A weir with about 15-20 metres high and 60 metres long and 2.20×1.60 m canal access to 25 metres high of tunnel for generating 5 MW would be built. The Simeuang Group, contractor, expects to spend US$ 480.000 on the study. The MoU was signed on 11 May between Mr. Chanthanom Vongsomchith Head of Sayboury Planning and Investment Service and Mr. Ekaphanh Phaphithak, President of Si Meuang Group.