Social Development

Social Programs

The overriding principle for the social programs is to improve the livelihoods of Project Impacted People (PAPs). The obligations in this regard are detailed in the Concession Agreement signed with the Government of Laos on October 19th, 2012 with the overriding aim to be compliant with standards of the International Finance Corporation.

To achieve this, a comprehensive baseline survey has been undertaken of the PAPs in order to ascertain the current position of each impacted household. From this a detailed livelihoods program will be planned and initiated including health programs, education programs, agricultural outreach and infrastructure. There will be continual monitoring of the progress conducted at pertinent intervals within the project lifespan to ensure that the specified targets are being met.

The required resettlement will be undertaken with full cooperation of the PAPs themselves and the Government Resettlement Management Unit (RMU) established independently of the project by the Provincial Government. From this a comprehensive Resettlement Action Plan will be developed in line with Asian Development Bank safeguard policies, the Equator Principles for lending banks and the national laws of Laos. This program will be woven with the Social Development initiatives to ensure that livelihoods of these groups are continually improved in line with the agreed targets.

Health

The PNPC, in coordination with its Provincial and District Health Department counterparts, has implemented a comprehensive Health Program with the objective of improving the health of the Project Affected People through:

Construction of a new Health Centre

Provisions of equipment and medicines for the Health Centre

Conduct of monthly Integrated Mother and Child Health Care Services

Promotion of hand-washing and proper sanitation

Providing special medical assistance for vulnerable persons

Conduct of capacity building for health care workers and Village Health Volunteers

Conduct of health education for villagers on STIs, malaria, dengue, Covid-19, sanitation, nutrition, etc.

Upgrading water supply facilities with regular water quality monitoring

Conduct of periodic medical check-ups, vaccination and immunization

Conduct of training/s for Traditional Birth Attendants

The Health Program was subjected to regular inspections and reviews by the Health Impact Assessment Team of the Ministry of Health to ensure compliance with GOL policy and the health management plan.

In full compliance with the Concession Agreement obligations, the Health Program was successfully handed over to the GOL though the PNPC still continues to support and conduct periodic medical check-up for the health of the Resettlers.