>> Xayaburi Dam "could destroy" the Mekong

>> Tributary dams better alternative for Mekong

Vietnam has formally called on Laos to halt the proposed Xayaburi hydropower project for 10 years to assess its impact on the Mekong River and lives of people living along it, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Pham Khoi Nguyen said.

People in Parkneun village in Laos catch fish near the proposed Xayaburi hydropower project. They were ordered to stop farming earlier this year (Photo: Hong Van)

Vietnamese authorities and experts had voiced their concerns about the project’s impact, Nguyen, who is also the chairman of the Vietnam Mekong River Commission, said.

The documents on the project submitted to Vietnam by Laos were inadequate and somewhat unrealistic, especially its impact on the river’s downstream areas and Mekong Delta provinces.

A comprehensive study of the impacts was needed.

“Besides Xayaburi, 11 other hydropower projects are expected to be built on the river’s mainstream.

“It would be a big mistake if all projects are approved without clear and adequate assessments. Hence, Vietnam has expressed a range of concerns on the project.”

The deposit of alluvium by the river was expected to fall by 26 tons a year to a mere seven tons, he said, while the dam could also have a dramatic impact on the river’s creatures and biological diversity.

The four members of the Mekong River Commission -- Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia -- would continue to discuss the controversial US$3.5 billion project at a ministerial-level meeting in Laos in November, he added.

Vietnam has also asked Laos for more documents about the project to enable it to make further studies.