The Theun-Hinboun Expansion Project, Lao PDR: A Case Study.

The Theun-Hinboun Expansion Project (THXP) in Central Lao PDR was developed and implemented in accordance with international good practices. The resettlement programme involved moving 4,367 people from 11 villages and hamlets to four resettlement sites over a three year period (2009-2011) in order to allow inundation of a 105 km2 reservoir. The work is still ongoing with the goal of achieving full restoration of livelihood within ten years of physical resettlement. The case study of the project examines the factors that contributed to the overall good results of its resettlement programme. Three phases are analysed: preparation, construction and operation. Actions undertaken during each of these phases and ongoing work reveal some essential aspects about the nature of resettlement in the context of a large hydropower project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]