Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and his Cambodia counterpart Hun Sen on Jan 10 visited Don Sahong, a regional hydropower project in Champassak Province.

The visit was made after the two prime ministers opened the common international border checkpoint in Nong Nokkhiane, Champassak Province of Laos and Trapeang Kriel, Treng Province in Cambodia.

Don Sahong, a hydropower project on the Mekong in Lao PDR, is located near Stung Treng of Cambodia. It is expected to generate 240 MW to 260 MW of electricity.

In November last year, Cambodia gave the green light to Lao PDR for the construction of the dam following a feasibility study and impact assessment, according to Cambodia News Agency.

The development of the 260 MW Don Sahong hydropower dam will bring several socio-economic benefits to the province and the country. The increase in the availability of electricity in the southern part of the country will be enough to meet the demand of households as well as contribute to the development of commercial agricultural production thereby reducing poverty.  The export and sale of electricity will also create additional revenue for the government.

The construction of the run-of-river project will cost about US$500 million.Mega First holds 80% of shares and the state-owned utility Electricite du Laos (EDL) holds 20%.

The progress of the construction of the dam is currently about 18%.The construction began in October 2015 and is expected to be completed in the next two years.

Mr Dong Phetbounma, a villager of Hangsadam, Khong district, Champassak Province told the Lao News Agency that the living conditions of local people living near the construction site have gradually improved since construction of dam began because there are more employment opportunities.

Nearby communities have also received benefits from the project including new roads and other public facilities.The construction of the dam has not had any negative impacts on the livelihoods of people living nearby as they have been able to catch fish as usual.