Controversial Laos dam project delayed
Government says new dam will not affect neighbouring countries amid concerns over impact on Mekong River.
Laos has once again agreed to delay building a controversial dam, after concerns from neighbouring countries were voiced over the potential environmental impact of the project on the Mekong River.
The government of Laos, however, still wants to use the power of the water to generate electricity and much needed income.
The government will hold talks discussing the potential trans-boundary impacts in November, but in the meantime preparations for the project are still well under way.
Around 500 workers from a Thai construction company have been building access roads and support facilities for the last 12 months.
Environmentalists claim the project will have a negative impact on surrounding communities, forcing people to relocate.
Al Jazeera’s correspondent, Wayne Hay, reports from Xayaburi, Laos.