The Nam Ngum 5 Power Generation Company affiliated to POWERCHINA was recently awarded the Award for Special Contribution to Social Environment by the Ministry of Social Environment Protection.
The award was in recognition of its participation in the “Protecting Forest Resources and Building Green Homes” event launched by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Laos.
Green mountains are based on trees, and the wood is the source of clean water. Forests are closely related to our life and production activities. Mankind is inseparable from forests, which in return need the protection of human beings. The Nam Ngum 5 dam area, rich in forest resources, is situated in the mountainous northern area of Laos. However, it is one of the poorest areas in the country, and many of the locals live in poverty. Wanton deforestation is a common practice among local residents who have little environmental awareness, resulting in drastic reductions of forests and soil and water loss. This poses serious potential dangers to soil and water conservation and the sustainable utilization of water resources near the dam area.
The Nam Ngum 5 Power Generation Company took steps to improve the ecological environment of the Nam Ngum 5 hydropower station’s dam area, promote economic and cultural development, protect the environment in the surrounding areas of the hydropower station, abide by social environmental obligations, and unite with the people and the local government. The company participated in the event “Protecting Forest Resources and Building Green Homes”. The company has donated KIP 130 million for forest protection projects, publicized Lao’s forest and river protection laws among the local residents, and arranged for local people to carry out afforestation to protect rivers. The Nam Ngum 5 Power Generation Company has won recognition and high acclaim from the relevant Lao authorities for its active participation in local social and environmental construction and fulfillment of its social responsibilities. Therefore, it has created a harmonious external environment for the sustainable operation of the station, and enabled POWERCHINA to build a sound reputation in Laos, highlighting the image of Chinese enterprises.
The Nam Ngum 5 hydropower project is the first hydropower project invested and developed by POWERCHINA Resources Ltd. affiliated to POWERCHINA Group in the form of BOT in Laos. Since the construction of the project, the company has actively fulfilled its social responsibility, including: construction of biogas pits, medical examination for local villagers, furniture for local schools, and life supplies for locals. In addition to the medical facilities provided for hospitals, it has also built Nanting Village Primary School, conference rooms, and hospitals, supplied rice to villagers, offered financial support for land allocation, and distributed fish supplies at the area near the dam. Via the fulfillment of corporate social responsibility, the Nam Ngum 5 Company heralded a turning point in the lives of local villagers, who are trying to shake off poverty. In response to the Chinese Central Government’s Road and Belt Initiative, the company has contributed to the common development of China and Laos.
