Why did the Project have to relocate some communities in Lao PDR? Is it
because of the pollution problem?
The relocation has nothing to do with pollution problem. The main reason for the
relocation is because these communities are situated on the construction area of
the power plant and the mine sites, or on the concession area.
The relocation was already completed in July 2012. Apart from being given
compensation by the Hongsa Power Plant project according to the guidelines set
by the Government of Lao, each household within these communities was
allocated a new house and a 2-hectare (around 18 Rai) agricultural land plot by
the Government of Lao. In addition, at least one person per household has a
secured job as a project employee throughout the project’s concession period.
What are the project’s recruitment-related policies and practices?
As a company registered in Lao PDR, HPC is obligated to comply with
employment- and recruitment-related laws and regulations of Lao PDR.
According to such laws and regulations, the Company is required to recruit from
local residents first. For skilled workforce and specialized experts that cannot be
found locally, the Company is allowed to hire from abroad, but this must be
approved by the Government of Lao in advance.