UNEXPLODED ORDINANCE CLEARANCE IN NAM NGIEP 1 HYDROPOWER PROJECT

Abstract

 Recently hydropower developments invested by Independent Power Producers frequently face to several risks. Unexploded Ordinance (UXO) is one of the risks related to hydropower project. The almost lands in Lao PDR are highly contaminated by UXO through the Indonesia war and the following internal wars. The Nam Ngiep 1 Hydropower Project (NNP1) in Lao PDR was required to clear UXO at the construction sites and in the reservoir area before starting construction works and biomass clearance. Before implementation, the NNP1 studied the process of UXO clearance supported by Lao government agency and selected appropriate method and qualified UXO clearance companies. This paper presents the status of UXO in Lao PDR including surrounding countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar briefly and details a practice of UXO clearance at the NNP1.