Institutional Mechanisms and Outcomes of Resettlement: The Case of Theun-Hinboun Dam Expansion Project in Khamkeut District, Borikhamxay Province, Lao PDR

Phansamay Inphomma; Josefina T. Dizon; Ecosystems and Development Journal

Phansamay Inphomma Resettlement Preparation and Livelihood Restoration Nam Ngiep 1 Power Company, Sisathanak District, Vietianne, Lao PDR
Josefina T. Dizon Institute of Governance and Rural Development, College of Public Affairs and Development, UPLB, Los Baños, Laguna
Ecosystems and Development Journal

Keywords: household capitals, institutional mechanisms, policy provision, resettlement, sustainable livelihood

Abstract

Forced resettlement is one of the major social consequences in large development projects. In the implementation of the Theun–Hinboun Expansion Project (THXP), a hydropower development project in Lao PDR, twelve villages in Khamkeut District, Borikhamxay Province were resettled with the construction of the Ng dam and establishment of a reservoir. Generally focusing on the institutional mechanisms for resettlement, the study aimed to discuss the resettlers’ knowledge on resettlement, assess the resettlement process as implemented by the THXP, and determine the outcomes of resettlement on the household capitals. Data gathering methods were household survey, focus group discussion, key informant interviews, and review of secondary data. Eighty–four randomly chosen household heads served as respondents of the study. Descriptive and inferential statistics using t–test were employed in the data analysis. Results revealed that the households are very satisfied in the resettlement area for having access to school facilities, water, electricity, and roads. However, they were dissatisfied with the availability of job opportunities in the resettlement sites. The communities have knowledge on agricultural production, food security or poverty reduction, and livelihood changes. The THXP’s resettlement strategies considered gender equality, community participation, and culture. Results of the t–test show that resettlement has significant effects on the households’ capital assets. It has improved their physical capital but decreased primarily their natural, human, and social capitals. Thus, to address the negative outcomes of resettlement, THXP should ensure that the livelihoods of the affected households are restored, cultural concerns are addressed, and support activities are provided such as profiling of beneficiaries, rigorous IEC, institutionalized feedback mechanism, as well as participatory monitoring and evaluation.