VIENTIANE: Dam safety and sustainable hydropower development were in focus when the Lao Association on Dams held its 2025 Annual Meeting and 9th Technical Conference in Vientiane on Friday (Dec 26).
The meeting reviewed dam safety performance in 2025, particularly the findings of emergency safety inspections, implementation of safety regulations, technical capacity, and coordination among government agencies, dam operators and professional institutions to ensure long-term safety and sustainability.
The conference brought together key partners from the public, private, and academic sectors—including representatives from relevant ministries, state enterprises, academic institutions, development partners and hydropower operators to review progress in dam safety management and discuss emerging challenges facing the sector.
Deputy Director General of the Department of Energy at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Sanya Somvichith, said the conference’s focus on dam safety, sustainability, and emergency inspection results, aligned with national priorities for energy development and water resource management.
He noted that 2025 had been a significant year for the Lao Association on Dams, with progress made in sustainable dam development, research, and cooperation with domestic and international partners.
He said dam safety must remain a top priority, supported by innovation, high standards, effective collaboration and professional integrity.
The meeting was co-chaired by Sanya Somvichith and the President of the Lao Association on Dams, Assoc Prof Dr Khampaseuth Thepvongsa, underscoring strong cooperation between government authorities and professional institutions.
Dr Khampaseuth said dam safety was not just a practical undertaking but also a policy responsibility and a social obligation, requiring systematic cooperation among all stakeholders.
Taking the theme “The Importance of Dam Safety and Sustainability”, the conference acknowledged the need for workforce capacity.
Discussions centred on reservoir level control, erosion risks in earth dams, flood monitoring and the effectiveness of emergency action plans, with case studies from the Nam Theun 2 hydropower plant providing practical lessons learnt during this year’s rainy season.
The afternoon session approved the Association’s activities in 2025 and outlined the action plan for 2026, with a focus on strengthening organisational capacity and encouraging broader participation among members.
The conference concluded with a shared commitment to further strengthen dam safety regulations, enhance operators’ technical skills, and strengthen cooperation among public agencies, private operators and development partners.
The Association expressed appreciation to the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the support of Helvetas Laos through the Dam Safety Technical and Institutional Assistance Project, and hydropower operators for their continued support in promoting safe and sustainable hydropower development in Laos. - Vientiane Times/ANN
