On February 27, 2026, Nam Theun 1 Power Company Limited (NT1PC) organized a high-level meeting to review the progress of the Livelihood Restoration Fund and formally hand over the final installment of the village fund for Viengthong District.
This initiative is a key obligation under the Concession Agreement with the Government of Laos, aimed at supporting Project Affected People (PAPs) in restoring and enhancing their long-term income through a structured Livelihood Restoration Plan (LRP).
Financial Inclusion and Community Growth
Since the resettlement phase began in 2022, the Livelihood Restoration Fund has served as a vital micro-finance engine. To date, 5 Village Development Fund Groups have been established, serving 7 villages.
NT1PC has provided comprehensive support to these groups, including:
- Initial and ongoing capital contributions.
- Operational equipment.
- Legal framework development.
- Capacity building through regular training and monitoring for fund committees.
As the project reaches its final year of direct funding (2025), the financial impact is significant:
- NT1PC Total Contribution: 1,597,200,000 LAK
- Villager Savings Contributions: 671,742,000 LAK
- Total Circulating Fund: 2,268,942,000 LAK
These funds are utilized by PAPs as accessible loans to invest in 22 different livelihood options, including livestock raising, farm expansion, and various off-farm business enterprises, directly increasing household income across the region.
Operational Review and Governance
The meeting was chaired by Mr. Duangchai Phommyxay, Chairman of the Viengthong District Administrative Committee, with representatives from the Viengthong Lao Women’s Union, district authorities, and village fund committees in attendance.
Mr. Khammouan Sysanphet, Senior Micro-Finance Officer of NT1PC, presented an honest assessment of the 2025 implementation. While the fund has grown, he noted critical challenges, including:
- Inconsistency among some members regarding deposit discipline and the timely repayment of principal and interest.
- The need for increased accountability and role-clarity among certain village committee members.
- Many villagers still do not understand the importance of saving money with the livelihood restoration fund.
Moving forward, the enduring success of the Livelihood Restoration Fund will depend on the synergy between district authorities, village committees, and the fund members. As the direct contribution period concludes, NT1PC will shift its focus toward specialized consultation and rigorous monitoring, prioritizing four strategic areas:
- Regulatory Refinement: Updating fund regulations to ensure they are both culturally practical and aligned with international microfinance standards.
- Capacity Building: Delivering comprehensive training in professional accounting, credit management, and governance to village fund committees.
- Community awareness: Organizing a meeting to disseminate the importance of the fund to enhance understanding of the benefits of the fund to the community.
- Enhanced Transparency: Strengthening auditing systems and oversight to ensure the fund remains a self-sustaining economic engine for the community.
This transition reflects NT1PC’s core commitment: we do not just develop clean energy; we build the economic foundations necessary for our host communities to thrive for generations.