Lao People's Democratic Republic : Nam Ngum River Basin Development Sector Project (Additional Financing)

Sovereign Project | 33356-014

In response to the government's request, the Asian Development Bank approved the additional financing project to consolidate and expand the activities initiated under the current project, Nam Ngum River Basin Development Sector Project. The additional financing project will modify and scale-up the well-performing operations, particularly participatory sub-basin management to strengthen integrated water resources management (IWRM) capacity at the district level, consolidate khet (village cluster) extension service center and village development revolving fund operations, and expand promising agricultural support services to benefit additional villages in remote parts of the Nam Ngum River Basin (NNRB).

Project Details

  • Project Officer
    Souannavong, Souadalay
    Southeast Asia Department
    Request for information
  • Country/Economy
    Lao People's Democratic Republic
  • Modality
  • Sector
    • Agriculture, natural resources and rural development
Project Name Nam Ngum River Basin Development Sector Project (Additional Financing)
Project Number 33356-014
Country / Economy Lao People's Democratic Republic
Project Status Closed
Project Type / Modality of Assistance Loan
Source of Funding / Amount
Loan 2780-LAO: Nan Ngum River Basin Development Sector Project (Additional Financing)
Asian Development Fund US$ 5.00 million
Strategic Agendas Environmentally sustainable growth
Inclusive economic growth
Drivers of Change Gender Equity and Mainstreaming
Sector / Subsector

Agriculture, natural resources and rural development / Rural water policy, institutional and capacity development - Water-based natural resources management

Gender Effective gender mainstreaming
Description In response to the government's request, the Asian Development Bank approved the additional financing project to consolidate and expand the activities initiated under the current project, Nam Ngum River Basin Development Sector Project. The additional financing project will modify and scale-up the well-performing operations, particularly participatory sub-basin management to strengthen integrated water resources management (IWRM) capacity at the district level, consolidate khet (village cluster) extension service center and village development revolving fund operations, and expand promising agricultural support services to benefit additional villages in remote parts of the Nam Ngum River Basin (NNRB).
Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy Water is the most vital natural resource in the Lao PDR as its sustainable management is indispensable for agriculture, energy, and mining sectors. These sectors are critical for delivering an annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of about 8% during the 2011-2015 period. The government deems this rate of economic growth necessary for the country to graduate from least developed country status by 2020 as well as to achieve its poverty reduction targets. The water resources also have regional significance since about 35% of total Mekong river flow is generated in the country's watersheds. The country has abundant water resources per capita. However, current storage capacity of large reservoirs is about 3% of annual surface water availability and hydropower generation is about 8% of potential. With the second largest annual flow and population, the Nam Ngum River Basin (NNRB) is one of the most important river basins in the Lao PDR where water resources have been utilized significantly for hydropower generation and irrigation. The current project promotes optimal use of water resources through integrated water resources management (IWRM) in the NNRB, which includes 16 districts in Luangprabang, Vientiane, and Xiengkhouang provinces, and Vientiane Capital. To date, the current project has contributed significantly to improved water governance, information gathering and processing, and watershed management both within the NNRB and nationally. The additional financing will consolidate and enhance these achievements. Additional financing is considered to be a suitable instrument to promptly respond to the emerging needs and deepen the achievements of the current project. Building on the established arrangements and methodologies, the additional financing project will capture incremental poverty reduction and sustainable natural resources management benefits from the strengthened public sector institutions and communities for IWRM in the NNRB.
Impact

Optimal use of water resources, especially in the Nam Ngum River Basin (NNRB)

Project Outcome
Description of Outcome

Integrated watershed management improved in NNRB

Progress Toward Outcome The project outcome has been partially achieved. The concept of IWRM was achieved by the original project (L1933). The concept continued to be integrated into the 8th NSEDP and DWR mandate at the time of additional financing. However, the remained key indicators are not yet achieved. These include (i) incorporation of the sub-basin management concept into the district development plans and (ii) income estimation in 50 additional villages increased only 20% which was lower than target (60%).
Implementation Progress
Description of Project Outputs

Related government agencies (DWR, NNRBCS, PoNRE, DoNRE) in Nam Ngum River Basin strengthened for sub-basin management

District land use planning enhanced

Agricultural support services improved

Institutional and human resource capacity strengthened for project implementation

Status of Implementation Progress (Outputs, Activities, and Issues)

Output 1: all indicators under this output are achieved (i.e. completion of 3 workshops with 37% female participated; 5 sub-basin management plans.

Output 2: all achieved. Completion of updating of 10 WLCPs and handing over to the district authorities.

Output 3: Mostly achieved. rice yield increased by 3.53t/ha. buffaloes increased by 15.6%. pigs increased by 42%. poultry increased by 44%. cattle increased by 34% 719 new borrowers (85% female) received credit from newly registered institutions. 43% of female involved in the planning process. 60% of ethnic involved in the planning process. 18 KESCs are found to be sustainability. 10 saving credit institutions were registered. 42 villages land use plans developed. A total of 92% (4673 households) have been obtained the lad use right certificates, out of which 619 (14.4%) households are female headed households. All registered VDRF have average operation self-sufficiency rate more than 110%

Output 4: All achieved. Annual workshops were timely conducted.

Project financial operation is steadily progressing with no cost overrun to date.

Audit report for FY 2013-2014 was timely submitted in June 2015.

Quarterly progress reports were submitted.

Geographical Location Muang Fuang, Muang Hom, Muang Kasi, Muang Keo-Oudom, Muang Maypakngum, Muang Pek, Muang Phaxai, Muang Phon-Hong, Muang Phou Khoun, Muang Phou Kont, Muang Thoulakhom, Muang Vangviang, Muang Viangkhan, Muang Xaisomboun, Muang Xaithani
Safeguard Categories
Environment B
Involuntary Resettlement C
Indigenous Peoples B
Summary of Environmental and Social Aspects
Environmental Aspects The additional financing project will have limited site-specific environmental and social impacts. The current project has had no significant adverse environmental and social impact. Initial environmental examinations for 19 subwatersheds within the NNRB were prepared under the current project. The additional financing project will continue to support livelihood activities initiated under the current project in 230 villages and initiate similar activities in 50 additional villages in the same subwatersheds. Following the procedures set forth in the environmental assessment and review framework, a screening process will be established to categorize the activities of each target village according to its environmental sensitivity and, where needed, existing initial environmental examinations and environmental management plans will be updated to address site-specific issues consistent with government requirements and ADB's Safeguard Policy Statement (2009). Mitigation measures will be closely monitored based on the environmental management plans. An environmental safeguard specialist will assist project staff in complying with the requirements and monitoring these procedures.
Involuntary Resettlement The project activities will not involve any involuntary acquisition of land or other assets. Community-based small-scale infrastructure will, in principle, be designed on existing rights-of-way or public land. Any acquisition of land and other assets will be based on voluntary contribution. The procedural guidelines for voluntary land contribution have been prepared.
Indigenous Peoples Ethnic people will benefit from the project through increased agricultural and forestry productivity and improved access to infrastructure and credits for better livelihood opportunities. Participatory village development planning, supplemented by focus group discussions, will facilitate the participation of ethnic people in project activities in a socially acceptable manner. A social safeguard specialist, in collaboration with representatives of the Lao Front National Construction (LFNC) and Lao Women's Union (LWU), will assist project staff to comply with the requirements and to monitor the procedures.
Stakeholder Communication, Participation, and Consultation
During Project Design During the preparation and implementation of the current Nam Ngum River Basin Development Sector Project, a number of workshops and meetings in provincial and district offices and villages were organized to seek views of stakeholders. Training sessions and consultations with farmers and local government staff also provided opportunities to obtain their opinions and concerns. These were incorporated into the implementing methodologies of the current project, and then transferred to the design of the additional financing project. Experiences in identifying interest groups, their interests, and capacities during the current project will be extended to the additional financing project. Consultation with key stakeholders of the project was conducted to ensure lessons and local information gained through the implementation of the current project are incorporated into the design of the additional financing project.
During Project Implementation There will be four major stages for consultation and participation: (i) pre-screening target villages, (ii) participatory rural appraisal, (iii) preparing village development plans, and (iv) semi-annual planning and review workshops for project implementation. Modes of consultation will be village meeting, focus group discussion, and individual interviews. In all cases, attention will be paid to the representation of ethnic groups, women, and the poorest. Special sessions focused on each of these groups may be planned in an appropriate setting. Training programs and disaggregated indicators for participation will facilitate the participation of ethnic groups and women. Representatives from the Lao Front for National Construction and Lao Women's Union as well as safeguard and monitoring experts will facilitate and monitor the consultation and participation processes.
Business Opportunities
Consulting Services All consultants will be recruited according to ADB's Guidelines on the Use of Consultants. An estimated 161 person-months (10 international, 151 national) of consulting services are required to (i) facilitate project management and implementation, (ii) strengthen the institutional and operational capacity of the executing agency, and (iii) strengthen the technical capacity of the farmers. Consulting firms may be engaged using the consultants' qualifications selection (CQS) method.
Procurement All procurement of goods and works will be undertaken in accordance with ADB's Procurement Guidelines. All the contracts will be less than $100,000. Shopping will be used for contracts for procurement of works, equipment and materials worth less than $100,000. Community contracting may be used for civil works such as water supply systems and small-scale irrigation systems up to $30,000 per contract in accordance with the procurement plan.
Responsible ADB Officer Souannavong, Souadalay
Responsible ADB Department Southeast Asia Department
Responsible ADB Division Lao Resident Mission (LRM)
Executing Agencies
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry-Irrigation Dep
Timetable
Concept Clearance 06 Jun 2011
Fact Finding 13 Jun 2011 to 16 Jun 2011
MRM 15 Jul 2011
Approval 26 Sep 2011
Last Review Mission -
Last PDS Update 14 Oct 2015

Loan 2780-LAO

Milestones
Approval Signing Date Effectivity Date Closing
Original Revised Actual
26 Sep 2011 15 Nov 2011 18 Jan 2012 31 Aug 2015 - 21 Oct 2015
Financing Plan Loan Utilization
Total (Amount in US$ million) Date ADB Others Net Percentage
Project Cost 5.08 Cumulative Contract Awards
ADB 5.00 17 Jun 2022 4.75 0.00 100%
Counterpart 0.08 Cumulative Disbursements
Cofinancing 0.00 17 Jun 2022 4.75 0.00 100%
Status of Covenants
Category Sector Safeguards Social Financial Economic Others
Rating Satisfactory Unsatisfactory - Satisfactory - Satisfactory

Project Data Sheets (PDS) contain summary information on the project or program. Because the PDS is a work in progress, some information may not be included in its initial version but will be added as it becomes available. Information about proposed projects is tentative and indicative.

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Safeguard Documents See also: Safeguards
Safeguard documents provided at the time of project/facility approval may also be found in the list of linked documents provided with the Report and Recommendation of the President.

Title Document Type Document Date
Nam Ngum River Basin Development Sector Project (Additional Financing): Social Monitoring Report (2012-2015) Social Monitoring Reports Mar 2015
Nam Ngum River Basin Development Sector Project (Additional Financing): Environmental Monitoring Report (2012-2015) Environmental Monitoring Reports Feb 2015
Nam Ngum River Basin Development Sector Project (Additional Financing): Nam Thoum-Kha-Phieng Sub-watershed Initial Environmental Examination Initial Environmental Examination Dec 2014
Nam Ngum River Basin Development Sector Project (Additional Financing): Nam Muay Sub-watershed Initial Environmental Examination Initial Environmental Examination Nov 2014
Nam Ngum River Basin Development Sector Project (Additional Financing): Nam Pad Sub-watershed Initial Environmental Examination Initial Environmental Examination Nov 2014
Nam Ngum River Basin Development Sector Project (Additional Financing): Nam Chai Oaw Sub-watershed Initial Environmental Examination Initial Environmental Examination Oct 2014
Nam Ngum River Basin Development Sector Project (Additional Financing): Nam Pha-Yen Sub-watershed Initial Environmental Examination Initial Environmental Examination Oct 2014
Nam Ngum River Basin Development Sector Project (Additional Financing): Nam Pay-Khammang Sub-watershed Initial Environmental Examination Initial Environmental Examination Sep 2014
Nam Ngum River Basin Development Sector Project (Additional Financing): Namhin Nam Nor Sub-watershed Initial Environmental Examination Initial Environmental Examination Jul 2014
Nam Ngum River Basin Development Sector Project (Additional Financing): Nam Mo Sub-watershed Initial Environmental Examination Initial Environmental Examination Jun 2014
Nam Ngum River Basin Development Sector Project (Additional Financing): Nam Ting Sub-watershed Initial Environmental Examination Initial Environmental Examination Mar 2014
Nam Ngum River Basin Development Sector Project (Additional Financing): Nam Xan Sub-watershed Initial Environmental Examination Initial Environmental Examination Feb 2014
Nam Ngum River Basin Development Sector Project (Additional Financing): Nam Chat-Phae Sub-watershed Initial Environmental Examination Initial Environmental Examination Dec 2013
Nam Ngum River Basin Development Sector Project (Additional Financing): Nam Kho Sub-watershed Initial Environmental Examination Initial Environmental Examination Dec 2013
Nam Ngum River Basin Development Sector Project (Additional Financing): Yot Nam Lik Sub-watershed Initial Environmental Examination Initial Environmental Examination Mar 2013
Nam Ngum River Basin Development Sector Project (Additional Financing): Nam Song Sub-watershed Initial Environmental Examination Initial Environmental Examination Dec 2012
Nam Ngum River Basin Development Sector Project Additional Financing Indigenous Peoples Plans/Indigenous Peoples Development Plans Aug 2011
Nam Ngum River Basin Development Sector Project - Additional Financing Environmental Assessment and Review Framework Aug 2011
Nam Ngum River Basin Development Sector Project (Additional Financing): Ethnic Groups Development Plan (as of Board approval) Indigenous Peoples Plans/Indigenous Peoples Development Plans Aug 2011
Nam Ngum River Basin Development Sector Project (Additional Financing): Environmental Assessment and Review Framework (as of Board approval) Environmental Assessment and Review Framework Aug 2011

Evaluation Documents See also: Independent Evaluation

Title Document Type Document Date
Lao People’s Democratic Republic: Nam Ngum River Basin Development Sector Project Validations of Project Completion Reports Dec 2016

Related Publications

None currently available.


The Access to Information Policy (AIP) establishes the disclosure requirements for documents and information ADB produces or requires to be produced in its operations to facilitate stakeholder participation in ADB's decision-making. For more information, refer to the Safeguard Policy Statement, Operations Manual F1, and Operations Manual L3.

Requests for information may also be directed to the InfoUnit.

Tenders

No tenders for this project were found.

Contracts Awarded

No contracts awarded for this project were found

Procurement Plan

Title Document Type Document Date
Nam Ngum River Basin Development Sector Project - Additional Financing Procurement Plans Oct 2012