World Bank / Press Releases

The Nam Theun 2 Power Company, the Lao government and the World Bank announced that the Nam Theun 2 reservoir will begin filling this week with the sealing of the diversion tunnel. Dam gate closure to initiate full reservoir impoundment is planned for mid-June 2008.

The Nam Theun 2 Hydropower Project in central Laos is not ready for reservoir impoundment, according to a report released today by International Rivers. The report, based on a recent site visit by International Rivers’ staff, shows that shortcomings and delays in programs to compensate villagers and restore their incomes have not been addressed. Furthermore, it is unclear if resettlement infrastructure for more than 6,200 villagers on the Nakai Plateau will be completed on time for reservoir filling to begin in June 2008.

"Model" Project Leaves Lao Villagers in the Lurch

The Nam Theun 2 (NT2) hydropower project in central Laos, touted by the World Bank and others as a "model" dam and development project, is in danger of becoming yet another failed effort, according to a report released today by International Rivers.

Contact

• Lori Pottinger (International Rivers) in California: +1 510 848-1155, lori [at] internationalrivers [dot] org'
• Nikki Reisch (BIC) in Washington: + 1 202 624-0635

A World Bank-funded water project in Pakistan has led to widespread environmental harm and suffering among local communities. The project has contributed to deadly floods, and violates six of the Bank’s binding policies. These are the main conclusions of an investigation by the Inspection Panel, the World Bank’s independent investigative body.

Singapore -- The World Bank’s promise to seriously support alternative energy sources remains unfulfilled, according to a new report published today to coincide with the World Bank’s annual meeting. The report, published by international environment and development organizations, concludes that the World Bank’s new Investment Framework on Clean Energy and Development will not be effective at combating climate change and expanding energy access for the poor.

Nichtregierungsorganisationen fordern klare Konsequenzen

Ende letzter Woche hat die Regierung von Singapur ein Einreiseverbot für über 20 Vertreter von Entwicklungs NROs für die Zeit der WB/IWF-Jahrestagung verhängt. Als Grund gaben die Behörden die Bedrohung der nationalen Sicherheit und von Recht und Gesetz an.

Civil society groups worldwide have reacted angrily to the Singaporean government’s ban on up to 20 delegates who plan to attend Bank/Fund annual meetings there next week. They have also condemned the pressure apparently brought by Singapore’s government on the administration of neighboring Batam, Indonesia,where a major civil society conference will be held next week. Yesterday it appeared that permission would not be granted for the conference, but today, following an international outcry, official sources in Jakarta confirmed it could go ahead.

The World Bank is failing to live up to its clean energy mandate, agreed at the 2005 G8 Summit, figures in a new report from the bank reveal. The revelation comes as the World Bank is taking an increasingly high profile and controversial role at the UN climate talks currently underway in Montreal. The Bank hopes to control several global funds and initiatives supposed to help solve the climate crisis.