Prior the project, Nakai was the poorest district in Lao, and did not have paved road and poor infrastructure. After over decade of consultation with the local villagers, the 16 villages of Nakai agreed to move into their new homes, the project enabling creation of the Nam Then 2 reservoir began relocating in 2006, following the initial work of site clearance, ground preparation and fence building.
The new villages were mapped with established boundaries and resources to reflect a mix of agricultural activities and cropping patterns. Boreholes were sunk to provide people with a clean water supply for the first time and an electricity network connected to each house, supplied initially by generators until transmission lines were completed. Meeting halls provided a traditional village space, and ceremonies were conducted to ensure the new locations satisfied the spiritual expectations of each community.
Every village now has a primary school and a kindergarten, while teachers have been provided with accommodation and good conditions so that the schools are able to attract the right personnel.
New clinics in each resettlement zone and a rehabilitated district hospital are just the tip of an extensive health improvement program that has won international recognition. Since the people moved to their new homes, education and health levels have been improving rapidly. The future already looks brighter.
- 1330 houses with toilets, electricity, and rainwater collection systems
- 270 kilometers of all-season access roads built or upgraded
- 104 community buildings
- 330 water pumps
- 17 primary and 16 nursery schools
- 2 health centers and an upgraded district hospital
Today, the resettled communities of Nakai have experienced significant improvements, particularly in
the areas of health and education:
- Primary school enrollment is 94%, compared to 31% previously (national average 85%)
- Secondary school enrollment is now 31%, compared to 7% 2006, and the national average of 45%
- Adult literacy has reached 86%, compared to 51% previously (national average 69-77%)
- 90% of children under 5 are immunized (national average 44-79% for various immunizations)
- Child mortality is 50 per 1000, compared to 120 per 1000 previously and the national average of 79 per 1000
- 98% say their lives are as good or better than before resettlement
- Primary school enrollment is 94%, compared to 31% previously (national average 85%)
- Secondary school enrollment is now 31%, compared to 7% 2006, and the national average of 45%
- Adult literacy has reached 86%, compared to 51% previously (national average 69-77%)
- 90% of children under 5 are immunized (national average 44-79% for various immunizations)
- Child mortality is 50 per 1000, compared to 120 per 1000 previously and the national average of 79 per 1000
- 98% say their lives are as good or better than before resettlement