Thakhek, February 27, 2015 – Former director of EDF’s Hydraulic Production and Engineering Division Mr. Jean-Francois Astolfi, Former NTPC Chief Executive Officer Mr. Michel Robino and NTPC’s Chief Financial Officer Khun Somkiat Suttiwanich, received the Friendship Medal and Cross for their outstanding dedication and contribution to environmental protection and improving the livelihoods of communities living in the Nam Theun 2 Project area. The award ceremony was chaired by H. E Mr Khambay Damlat, Governor of Khammouane Province, on behalf of the Lao Government.
Mr Astolfi, Mr Robino, and Mr Suttiwanich have contributed to the implementation of the project since the early stages of the development phase, with continuing contributions during the construction and operations phases. Here are some achievements on environmental and social aspects: The Household Income Target for the Nakai resettlers has been achieved. 97% of the resettlers are not only above the target, but they are, on average, three times higher than the poverty line. With regards to the Public Health Program, NTPC’s program was so successful that the Ministry of Health is continuing the best practices from NTPC’s program on a larger scale, with assistance from LaoLux.
The company has been recently certified ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System) and OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System). Measured Water Quality since COD is better than was anticipated pre project.
According to Mr Khambay, the Lao government has very much appreciated and recognized NTPC’s contribution and support to the Lao economic growth especially in Khammouane Province.
“Khammouane Province has developed considerably in the last decade thanks to improved infrastructure, better livelihood opportunities in remote areas, and access to new markets” said Mr Khambay. “I would like to express my sincere thanks to the NTPC shareholders and management for their continued support; especially, Mr Astolfi, Mr Robino, and Mr Suttiwanich for their many years of dedication towards the success of Nam Theun 2” Mr Khambay added.
The medal decoration ceremony was held on 27th February 2015 in Thakhek District, Khammouane Province and was attended by Khammouane Governor H.E. Mr Khambay Damlath, representatives from Department of Energy Business, Ministry of Energy and Mines, relevant government organizations and district governors in Khammouane Province, NTPC Board of Directors and its management.
Mr Jean-Francois Astolfi, Mr Michel Robino and Khun Somkiat Suttiwanich.