Vientiane Times: "The 2,036 people in Hongsa district, Xayaboury province, who had to leave their homes to make way for the construction of a lignite-fired power plant, are now settled in two new villages. The new communities of 452 houses, which will house the more than 420 relocated families, are 12km away from the project site. Construction of the two villages has been funded by the project developer, Hongsa Power Company Limited, at a cost of over US$20 million. [...] Mr Sommy said the company has built the new houses in the villages of Homsavang and Homxay, 8km from the urban centre of Hongsa district. The relocated families previously lived in Meuanghan, Nachan, Champa, Namaiyom, Nanongkham and Naxaikham villages and in other nearby communities. Some of those who made the move are now employed at the project site. In their new location, the villagers have access to an asphalted road, which was paid for by Hongsa Power Company Limited. The road runs between Sibounheuang and Napoung villages. The company has also built schools and a market, installed water and electricity and provided other facilities. The construction of a hospital is under way and will soon be complete, according to a report from the Hongsa Lignite Fired Power Project. Mr Sommy said each family had also received two hectares of farmland from the project. Families have planted rubber trees on one hectare after being given saplings, fertiliser and wages by the project, and are growing rice, sweetcorn and vegetables on the remaining land. The villagers have also received training in farming methods, livestock raising and massage skills. [...] Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding owns a 40 percent share in the project, while Banpu also has a 40 percent stake and the Lao Holding State Enterprise holds a 20 percent share. The plant is scheduled to commence commercial operations in 2015. Most of the electricity generated will be exported to Thailand, Mr Sommy said. The development is a massive project that involves constructing a lignite mining and electricity generation facility on a 60 square kilometre site, more than 300km northwest of Vientiane. The concession period starts on the project execution date and ends 25 years after the start of commercial operations."