The compensation policies and market property price LS2 dam development project: Sesan District, Stung Treng

This research reviews laws and policies and estimates just and fair compensation for the communities affected by the Lower Sesan 2 dam (LSS2). The research comprised desk research, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and survey interviews conducted among 378 randomly selected community members in 9 purposively selected villages. The author found that compensation amounts demanded by the community, company and government were quite different. The survey found that compensation should average USD 108,126 per household plus costs for the relocation ceremony, economic opportunity loss and for spiritual land in each community. They argue that the existing compensation approach in the Expropriation Law (ASAMIKOR) should be reviewed and amended.