Second Northern GMS Transport Network Improvement Project (ADB12)

The ADB-funded Second Northern Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Transport Network Improvement Project focuses on rural road upgrades in Houaphan Province—one of the most remote and underserved areas of Lao PDR. The goal is to improve all-weather access, reduce travel times, and enhance cross-border connectivity. Connected Consultant Sole Co., Ltd. developed the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), Environmental Management Plan (EMP), Resettlement Plan (RP), and Social, Ethnic, and Poverty Action Plan (SEPAP). These safeguards were tailored to the local context and emphasized equitable participation by ethnic minorities, low-income households, and women. The assessments also proposed measures for road safety, construction-phase pollution control, and livelihood support for affected households, in accordance with ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (2009).