Pierre Biedermann – International Expert in Environmental, Social, and Governance, Founder and Lead Consultant at the French advisory firm Alpage SARL
In an interview with us, Pierre Biedermann, an international expert in environmental, social, and Governance, discusses how Bakhvi HPP implemented its local employment policy and what tangible benefits the project has delivered to the surrounding communities.
“The most evident benefit is the creation of jobs. Approximately 30 percent of the workforce employed at Bakhvi I and Bakhvi II comes directly from the local population. The project developer introduced a dedicated system that streamlined the identification and recruitment of local labour, making the entire process far more efficient.
Beyond employment, the project’s educational programme deserves recognition. Its aim was to raise awareness among children living near the project area about renewable energy and environmental protection, while also supporting their early-stage career orientation. Additionally, the programme provided higher education scholarships for specific fields of study.
A number of infrastructural initiatives were also carried out, alongside targeted support for persons with disabilities, among other community-focused interventions.
Regarding employment and associated challenges, it is important to emphasise that—with a well-managed process—every challenge can be overcome. The first essential step is to assess how closely the skillset of the local population aligns with the project’s requirements. In hydropower construction, both highly qualified and unskilled or semi-skilled labour are needed. It is equally important to recognise that certain skills can be developed on-site through tailored training programmes, provided that experienced professionals are available. Another key factor is the availability of the workforce. In rural communities, for example, seasonality can significantly influence labour supply. There may be periods of the year when local residents are willing and able to work, followed by times when agricultural duties prevent them from participating in construction activities. All these elements must be carefully considered when designing and organising local employment.”
Watch the video here: