The Ayeyawady Myitson-Upstream Hydropower Project could fully meet the country’s electricity demand, create job opportunities for locals, and contribute to socioeconomic development, said Electricity and Energy Development Commission Chairman and Union Minister for the Ministry 1 of the President’s Office, U Tin Aung San.

The Union minister said so at the meeting with locals at the convocation hall of Myitkyina University yesterday.

Speaking at the event, the Union minister said electricity is essential for the economic development of the country, and systematic planning is required for that, whereas the electricity consumption in Myanmar is rising annually, and planning is necessary to increase production capacity to meet future needs.

He noted that hydropower projects take about five to ten years to implement, and only through advanced planning can the country ensure sufficient energy for future generations. Electricity is vital for agriculture, livestock, and industrial production from raw materials to finished goods. Only by fulfilling the country’s basic electricity and energy needs can the agricultural and industrial sectors develop effectively. The government is striving to ensure electricity access even in remote areas inhabited by diverse ethnic groups.

Although hydropower plants require certain initial investment, they have low operating and fuel costs compared to wind, coal, gas, and solar projects. Therefore, the hydropower projects are being implemented based on the abundant water resources of the country, as the dams protect the river from flooding and provide irrigation water.

Moreover, Ayeyawady Myitson-Upstream Hydropower Project could fully meet the country’s electricity demand, create job opportunities for locals, and contribute to socioeconomic development. Electricity generated from the Myitson Project will be prioritized for domestic consumption. After meeting state-level demand, surplus electricity will be shared with other regions and states.

He emphasized that the government values public opinion and that the success of the project depends greatly on the support and cooperation of local communities.

Water resource management expert U Hein Htet then explained the relationship between rivers and fault lines, the role of dams, hydropower and water conservation, watershed management, key project data, quality control processes, installation of dam safety monitoring instruments, and short-, medium-, and long-term development plans.

Earthquake and engineering geology expert Dr Aye Lwin discussed earthquakes and their causes, earthquake-resistant dam designs, comparisons between the Myitson Dam and other dams worldwide, the Sagaing Fault and seismic conditions, domestic and international dams located near fault lines, seismic reinforcement techniques, and the condition of domestic dams in Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw following the Mandalay earthquake.

Union Minister U Nyan Tun added that experts have presented comprehensive data, as the public has concerns about earthquakes. The dam will be designed to withstand magnitude 8 earthquakes. He continued that if local communities accept and cooperate in implementing the Myitsone Hydropower Project, electricity shortages could be effectively addressed.

Director-General U Khin Zaw of the Irrigation and Water Utilization Management Department discussed the matters related to technical safety measures for the project, completed dams and Mandalay earthquake, emergency plans for dams, flood prevention measures in Myitkyina, project benefits after the Myitson project, and the no significant impacts on the Irrawaddy dolphin and fish species.

Union Minister U Min Naung also discussed compensation and resettlement arrangements for affected residents and compliance with the farmland law and rule, vacant, fallow and virgin management law and rule.

Union Minister U Maung Maung Ohn stated that both the government and the public must work together to develop the electricity sector and also for state development. He described the Myitson Project as a truly valuable project for the country and its people and called for unity and cooperation.

Central Advisory Body Member of the National Defence and Security Council Daw Dwe Bu emphasized that Kachin State is strategically important and that hydropower could help implement the long-held aspirations. She urged acceptance of change and collaborative efforts to achieve the goals.

Afterwards, attendees and locals coordinated the discussion, and Union Minister U Tin Aung San concluded the meeting.

The Union minister and party provided solar and commodities worth K100million and 100 MRTV DTH dishes for locals of Kachin State.

A total of 1,480 locals attended the meeting.

Union Minister U Tin Aung San and party, accompanied by the Kachin State chief minister, also met state ministers and Ayeyawady Myitson-Upstream Hydropower Project support and cooperation committee members of Kachin State on 19 February at the meeting hall of the state government.

During the meeting, the Union minister said the government organized the committee and set duties to be performed. While carrying out the rehabilitation programmes in order not to lose the job opportunities for locals, the state government and relevant committees should provide needed assistance for the locals to get the CSR Programmes fully. The regional committee members should work with the leading committee and working committees for the project, and they also appreciate the committee’s efforts in carrying out the duties.

Attendees then reported on the situation encountered during the field study, and the Union minister concluded the meeting.

MNA/KTZH

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