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🇧🇩 Bangladesh /Energy & Infrastructure

Myanmar government aims to complete controversial Myitsone dam in eight years

From Daily Star · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Myanmar's government plans to complete the controversial $3.6 billion Myitsone dam project within eight years, according to sources.
  • The project, suspended in 2011 due to public outcry and environmental concerns, is a priority for China, which seeks to import its power.
  • The government is assessing the project's benefits against negative impacts like flooding and displacement, with a potential cost increase to $11.5 billion.

Myanmar's new government is reportedly aiming to complete the controversial Myitsone hydropower dam project in northern Kachin state within approximately eight years. The $3.6 billion project, suspended in 2011 following widespread public opposition and environmental concerns, has been a key point of discussion following junta chief Min Aung Hlaing's recent visit to China.

It will begin shortly.

— Htet Paing HtooA member of the Kachin State parliament speaking to Reuters about the Myitsone dam project.

China has long advocated for the dam's construction, which would be one of Southeast Asia's largest hydropower projects with a capacity of 6 gigawatts. The majority of this power was intended for export to China. The project's resumption was discussed during Min Aung Hlaing's visit, with a presidential office spokeswoman stating it could supply over half of Myanmar's 10 GW electricity demand.

However, the government acknowledges significant concerns regarding potential flooding and displacement of local communities. A spokeswoman for the presidential office indicated that these issues are under detailed analysis to balance benefits against negative impacts. The revived project could also see a substantial cost increase, potentially reaching $11.5 billion, more than three times its original 2009 estimate, based on current construction cost averages for similar projects in Asia.

An official announcement will be released. The president himself has already stated that it will be restarted.

— Htet Paing HtooA member of the Kachin State parliament speaking to Reuters about the Myitsone dam project.

Sources close to the discussions, led by Kachin State administrator Khet Htein Nan, revealed the government's intention to restart construction soon, with an official announcement expected. The halt in 2011 angered China but was driven by local resentment over Beijing's influence and environmental worries. The current government, which took power after a widely criticized election, is actively working to resurrect the project amid an ongoing civil war.

We are analysing these matters in detail, evaluating the extent of the benefits versus the negative impacts, to strike a balance.

— Khaing Khaing SoeA spokeswoman for the presidential office discussing the government's approach to the Myitsone dam project.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Daily Star in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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