Pyithu Hluttaw is been convened in Nay Pyi Taw. Photo: MNA
U Maung Maung Win, Deputy Minister for Planning and Finance.
Photo: MNA
At yesterday’s Pyithu Hluttaw meeting it was decided that the Hluttaw would record the motion urging the Union Government to re-scrutinise long-term projects which caused loss of life and destruction of property, as well as those enterprises approved by previous governments which met with disapproval by the public.
“Presently, in accomplishing projects to be implemented, only the projects which will be beneficial for the State and in harmony with the national policies and objectives have been being granted in accord with laws, rules and regulations. Had there been cases that harmed the public benefit, necessary legal actions are being taken against those who violated, by withdrawing leases, investigating and taking actions against violators and making the violators pay compensation for damages. Regarding the granted projects for enterprises, cases that harmed the public are now emerging in many places. Hence authorities concerned are reviewing systematically submitted projects for taking necessary actions”, said U Maung Maung Win, Deputy Minister for Planning and Finance.
Thirteen Hluttaw representatives discussed the motion, including Daw Aye Mya Mya Myo of Kyauktan constituency.
“As a democratic government, projects under implementation should be reviewed as to how much they were successful and beneficial. For the Thilawa industrial zone project, a total of 181 land plots had been reclaimed since 2010. Out of them, only more than 20 plots are being used as sites for enterprises, with 30 land plots or so are completely empty like farming fields. The remaining plots were fenced. The project was created just after local people had to abandon the farmland on which their forefathers worked for long. Although it was prescribed that the land must be re-confiscated if it was not used within 6 months starting from the date it was granted to be used, and simultaneously necessary volume of the land area must be confiscated, actual situations do not comply with laws, rules and regulations.”
Daw Phyu Phyu Thin of Mingalar Taungnyunt constituency agreed.
“Incorrect projects led to great losses for many people. And due to mismanagement, people are suffering from the ill effects of natural disasters. Projects are making removal of mountains and mining beyond the authority they are granted. Making dams at the upper reaches of the Ayeyawady River, extracting marble from the bottom of rivers, sieving gold and mining are causing dry rivers. These are the side-effects of granting long-term leases. Now these enterprises should be controlled. Granting sports grounds that are used for public health to be used by enterprises are against the investment law. There are a lot of enterprises unaccepted by the public in Mingalar Taungnyunt township.”
After the discussions of the 13 Hluttaw representatives, the Deputy Minister clarified some of the projects that were of concern.
“Successive governments in Myanmar granted 30 or 60-year long-term projects to foreign investors, national entrepreneurs and those who operated joint-venture enterprises between government and private sectors to fulfill the needs of the country. They include extraction of teak, production of oil and natural gas, extraction of gems and jewels, mining, city development and urbanization, construction and exports, factories and other projects. The incumbent government has carried out the tasks of reviewing and scrutinising them after taking conclusions, findings and suggestions from the observatory teams on the natural environment.”
The motion presented by Daw Mi Kun Chan of Paung constituency was discussed by U Win Myint Oo (a) U Nay Myo of Nyaungshwe constituency, U Nyan Hein of Thanbyuzayat constituency, Dr U Aung Khin of Pyin Oo Lwin constituency, U Nay Lin Tun of Bokepyin constituency, U Kan Myint of Thayet constituency, Daw Mar Mar Khaing of Thaton constituency, U Myint Wai of Gwa constituency, Daw Nan Htwe Thu of Phasaung constituency, U Bo Bo Oo of Sanchaung constituency, U Yi Mon (a) U Maung Tin Thit of Pobbathiri constituency and U Win Thein Zaw of Salingyi constituency.
Today’s meeting made approval of the report of Pyithu Hluttaw Education Up-grading Committee, approval of an amendment of special acts on marriage (bill) and informing the acknowledgement of the bill on oil and oil products sent by the Amyotha Hluttaw, with amendment attached.
The 21st day meeting will be held on 26 June.
Kyaw Thu Htet & Hmwe Kyu Zin (MNA)