Chinese projects, implemented under junta, will not benefit Rakhine people

Narinjara News, 10 March 2023

The Chinese projects in Rakhine State, which are expected to be implemented under the military junta, will not benefit the local people, said Rakhine social activists.

The junta is currently discussing on a 810-kilometer Muse-Kyaukphyu railway, a major part of the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, to connect with China's landlocked Yunnan province.

In order to restart the railway, the Chinese government officials and junta personnel have been holding a series of discussions.

It is estimated that the first part, the 431 km railway track from Muse- a border town with China to Mandalay, will cost USD 8.9 billion.

The Mandalay- Kyaukphyu railway line is about 380 km in length, but nothing is explained about its usability.

The junta authority is also planning to build a number of wind power projects in the townships of Gwa, Thandwe and Ann, located at the southern part of Rakhine State.

On 1 March, a memorandum of agreement was signed between the military regime and Chinese companies on wind power projects, supposed to be launched by December this year and to be completed by 2025.

Primus Advanced Technologies Limited, Asia Ecoenergy Development Limited and Yunnan Machinery, Equipment Import and Export have received the agreement.

The wind power projects in Gwa Township will generate 100 megawatts. Similarly, 150 megawatts will be produced from Ann township project and 110 megawatts to be generated from Thandwe power project, said a military government source.

U Tun Kyi, a member of Rakhine State Natural Resources and Environmental Monitoring Committee, alleges that even though the Chinese projects are established in Rakhine State (including Shwe Natural Gas Project), the locals will not be benefited.

"According to the guidelines, no specific provision is drafted in favour of Rakhine families even though the resources belong to their State. So we expect no much benefits for local residents,” he added.

Ko Myo Lwin, an environmental activist from Ann locality, pointed out that the Chinese energy projects, already implemented in the Rakhine region, have not offered any benefit to Rakhine people.

"These projects should help the local residents to get regular electric supply as they have been facing power crisis for many years now. When the State resources are engaged, the locals should be benefitted. The previous Chinese projects have not done so. In a real sense, these projects are planned to benefit the junta only,” he added.

According to BETV Business News, the current military government has received USD 1.43 billion for exporting natural gas from Rakhine State to China last year.

Rakhine State continues to be poorest among 14 States and divisions in Myanmar, where there is no regular electricity. Facing financial crisis, many young people including the women have left for Thailand, Malaysia and China to work there with an aim to have a better life.