Associated Press
May 21, 2007
Myanmar, which is facing an acute power shortage, is set to sign a series of deals with neighboring China and Thailand to build hydropower plants in eastern and southern Myanmar, a newspaper reported Monday.
Chinese companies were seeking to sign a deal for two hydropower projects in eastern Shan State and a Thai company is pursuing a project in Tanintharyi – also known as Tanasserim – Division, the Myanmar Times reported.
Opponents of Myanmar’s ruling junta say the dam construction will likely involve forced labor. When the dams are built and surrounding land flooded, it could also lead to ethnic minority groups, long been oppressed by the central government, being driven from their villages.
Categories: Mekong Utility Watch