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