October 14, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press release from Kachin Development Networking Group

Despite the announcement by Burma’s military government that the Myitsone dam will be suspended, local Kachin villagers have yet to see evidence the project will be stopped and remain fearful and uncertain about their future.

An update released today by the Kachin Development Networking Group (KDNG) shows evidence that equipment and supplies for the project remain in place, security restrictions continue for local residents, and destructive gold mining in the planned Myitsone dam reservoir area is ongoing.

There had been a lull in construction at the dam site before the suspension announcement due to the rainy season. However, work on the dam project infrastructure has continued, even after the announcement. As of October 11, Chinese workers were still carrying out land survey work south of the dam site, and were continuing construction of a supply road linking the Myitsone dam site to the Chinese border town of Tengchong.

Staff from China Power Investment Corporation (CPI), the main project holder, recently told local staff of their project partner, Asia World, not to move any equipment as the project will continue after the rainy season, despite the suspension announcement.

“We do not trust what the President said about suspending the Myitsone dam,” said a villager from the dam site. “We can see the workers and dam construction machines still at the site.”

KDNG is calling for an official cancellation announcement from CPI, withdrawal of all equipment and personnel, and for the safe return of all the relocated villagers back to their original homes.

“All seven dams of the Irrawaddy project will have devastating effects on the millions living along the river. We will continue to resist the dams until they are all officially cancelled, not just
‘suspended’,” said Ah Nan of KDNG.

Contact: Ah Nan (+66) 848854154

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

To read full An Update on the Irrawaddy Myitsone dams project, please visit www.kdng.org

To download: English | Burmese