Eleven Media Group Reported by Editorial Staff Translated and Edited by Myint Win Thein + MYA
One of the important events in Myanmar politics in 2011 was the decision of the president to suspend the Myitsone Hydropower Dam Project. In addition, the decision reflected the wills of the people, therefore, it was chosen as one of the important developments in Myanmar politics in 2011 by the Weekly Eleven News Journal.
Myitsone Hydropower Dam Project at the confluence of the Ayeyawady and other eight dam projects in Chepwe, Chepwenge, Wusout, Khaunglanhpu, Yinan, Zizaw and Laiza in the valley of the Maykha and Malikha Rivers had been started since 2009 during the period of the previous government. At that time, the projects were not comprehensively covered by the state-owned newspapers. The MOU for Myitsone Hydropower Dams and other dams in the valley of the Maykha and the Malikha were signed in December 2006 by Ministry for Electric Power No.1 of Myanmar and China Power Investment Corporation (CPI), and the Asia World Company of Myanmar implemented construction tasks of the dam. The dam that would generate 18,499 megawatts of electricity was to be completed within fifteen years.
Amidst the controversies over environmental impacts of the dam project, the project was still under implementation in 2009 and 2010.
These controversies continued into 2011, and focused on the damage to the Ayeyawady River caused by the dam project and its environmental impacts. In addition, it was also pointed out that it was unreasonable of China to build Myitsone Dam in Myanmar while it was reviewing gigantic dam projects including Three Gorges Dam due to their unexpected consequences.
In 2011, the controversies over Myitsone Dam posed a challenge for the Union Government of President U Thein Sein. Meanwhile, state-owned newspapers on 9 August 201 carried an article titled “Noble aim, legacy forever” written by Hlyatsit Wunhtan Ta Oo. The article emphasized on benefits of Myitsone Dam, but omitting disadvantages. In addition, the article accused some individuals and organizations of fabricating stories about Myitsone Dam and other dams in Kachin State with the aim of inciting misconceptions among the public and in the international community.
In response to the article, doyen journalist Ludu U Sein Win and the Eleven Media Group expressed their opinions against the article openly. This was the first time in over 20 years a private media had openly criticized an article related to the government policy carried by state-owned newspapers.
At the first press conference of the new government in Nay Pyi Taw on 12 August 2011, Minister for Information and for Culture U Kyaw San said that everything would be taken into account concerning whether to go on with Myitsone Dam Project or not.
However, at a press conference at the Ministry for Rail Transportation in Nay Pyi Taw on 10 September 2011, Minister for Electric Power No.1 U Zaw Min, in his reply to queries raised by reporters, told the activists for conversation of the Ayeyawady River that the dam project would be implemented irrespective of the objections, and the government would never withdraw the decision. The comment of the minister was officially criticized on print media and websites by prominent persons and organizations including the EMG.
Since then, the criticisms over Myitsone Dam were spread among the activists as well as among the general public.
All these criticisms focused on- (1) It was not just an environmental issue (2) It was not just a political issue (3) It was a national issue to be handled by President U Thein Sein in the interest of the country and the people.
Meanwhile, popular movements against the dam included talks titled ‘Save the Irrawaddy’ held in Yangon on 10 September 2011 and talks titled ‘The Republic of the Union of Myanmar and Environment’ held in Yangon on 24 September 2011.
On 30 September 2011, President U Thein Sein sent a message informing the Hluttaws of the suspension of the dam project during the tenure of his government. The message said “It has come to our knowledge that the public is concerned about the [dam] to be constructed with the investment of China, cited ten points including (a) the natural beauty of Myitsone, a landmark of Kachin State and Myanmar, may be destroyed (b) villages of residents of the upper reaches of the Ayeyawady River may be flooded and their livelihoods harmed (c) private rubber and teak plantations may be spoilt (d) the potential consequences of flooding or an earthquake in the dam region (e) the environmental impact on the Ayeyawady River.
We respect public’s desire as [our] government is a government elected by the public. We are obligated to address the public’s concerns and therefore in the time of our government we will stop constructing the Myitsone dam,” the message said.
“To acquire electric power required by the state, other hydropower projects that do not pose any danger will be carried out after thorough analysis. We would like to inform the hluttaw that we will agree to, accept and negotiate the agreements relating to the said project entered into with the People’s Republic of China, the neighboring friendly country, without failing to honor what a friend should do for another.”
The decision was a historic one of the president, and scholars from various fields, journalists, environmental activists and the public warmly welcomed the decision.
In addition, the decision was able to demolish the wall that had existed for 50 years between the government and the people. The decision was also a positive step in sixty years of disunity as the people expressed their desire for national interests out of their own accord without being influenced by any individual, political party or organization.
