Aye Mi Aung – Locals will oppose the building of a 1280 Megawatt coal-fired power plant by Toyo Thai Corporation near Aunden Village in Mon State’s Ye Township, according to Aunden Village Administer Nai Tin Shein.
Nai Tin Shein said the decision to stop the project was made by residents of Hnee Ka-Yoke Village; seven Buddhist monasteries; and six villages near Par-Lain Mountain, including Aunden Village.
Aunden’s village administer proclaimed: “We completely oppose [the project]. We will oppose it in accordance with the law, and no violence will be used.”
According to locals, the decision to oppose the project was taken because its construction might damage the environment and cause serious health problems; acid rain; and high temperatures. This could damage the area’s crops and aquatic resources which locals depend on to survive. However, the Mon State government—which helped plan the project—claims that it will benefit local people.
About 60 representatives from some of the villages who are currently working in Malaysia held a meeting about the project in Malaysia’s Salangaw Township. They decided to oppose the power plant because they believe it will harm local people and the environment.
Nai Kaung Sakar, a leader of the group in Malaysia opposing the project, released a statement calling on all locals to speak with one voice and oppose the project, including locals who have emigrated abroad to work: “Although we live in Malaysia we’re originally from the Par-Lain mountains [and have a right to express our opposition to the power plant].” The statement said that political parties; Buddhist monks; Mon youth groups; civil society organizations; and locals will oppose any large-scale project planned for Mon State.
Daw Ni Ni San, a manager of the Toyo Thai project, said the corporation has submitted its proposal to build the plant, but has yet to receive permission to get started. Daw Ni Ni San also said that “When the government gives us the green light the plant will be constructed and its electricity will be distributed throughout Mon State and will only be used by people in Burma. It will not be sold abroad.”
Owners of farmland located at the proposed construction site are very worried about their land being confiscated. Some of them said they would only sell their land if they get the price they ask for.
According to Toyo Thai Corporation, around 2,700 million US dollars will be invested in the project, and it’s slated to become operational in 2018. Currently, Toyo Thai’s plan is to build the power plant on 500 acres of farmland near Aunden Village.
