The news was released on the government owned MRTV and the website of the Ministry of Information on August 28 after the Yangon Regional Hluttaw had reacted with criticism over the alleged lack transparency surrounding the original appointment of Myanma Seatanar Myothit to manage the project.

“We informed all that we will invite developers to tender for the new township project transparently and will create the opportunities in which all people can participate,” the regional government said the published statement.

The project plans indicate an ambition to develop over three years; 20,000 units of low cost accommodation to sit to the west of the Hlaing river between the Pun Hlaing river to the north and the Twantay canal to the south. Plans also include the building of five bridges to connect the multi-trillion kyat (multi-billion dollar) developmentto the rest of Yangon.

In the statement the regional government said the launch of this project had followed a wide consultation process.

“We performed tasks with international support such as holding workshops on urban development projects, analysing public opinion, reviewing infrastructural requirements and developing the conceptual plans,” read the statement.

“In implementing the project we are acting in accordance with existing laws and procedures and acquiring the permission of the Union government, ” it added.

Yangon Chief Minister U Myint Swe surprised many when he originally sent a notice to the Yangon Hluttaw about the appointment of Myanma Seatanar Myothit on August 22.

Union Deputy Minister for Finance, U Maung Maung Thein, told Mizzima on August 22 that he had only become aware of the project and the appointment of Myanma Seatanar Myothit on the day of the announcement.