New Delhi - In the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis, Burma's military rulers have assigned several private companies to undertake reconstruction work in the affected areas. However, many are said to be reluctant to take on the job as there is no certainty of being paid the money they need to spend, sources said.
A source close to Burma 's military establishment said, the junta has assigned more than 30 companies to undertake reconstruction work. But several of these companies are apprehensive of going ahead.
Normally, these business groups, most being business cronies of the junta, rush in to help the regime in any kind of project, because the companies in return are rewarded with 'Business Opportunities', which give them special advantages in their business ventures.
"For companies, this has become almost like their life line," the source added.
However, with no clear indication of any 'Business Opportunities' in return for helping in reconstructing the cyclone devastated areas, companies seem to be soft pedaling in undertaking voluntary and charity work, the source said.
But Aung Naing Oo, a Thailand based Burmese analyst, said while several businessmen expressed their apprehension, some have really been touched by the extent of devastation and are fully involved in the reconstruction.
"Some groups have already given more than 20,000 US dollar worth of aid to help cyclone victims," said Aung Naing Oo, citing sources close to business circles.
But he also added that several other companies are playing games to gain out of helping cyclone victims in reconstruction and rehabilitation
"There is gossip among the people in the delta that this cyclone has clearly showed who among the businessmen have a human heart," Aung Naing Oo said.
Following the devastation caused by Cyclone Nargis , Burma 's military regime has appointed several of its ministers to monitor the reconstruction and rehabilitation work in different townships in the affected areas.
But the source close to the military said, the junta was forced to undertake reconstruction work out of shame and humiliation.
The source said, the junta's secretary 1 Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, during his trip to Haing Gyi Island had told villagers that "we are doing this relief and rehabilitation out of shame and humiliation."
While the information on Tin Aung Myint Oo's speech cannot be independently verified, an aid worker helping cyclone victims in Rangoon division said, the junta has been shifting cyclone refugees from their make-shift tents in order to show that the situation has normalised.
"Now most of the temporary refugee camps have been closed down and people have been forced to go back home, where there is still nothing to live on," the aid worker, who has been helping victims in Kunchangone, Daedeye and Kawhmu townships in Rangoon division said.
He added that the authorities want to show the international community that under their coordination and effort, the situation has returned to normal.
