Residents have raised concerns over plans to build a floating solar power plant on the historic Kandaw Mingala Lake in Myeik Town, Tanintharyi Region.
At the meeting on 10 August 2024 at the the Pale Yadanar (Pearl Treasure) Hall in Myeik Town, residents were given details about Myanmar Solar Power Trading Co. Ltd.’s proposal to construct a floating solar power plant on the lake and they were invited to share their views on the project.
Kandaw Mingala Lake, a 21.64 acre lake in Myeik Town’s Myit Nge Ward is a historic landmark that was constructed in 1815 during the reign of Mayor Pea Taung Sar Min, according to locals.
A local expressed frustration over the choice of location, saying: “Even with basic common sense, one can easily see that such a project shouldn’t be carried out in an area designated by the community as an ancient heritage site. This raises serious questions about the intelligence, attitude, and judgment of those proposing and investing in this location.”
He added: “The lake’s ecosystem could be severely impacted by this project. They should carefully reconsider whether such a place is suitable for this kind of development.”
U Muang Gyi, the Minister of Economic Affairs of the junta’s Tanintharyi Region Government, delivered the opening speech at the 10 August meeting. Dr. Wint Wint Kyaw, project director of Myanmar Solar Power Trading Co. Ltd., presented the project details. He said that 7.77 acres of Kandaw Mingala Lake would be allocated to the floating solar farm.
According to GreenMatch, a website providing information about solar panels, improper disposal of solar panels can harm the environment. Furthermore, if the batteries used to store solar generated electricity are not properly handled, they could damage the environment and pose health risks to local communities.
According to published information, the floating solar power plant would consist of 7,488 solar panels on the lake’s surface generating 4.08 megawatts of power.
The area surrounding Kandaw Mingala Lake includes a high school, an elementary school, monasteries, religious buildings, and residential homes. The lake underwent extensive restoration in 2018 to improve the surrounding greenery and scenery. It continues to serve as a public recreational space for Myeik residents.
