In an ultimatum by the Rangoon municipal authorities, residents living in old and dilapidated buildings, identified as “dangerous”, have been asked to vacate the premises by March 22 (today).

The order issued by the Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC) is meant for residents living in at least 400 buildings that have been identified as "dangerous". Now the civic body proposes to screen more buildings that are over 80 years old.

The civic authorities issued the order to the residents on March 19 giving them very little time to shift.

"We were given three days to move out along with all our belongings or else action will be taken," said a resident living in a "dangerous" building in Lathar township of Rangoon.

The YCDC order comes after an old building earmarked as dangerous collapsed on March 14 evening in Rangoon, while major repairs were on. A 16-year old girl died and a number of rescue workers were injured. The building was located between Street 30 and Trader Street in Babaedan township of Rangoon.

A 16-year old girl died in a building collapse on March 14 evening in Rangoon. Photo: Mizzima.

"When the civic officials came and put up the signboard (DB - Dangerous Building) on our building, we submitted an appeal requesting we be allowed to undertake major repairs. We got the permission. But now they are saying we have to vacate the building in three days. They told us that we cannot even leave a night guard," said a resident in Sanchaung Township.

The YCDC order, however, does not mention what kind of action will be initiated against those residents who do not vacate the buildings.