A large area of land northwest of Namkham has been reserved for the construction of a massive oil tank before crossing the Mao-Shweli river into China at Nongdao, according to sources from the Sino-Burma border.
Former paddyfields in Man Hawng Long have been picked out for the project.
Huge pipes are being transported to Namkham, each 18 wheel truck carrying 5 pieces, 60 truckloads each day from Ziegao, opposite Muse, 25 miles away.
Each pipe is said to be 6′ in diameter and 30′ long. The truckers are being paid 500,000 kyat ($ 625) per trip.
“We don’t know why such a tank is needed near the border,” said a puzzled resident.
The pipelines are due to be completed next year.