Construction site workers are being laid off due to the recent freeze in construction of high-rise buildings in Yangon. Buildings of height of eight or more stories have been ceased in order for Yangon City Development Committee to inspect the sites.
It is almost two months since the Yangon region government has ordered high-rise developers to suspend their under-construction projects as of May 14.
Developers have said they would continue to struggle for their survival due to increasing buyers not paying monthly deposits and being unable to pay. Some construction companies have issued notices to their workers one month ahead to find a new job.
One developer said, “I would like to urge the government to help solve workers’ difficulties rather than creating more employment opportunities.”
Developers have suggested that the government draw a new law rather than adopting a new policy to reduce barriers caused by changing the policy.
“We usually implement a project between 5-8 years after getting the green light from the authorities,” said a constructor, who wishes the government to solve the current issue under the former policy. “We waited for the permission for our project nearly three years,” he added.
There are millions of workers in the country’s construction industry. About 80 per cent of developers operating in the local construction industry are youth workers. Some Myanmar repatriates have also been flown in from Singapore, under the long-term employment.
Developers say that the government’s order on suspension of high-rise buildings under construction in Yangon Region will affect the country’s economic development. “Government needs to encourage local entrepreneurs who will face competition with international companies,” a businessman said.—Pwint Thitsar
Source: Global New Light Of Myanmar
