A new report published by the Kachin Development Networking Group (KDNG) implored the government to cease construction on the Ngo Chan Hka Hydropower projects on the Ngo Chang Hka River, citing various adverse ecological and social effects.
The project’s four dams are the Laung Din, Tongxinqiao, Khan Kang, and Gaw Lang on the Ngo Chang Hka river in the eastern edge of Kachin State.
The Ngo Chang Hka Dam was first announced in 2009 with an MoU between the State Peace and Development and Council and China’s YEIG International Development Company Ltd.
The MOU was amended in 2014 by the USDP government to expand the project from one to four dams ranging from 47 to 75 meters high.
The Ngo Chang Hka Project is four dams on the Ministry of Electricity and Energy’s list of 50 slated hydropower projects that are expected to raise electrical production from 3,000 megawatts to approximately 45,000 MW by 2030, much of which is destined for China.
In 2015, the government faced significant local resistance to the project as it has the potential to displace 4,500 residents from 17 villages
“This is our native land, we cannot allow these construction projects to destroy it and our livelihood. We will object to this project will our final breath,” Zung Lwan, a 25- year old Ngo Chang villager, said.
Backlash from hydroelectric power stations such as the one proposed at Chipwi Nge include destroyed farmland, elimination of fish resources, and human right abuses inflicted by security forces.
In January 2014, Eleven Media reported that the profit sharing is as follows: 85 percent for YGIG and 15 percent of Myanmar government and the IGE group of companies.
Source: Myanmar Business Today
