Myanmar: Coal: The New Power Battleground

Sep 8, 2014 | Wa Lone, Myanmar Times
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The strong monsoon wind blows thick, rain-filled clouds in from the Andaman Sea to the fringes of the Ayeyarwady delta. Thoung Khon is just 60 kilometres (37 miles) from Yangon, on the west bank of the Yangon River, but the lack of roads – it’s difficult to travel to the region by car – makes it feel as remote as some far-flung border area.

Most residents in this Kungyangon township village subsist on fishing and farming and for decades their lives have changed little. But that appears set to change due to the region’s proximity to both Yangon, a city bursting at the seams and in urgent need of infrastructure, and the ocean.

Conglomerate Asia World’s controversial plan to build a coal-fired power plant in the area has divided residents. Some argue that it is needed for the development of their villages and will bring much-needed infrastructure and jobs, while others fear it will simply pollute their homes for the benefit of Asia World and electricity users in Yangon.