High-Rise Building Project Under Constrcution Near Mya Yeik Nyo Royal Hotel Are Being Objected by Local Residents

The high-rise building project earmarked for construction in the Mya Yeik Nyo Royal Hotel compound is being objected by the neighboring residents.

Near the project, there are water pumping station and the reservoir which supply water to nine townships in Yangon. In addition, since the project is located on Yangon’s one of the highest point.

The local residents are concerned of the potential damage to the water pumping station and the reservoir. In addition, they are concerned about the obstruction of the view of Shwedagon Pagoda due to the high-rise buildings of the project.

Zay Kabar Company has received approval from the Yangon Regional Government to build the buildings project in the project area on June 8, 2017.

The project includes twelve 24-storey buildings, U Thaung Htut, regional MP from Bahan constituency (2) told the Myanmar Times.

At present, the project has been suspended by the Yangon City Development Committee since March 14 due to the local residents’ objections.

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“The project has been stopped after the YCDC inspected the site,” U Thaung Htut said.

Even though the YCDC has now ordered all development to cease for the time being, some construction work is still being carried out, he said.

“Although we welcome projects for development, we have to bar them if they affect the public of damage environment,” he said.

If the YCDC is satisfied the techniques used for development are safe, permission to resume the project will be granted, said U Thaung Htut.

Save Kokkine Reservoir from Danger Organization Yangon was formed on March 11 by the local residents from Golden Valley near the reservoir.

“If something happens to this reservoir, a large part of Yangon city would be cut off from running water,” said U Win Bo.
The nine townships which will be affected from potential damage are Bahan, Dagon, Kamayur, Mayangone, Tamwe, Sanchaung, Ahlone, Kyeemyindaing and Mingalar Taung Nyunt. These include townships in which Shwedagon Pagoda and Yangon General Hospital are located.

At the project area, there are many heritage sites including famous historical buildings such as the old Mayor’s Residence and the Mayor’s Guest House both of which are included in the Yangon City Heritage List.

“If they develop new projects in this strategic area, the development must have the public’s agreement and also needs transparency,” said Daw Moe Moe Lwin, Deputy Chair and Director for Yangon Heritage Trust (YTH).

“As there are many heritage sites at the area as well as a strategic reservoir and water pumping station, development in the area cannot be carried out as though it is private property,” she said.

The other concern is whether the high-rise development will obstruct views of the Shwedagon Pagoda, as the area is actually located on Yangon’s second highest point after Shwedagon Pagoda.

Moreover, the Shwedagon Pagoda can be found from that highland. Since the area is the second-highest land in downtown, it should be maintained preserving the natural heritage, according to an announcement from the Yangon Heritage Trust (YHT).

Credit: The Myanmar Times
Translated by: iMyanmarHouse.com