Shopkeepers take to streets to demand immediate reconstruction

The reconstruction of the market had been planned since 19 years ago. On March 25, 1995, Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC) ordered the shopkeepers at the market to relocate to a temporary place in Kamayut Township.

“Nineteen years back, YCDC said it would take three years to complete reconstruction of the market, but the reconstruction never took place. Instead, they even sold the market’s land,” said Mya Mya, chairperson of the management committee of the old market. Land ownership of the market was transferred to tycoon Tay Za, a close business associate of the previous military regime, she added.

 The shopkeepers said they had sent a request letter to President Thein Sein twice asking for the reconstruction of the Myaynigon market at its old place. They also sent their request to the Yangon region government, YCDC and Htoo Company, which is owned by Tay Za. On September 6, about a hundred shopkeepers staged an hour-long demonstration in front of the police station of Sanchaung township, holding placards that said “YCDC, Keep your promise!”, “Reconstruct Old Myaynigon Market Immediately!”.

Mya Mya said a formal request to the government to immediately reconstruct the market has also been filed at the Committee for Public Complaints and Appeals. Aung Nyein, the chairman of the committee, has verified the case and reported it to the central government, she added.