Addressing a question by Brigadier General Aung Kyaw, representative of defence services personnel at the Upper House of Parliament, the minister said the funding will come from Union government and local authorities. A total of 196 staff quarters and 2,540 houses are under construction, the deputy minister said.

“In the past, the ministry built staff quarters at the region- and state-levels. Now, the staff quarters construction has spread to districts and townships,” he said on Friday.

The construction is part of state assistance to civil servants, who have complained about the soaring cost of living.

The ministry’s plan was announced when the government said it is considering raising the pay of officials and parliamentarians. On Friday, Lower House Speaker Thura Shwe Mann said that Parliament would debate and approve a suitable package of salary and allowances for civil servants and MPs.

The ministry is in charge of building staff quarters since the present government took office. Some ministries have their own quarters. Civil servants are obligated to return their living quarters following job relocation.

Due to soaring prices, house rental charges are normally 50 per cent of the salary. Rent for living quarters is around 5 per cent of an officer’s pay and 3 per cent for those of lower rank. The charges range from Ks 1,700 to Ks 9,000.

“Government officials in remote areas are in urgent need of quarters. The construction of quarters is considered more beneficial than pay hikes. Job reassignment will be smooth if housing is ensured. There should be 25,000 rooms for staff to live in in remote areas. The number of government officials stands at 500,000 across the country. Some officials can continue to live in their quarters as their children work in the same ministry,” said Khin Aung Mying, speaker of the Upper House.

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