Forum fears for congested Yangon

Due to rapid urbanisation, the country’s commercial hub is now overpopulated and the mismanagement of drainage and traffic systems is bothersome for the inhabitants, the forum heard.

“It’s usual that a city of more than 6 million people should face problems like congestion, pollution and overflows in the rainy seasons. The city needs immediate attention,” an expert said.

In some townships, the people to land ratio is approaching 1,000:1 hectare. 

“Even in Hong Kong, there are only 600 people in one hectare,” argued Hla Su Myat from the Association of Myanmar Architects (AMA).

She also pointed to the lack of pavements in some streets.

Moe Moe Lwin, the director of Yangon Heritage Trust, said historic buildings in Yangon were under threat as people had little interest in preserving them.

Insensitive building designs were marring the sacred image of Shwedagon Pagoda, Moe Moe Lwin added.

Maw Lin, deputy chairperson of AMA, said: “Yangon was once known as the cleanest city in Southeast Asia. But the situation is upside down now. The city is overly crowded and becoming more exhausted each day. Parking lots have taken up the pedestrian areas and people find it difficult to walk while watching out for vehicles.”