Yangon jetty plan under fire
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YANGON - Myanmar's Lower House will soon discuss a proposal urging the government to suspend the construction of a jetty project on a 20-acre plot owned by the Myanma Port Authority (MPA).
MP Tin Maung Win for Seikkan Township submitted that proposal, saying that round-the-clock container loading may shake Botataung Pagoda which is located nearby.
The President's Office gave the green light to the Kaung Myanmar Aung Shipping Co for the construction of the jetty in 2012. Later the Myanmar Investment Commission ordered the company to suspend the project.
New bids were invited in May 2015. Only two companies applied and Kaung Myanmar Aung won the tender. With the MIC’s permission, the company signed the contract in March and began digging sandbanks after hiring a dredging vessel from Denmark for US$1.6 million.
The MP said there were six jetties in Yangon, which increased traffic jams with container trucks.
"Jetty works are essential. But we should implement the project only after conducting a feasibility study and drafting a conceptual plan," he added.
MP Nay Phu Ba Swe for Pabedan seconded the proposal.
