Myanmar’s military junta has announced the formation of a new committee to look into resuming the controversial Myitsone hydropower dam project in northern Kachin State.
In a statement released last Friday, the regime said the new 11-member committee, which was formed late last month, would be led by deputy energy minister Aye Kyaw.
“The task of those committee members is to carry out research, seek technical solutions, and plan public relations alongside the State Power Investment Company,” the statement said, referring to the state-owned Chinese company backing the project.
“A technical team and public relations team are to be formed, which are to support the project negotiations between Myanmar and China,” it added.
The massive US$3.6 billion project, covering an area of 766 sq km—greater than the size of Singapore—was originally planned by Myanmar’s former junta and due for completion in 2019. . .
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