Myanmar: Environmentalists oppose oil jetty in Mandalay

Myanmar: Environmentalists oppose oil jetty in Mandalay

Mandalay-based environmental conservation groups give thumbs down to a jetty
project for unloading oil in Inwa (also known as Ava) Township, reports say.
The project was approved by the old government. It is located near the
Sagaing bridge and the Thabyaedan Stockade, one of the remnants of the
ancient city, Inwa.

"It's near a cultural heritage site, and that's one of the reasons the
project should not continue. It should not have been permitted in the first
place. The town is already threatened by worsening landslides. There is no
effort to fortify the riverbank. I don't think it can withstand oil
tankers," said Maung Maung Oo of the Sein Yaung So environmental group.

"The project can also damage the local tourism industry as oil tankers are
going to dominate the river all the way to the O-Totetan port which is the
only route to Inwa," conservationists said. At least 200 boats pass through
the port a day during high season.

Maung Maung Oo added: "The project area is near the Sagaing fault. Due to
earthquakes or man-made disasters, the oil jetty could explode and damage
the Thabyaedan Stockade and residents nearby. These are just the primary
risks. There can be more social and environmental impacts."

Sein Yaung So and Natural Green Alliance are investigating possible
environmental impacts the project can bring and will report it to the
regional government.

The government currently suspended the project until the assessments are
done.

Joint-secretary of the Mandalay Region Engine Oil Distribution Association
said: "The groups led by regional environmental conservation minister and
energy minister are assessing the project. Further instructions will come
out after the evaluations end. The project has been stalled for over a
month."
There are some buildings at the project site.

The Myanmar Energy Development Public Company proposed the project which
started in February. The former regional government gave permission
directly. The company did not ask permission from the Directorate of Water
Resources and Improvement of River Systems.

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Link to Original Article: http://elevenmyanmar.com/local/6409

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John Diecker
APT Consulting Group Co., Ltd.

www.aptthailand.com