A Slap In the Face for UNDCP

A Slap In the Face for UNDCP?

The area northeast of Kengtung, from Saleu to Mongla near the Chinese border, in known as Special Region No: 4, is under the sway of the New Democratic Alliance Army (Eastern Shan State) of Sai Leun a.k.a Lin Mingxian. 

According to official bulletins, three hydro power plants in Mongla, Saleu and Mongyawng, (400 KW, 380 KW and 300 KW respectively) had been built under the SPDC's Border Area Development Program, known as Bad to the dissidents, with the aid from UNDP and UNDCP, at an estimated cost of K. 150-200 millions. 

Still, the villagers had to pay 50 old coins per household, (1 old coin = K. 1,000 - 1,200) for the electricity poles. Besides, each household have to pay Y. 50 (Chinese currency) per month for the electricity bills. 

The ironical fact is that there is a UNDCP office in Saleu purportedly to help the local people. "They brought up water pipes for water supply in the villages and also a number of piglets which they distributed among us to raise", said one villager. 

"Now they say they are going to teach us to grow mushrooms" he said, sighing. "I know nobody here who has to grow mushrooms to eat. They grow by themselves naturally around here". 

"So I hope they also remember to find markets for us", he concluded.