Pak Moon Meeting Condemns Salween Power Project

Pak Moon Meeting Condemns Salween Power Project

Pak Moon Meeting Condemns Salween Power Project

An international meeting in Thailand held late last month declared its opposition to the dam project in the Shan State, reported a Shan participant.

The declaration said it "oppose(s) the control of rivers and resources by illegitimate and repressive governments, as in Burma".

It also served notice that "No development projects should be built without the voluntary, prior and informed consent of all affected people. Information regarding proposed projects must be disclosed, in a timely and transparent manner." It also demanded "democratic reforms." 

The meeting was held, from 29 June to 1 July, at Kong Jiam, Ubon Province, and attended by representatives from 12 countries that included Burma, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and and Vietnam. 

Burma was pepresented by Sai Win Pay, MP, Monghsu, Shan State.

Meanwhile, topographical surveying and surface mapping is still going on at the dam site in Tasarng, Shan State. "It will continue for another 5 months," said an informed source.

The core drilling of rock formations on both banks of the Salween was completed in May by EGAT (Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand) which was contracted by GMS Power, a subsidiary of the MDX firm in Thailand.

(According to the New Light of Myanmar, 27 July, 111 dams have already been built since 1988 totalling 249 since the reign of Anowrahta (1044-1077).

"Building more and more dams... will serve the interests of the farmers and the country..", says its editorial).