The Salween Dam Source

The Salween Dam Source: Japan To Channel Funds Through China 

An informed source from Rangoon told S.H.A.N. recently that an agreement had been made to channel Japanese financial assistance for the forthcoming construction of the Salween dam to Burma through a Chinese bank. 

The source, who requested withholding of her identity, said as it was difficult for Japan to hand out funds straight to Rangoon, due to the situation in Burma as well as the strong opposition of the west with regards to aiding the junta, it was agreed that the money would be deposited at the Bank of Shanghai, which has a branch in Rangoon. 

The Chinese condition was that the bulk of the equipment needed for the construction be purchased from China, she said. 

Kendo, a Japanese construction company in Rangoon, was one of those that had been lobbying the Japanese financial sector for support for the dam project. 

The projected dam site, near Tasarng, between Mongpan and Mongton of Shan State, is currently under final study by GMS Power, a Thai company. 

The project is being opposed by Shans, Karens, Karennis and Mons who live along the Salween basin.