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SERIOUS ELECTRIC POWER SHORTAGE IN



Subject: SERIOUS ELECTRIC POWER SHORTAGE IN MYANMAR

(SLORC/SPDC's unofficial translation)
                  
The Yomiuri Shimbun, October 29, 1998
(Reporter: Shigefumi Takasu on 28th at Yangon)

SERIOUS ELECTRIC POWER SHORTAGE IN MYANMAR
           
In Myanmar, electric power shortage became a serious problem.
Because there were not enough rainfall during this rainy season and
the rate of operation of hydroelectric power station fell down.
While the political deadlock by confrontation betwwen the military
government is continueing they have no perspective to solve this
problem. In addition to this frequent failure of electricity,they
have problem of suspension of water supply too in this city of Yangon.
The people has antipathy not only to the military government but also
to Aung San Suu Kyi, the Secretary General of NLD which is opposing
investments and aids from overseas because it may help the present
military government.

The Golden Pagoda is light uped and relieved against dark night
sky, but houses around it are under cover of darkness. The scanty
electric power is given priority to suuply to sightseeing places and
government installations.

A Myanmar businessman Mr. Aung Than (fictitious name) said
"We have 8 - 12 hours electriepower failure a day. We never have like
this situation even in the Burma type socialism days before '88."
Rich people and foreigners purchase independent electric power
machines which is about 180,000 kyats (about ¥60,000), but for the
ordinary citizens whoes average monthly income is about 10,000 kyats
(about ¥3,300), such machine is far beyond their reach.

"Most of the people is spending this hot night with only candle
lights, but the government do nothing for us." said Mr. Aung Than.
Shutting off the water supply also happen often. Recently, 1/3 of
Yangon city can get water supply only half a day.

Since Myanmar took open policy to foreign countries in '88,
construction of new hotels with foreign capital increased and electric
apparatus came into wide use. But the inflastructures such as electric
power plants were not prgressed. According to the Myanmar Electric
Power Ministry, the rainfall during the rainy season (from May to
Septpmber) of this year was only about 40% of the average year, so the
shortage of electric power came to the surface first time.


At the Myanmar' 8 largest power plant Beluchoung Hydroelectric
Power Station (Output 300 Mega Watt), located at 300 Km northeast of
Yangon, there are 6 turbines, but only half of them are working now.
Already it is dry season now, so we have not much chance the situation
change for the better in next half year. The electric supply in local
cities are far more worse than Yangon.

However, the military government has not given any official
explanation to the people. On the contrary, they are shoving off the
responsibility to Mrs. Suu Kyi who is opposing all investments,aids
and tourisms from overseas because it may help the present government.
The state run newspapers are reporting that more than 20,000 people
are attending "Citizen's Gatherings" in every week-end at all over the
country. They are blaming Mrs. Suu Kyi as the "Prime mover of the
staggnation of economy" and demanding to exile her from the country.

Naturally, NLD bring forth a counterargument and saying that these
people were called in by force or giving reward. But, even Mr. Aung
Than who said he is supporting Mrs. Suu Kyi in his heart, told us
"Most of the people are thinking that for lifting up the Myanmar
economy, investments and aid from foreign countries is essential."

Time of electric power supply stop came, all lights in Mr. Aung Than's
office went off. In darkness, he murmured "Now, only thing we think
everyday is about electric power and water supply. Not about
politics."




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