The Hope Illuminating Both Sides of Ayeyawady River

"Chipwi Nge Hydropower Station" Brings Brightness and Hope

Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State, is Ma Bawk Htwi 's hometown. She is an employee of Chipwi Nge Hydropower Station of Upstream Ayeyawady Confluence Basin Hydropower Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "ACHC"). She has witnessed Chipwi Nge Hydropower Station's growth from nothing in person.

She said, when ACHC built a hydropower station in Myitkyina several years ago, many people were employed with salary due to the project. At that time, everyone smiled with contentment and happiness. They smiled not only because of a better-off material life, but also because of their expectation of living in a promising nation with developed economy and stable power supply after the completion of hydropower station.

Nowadays, Chipwi Nge Hydropower Station not only serves as the power station of all the projects in the Upstream Ayeyawady Confluence Basin, but also supplies power to the most areas of Myitkyina.

"I will come back if Myitsone project resumes"

In Ma Seng Pan's memory, September 30, 2011 was an unforgettable day. Because the Myitsone hydropower project (hereinafter referred to as Myitsone project) was halted on that day. In the next few days, some of her Myanmese colleagues left in succession.

On the eve of her departure, a simple farewell party was held for her in the construction site. She never drinks alcohol, but for the first time, she proposed a toast, saying "I will come back if the Myitsone project resumes". Just like Ma Seng Pan, many people got a job thanks to Myitsone project and were out of work because of the shutdown.

Myitsone project is a part of projects in the Upstream Ayeyawady Confluence Basin. According to ACHC, 30,000 local workers are needed in the construction of Myitsone project, and the total number of project-related migrants is no more than 20,000. If Myitsone project had not been halted, it would have not only solved the employment problem facing local immigrants, but also promoted the development of business and service industry in the surrounding area.

A Better Tomorrow Is Waiting for Me and Kachin State

Muang La Kong is a grade-six primary school student this year. A few days ago, he joined the painting competition themed by "A Better Tomorrow Is Waiting for Me and Kachin State" in the resettlement village and carried off a prize with great pleasure.

To help the immigrants’ relocation due to the construction of Myitsone dam, ACHC constructed resettlement villages on both sides of Ayeyawady River. In there, modernized facilities are available in all varieties, such as kindergartens, schools, hospitals, post offices, churches and markets. At present, residents from the Myitsone dam have embarked on a new life in the migrant villages.