Myanmar: Cronies Set Their Sights on Coal in Latest Power Grab

Sep 1, 2014 | Eleven
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Cronies have been granted hydropower projects on Ayeyawady and Thanlwin rivers, including the Myitsone dam, without public notice. Moreover, 23 firms – including companies owned by cronies – were granted hydropower projects and given permission to distribute power in 84 townships across the nation. The tycoons also received the green light to build natural gas-fired power plants.Now, some cronies are eyeing coal-fired power plants, despite the harmful effects these projects can have on local communities and the environment. Local communities will see their land confiscated and the air they breathe polluted, scientists, environmentalists and other groups warn.