Coal power plant shut down in Shan State for upgrade

WWW.ELEVENMYANMAR.COM

A 120 megawatt coal-fired power plant in Shan State has been shut down because of its environmental impact on nearby areas. The plant will be upgraded and run by a private operator.

The deputy minister for electric power Maw Thar Htwe told reporters this news after attending a ceremony to offer robes to monks in Paunglaung Township on Saturday.

Tigit Coal-fired Plant is located between Taunggyi and Hopong townships. Local people alleged the factory dumped its waste into Baluchaung Creek, which flows into Inle Lake.

“People talked about the impacts of coal. Tigit power plant is also in a very bad condition. You say the people are facing troubles – so we’ve stopped it,” Maw Thar Htwe said.

Local people said they suffered from skin diseases because of ash from the coal-fired plant.

“Now, we’ve invited tenders [for renovation of the plant]. Two have already bid tenders,” the deputy minister said. “The government won’t run the plant any longer. We will contract with a party to renovate, upgrade and run the plant with new technology.”

“We’re negotiating on fair price. One bidder offered reasonable rates. We hope renovation will be able to begin by December. There are portions that must be replaced. Some new parts will also be required,” he said.