Environmental impacts of Thilawa project informed to locals

Thilawa SEZ Management Committee organized a meeting on August 23 to inform the local residents about possible consequences of the first phase of Thilawa Special Economic Zone Project.

Located in Thanlyin Township of Yangon suburb, Thilawa Special Economic Zone Project is a joint venture between Myanmar and Japanese governments.

Japan-based Nippon Koei Company and Resource and Environment Myanmar are together conducting the environmental and social impact assessments [EIA/SIA] of Thilawa project. A team of the representatives have explained their findings to the local people during the meeting on Friday, said Set Aung, the chairperson of Thilawa SEZ Management Committee.

"Independent companies are taking EIA/SIA of Thilawa Special Economic Zone Project. They have been chosen on the tender basis. Seven companies applied for it, and one was picked. According to the EIA procedures, the locals have been informed once about the project six months ago, before EIA process started. Now, the company conducting EIA is explaining to the locals," he said.

Thilawa SEZ is to be implemented in two phases. In the first phase, various factories including automobile plants and electronic-product manufacturing factories will be set up on the 5930-acre land. In the second phase, more plants including garment factories and food processing units will be erected.
The preliminary EIA report of Thilawa SEZ is expected to be released in September. Environmental management plan for the first phase of Thilawa SEZ will also be circulated to the respective government departments and organizations, according to Thilawa SEZ Management Committee.