KNU responds to backlash on hydropower project

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KNU responds to backlash on hydropower project



YANGON: -- After being criticised for signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on a hydropower dam project, the Karen National Union (KNU) released a statement saying that it will ensure local communities are involved in decision-making and benefit sharing, The Irrawaddy reported.

The statement, published on Friday, declared that the group’s business body, Thoolei Company Limited, “will not ignore opinions of local communities and engage in activities that might lead to human rights violations.”

The group also promised to “undertake… a feasibility study of international standard” which would measure the project’s social and environmental impact.

The statement came after the KNU company faced a local backlash after signing an MoU on the Baw Ka Hta River hydropower project with the Myanmar government on Feb 18 in Naypyidaw.

Critics, including Karen environmentalists, said the MoU was signed without proper assessments of the dam’s consequences and with a lack of consultation with affected civilians in Kyaukkyi Township, Pegu Division.

The KNU responded by stating that the agreement was not for “the realization” of the Baw Ka Hta dam, as was reported by some sources, but for a “project feasibility study report” that will reportedly last for a period of 24 months.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/content/152962


-- Thai PBS 2016-03-01