Eleven Myanmar

A+ A A-

Repair of KIO’s power plant delayed amid conflict in area

The repair of power cables of the Mali Hydropower plant in Kachin state will continue to be delayed for some time, according to the Bukar Co which operates the plant.

The power plant and the company belong to the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) and it supplies electricity to Myitkyina and Waingmaw townships as well as the Northern Command of Myanmar (a government military base).

Conflict between Kachin Independence Army, a military wing of the KIO, and the government army on December 24 damaged the plant’s power cables, leading to power cut in the region.

“The damaged site is about 7 miles from the plant. According to our study, the three cables were cut. We hope to solve the problem soon. Now we are waiting for the security green light from the state government,” Hla Aung, a senior engineer from Bukar Co, said.

The company sent 40 electricians to the repair site earlier on December 29. However, the group had to retreat to Myitkyina after three bomb blasts near their car on Maliyan Bridge. No casualties were reported then.

This time, the company has requested the KIA and the government for necessary security measures to carry out the repairs.

With a capacity to supply 10.5 megawatts of electricity, the Mali hydropower plant employs 200 personnel and earns 260 million kyats (US$300,000) per month for the KIO.

Login or Register

LOG IN

Register

User Registration
or Cancel