The New Mon State Party (NMSP) objected to the use of coal power for a cement factory in Mon State. Nai Win Hla, NMSP central executive committee member and officer-in-charge of Home Affairs, said the party has no problem with the building of the cement factory, but it’s against the use of coal power which will cause damage to the environment. He cautioned against big investments in Mon State until all conflicts between the government and ethnic armed groups are resolved.
“If the public lose their rights and the environment is damaged from investment projects the NMSP will stand by the public’s side to help and protect against it,” said Nai Win Hla.
NMSP released a statement criticizing the Siam Cement Group/Mawlamyine Cement Ltd. (SCG/MCL) failure in informing residents about the use of coal power for a cement factory near Kaw Don-Kaw Panaw village in Kyaikmaraw Township. SCG/MCL just announced its plans to use coal even though construction is nearing completion.
MCL’s Managing Director Mr. Wijit Terasarun told the IMNA the factory is expected to be operational by the middle of this year. They have invested US$272.56 in the factory that will produce 5,000 tons of cement each day. SCG/MCL is allowed to import 30,000 tons of coal to power it.
Myanmar Investment Commission is allowing June Cement Industry Company Ltd. to build cement factories near Kaw Don, Kaw Panaw, Kun Ngan, and Mei Ka Yo villages, all in Kyaikmaraw Township, Mon State.
