A satellite-linked real-time monitoring system will be installed at the Myitsone Dam and its planned hydropower project in Kachin State to monitor the dam’s structural strength in real time, said U Khet Htein Nan, the junta-appointed Kachin State chief minister.

U Khet Htein Nan made the claim at the 14th meeting with local communities to facilitate the implementation of the Myitsone project, held at an indoor venue in Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State, on April 25.

He hailed the meeting as an important step toward meeting Kachin State’s electricity needs and promoting regional development. U Khet Htein Nan added that the Myitsone Dam would benefit the region by improving electricity supply, supporting overall development and living standards, and creating new job opportunities.

He acknowledged at the meeting that the Myitsone Dam project would fail if locals continued to oppose it.

Construction of the Myitsone Dam, a major Chinese-backed infrastructure project, has stalled due to public opposition. Kachin State authorities have now held 14 public meetings to persuade locals to agree to the project’s resumption.

One main reason for opposition to the Myitsone Dam’s construction is its proximity to a major seismic fault. However, junta authorities assured that the dam will be built to withstand earthquakes up to magnitude 8, and the project is expected to take five to 10 years to complete.

Since April 18, cities and towns in Kachin State—including Myitkyina, Waingmaw, Monghnyin, Mogaung, Hopin, and Nanmar—have experienced power outages due to two weeks of maintenance work at the Chipwinge Hydroelectric Power Plant in Chipwi Township, Kachin State.