Chinese Dam project damage the Local people

China urged to review dam policy

Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)

December 3, 2007 - Lack of transparency in constructing dams and hydroelectric projects by Chinese companies in Burma has impacted severely on the environment, villages and local residents, and threatens negative repercussions for China as well, according to a Burmese environmentalist group.

In a press statement released today, the Burma Rivers Network (BRN) discloses the language of a letter it authored to the President of China, Hu Jintao, outlying its case as to why the proposed infrastructure projects should be rethought.

With no proper environmental assessment, dams constructed by Chinese companies have forced thousands of villagers to relocate and caused environmental destruction, says BRN.

"These projects are being conducted with a complete lack of transparency, no environmental or social impact studies, and no notification of intent to local communities," continues BRN.

Campaigners say that within the last five years at least ten Chinese companies have been involved in an estimated 20 major hydropower projects in Burma, with an energy generating capacity of around 30,000 megawatts and costing well over $30 billion.

"Though the local people will see a little progress, like in the construction of roads, buildings and a meager supply of electricity, the junta will gain a large sum of foreign income by selling the electricity, which will prolong military rule in Burma," Aung Ngyeh, secretary of BRN, says.

Ngyeh adds that local residents are neither given prior notice nor asked for their consent regarding construction projects.

"Dam construction spoils the livelihoods of the people as most of the people living around dam sites have to relocate and most of their agricultural lands will be inundated," points out Ngyeh.

BRN further argues that revenue from the projects would go toward the purchase of more arms and lead to the increased suppression of local communities, who already find themselves suffering human rights abuses at the hands of the military in an attempt to secure ethnically dominated regions in proximity to proposed construction sites.

"Any dam construction will therefore compound the suffering of ethnic people living in both ceasefire and non-ceasefire areas, many of whom have already become internally displaced people or refugees," argues the letter.

Ultimately the displacement of human populations will not be confined inside Burma, says BRN, warning that migratory human flows across international borders, including that with China, will lead not only to refugee problems but also to the spread of disease, including HIV/AIDS.

According to BRN the dams will also negatively affect the image of China in the opinion of the international community.

Recognizing the commendable legislation governing dam-building inside China, as well as its stated foreign policy of fostering "peaceful development," activists urge the Chinese government to commensurate standards for its companies operating in Burma.

BRN asks the Chinese government, prior to following through with construction, to implement social and environmental impact studies, while making public the findings of the studies and details of proposed contracts.

Campaigners say Chinese officials at the consulate in Chiang Mai, Thailand, refused to accept the petition in person.

The appeal is endorsed by over 120 Burmese and international organizations, as well as receiving support from more than 50,000 persons potentially affected by construction of the dams.