Manipur Hydropower Project to be implemented if companies interested in JV/BOT system during peaceful and stable period

The Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Electricity and Energy, U Aye Kyaw, stated that there are plans to continue the Manipur Hydropower Project in Kale Township, Kale District, Sagaing Region, if there are companies interested in implementing it through a Joint Venture (JV) or Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) system during a peaceful and stable period in the region. This statement was made in response to a question raised by U Thein Hlaing, the National Assembly representative for Constituency No. 7 in Sagaing Region, during the National Assembly session held on July 16th. He inquired about the plans for the continuation of the Manipur Hydropower Project in Kale Township, Kale District, Sagaing Region, and the timeframe for its implementation if such plans exist. Deputy Minister U Aye Kyaw of the Ministry of Electricity and Energy stated that if the Manipur Hydropower Project is implemented through a private investment system, the Union budget, including foreign currency, can be utilized more effectively in other necessary areas of the state. He added that if there are no parties interested in implementing it through a private investment system, the ministry will seek policy approval from the state to continue its implementation using the Union budget. Regarding technical aspects, Deputy Minister U Aye Kyaw of the Ministry of Electricity and Energy mentioned that there are some challenges at the project site, including the presence of fault lines, seismic history, and topographical conditions. He noted that the project area falls within a high seismic zone, and therefore, it will be necessary to recalculate and redesign the dam and related hydropower structures to withstand earthquakes. The Manipur Hydropower Project is a multipurpose project that should be continued for the generation of electricity and the supply of water for irrigation. He also stated that the implementation of the Manipur Hydropower Project will help prevent annual flooding along the Myittha River basin and the Chindwin River. The Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Electricity and Energy, U Aye Kyaw, reiterated that there are plans to continue the project if companies are interested in a JV/BOT system during a peaceful and stable period for the entire Manipur Hydropower Project area.