YANGON-The first international-standard Myanmar Aquarium including an underwater wing is being constructed in Kandawgyi Gardens in Yangon and is expected to complete in 2020, says Director Tin Maung Tun from Mottma Development Group implementing the Aquarium project.

Under the leadership of Yangon Region Government, the Yangon Ecological Aquarium has been cooking since 2016.

“An underwater world will be involved in the first aquarium project. We had to think about the safety of people. The rough construction tasks of the building have finished. Interior design and fish tanks still remain. We are going to strive for completion of all construction tasks by 2020,” said Tin Maung Tun.

It is being developed on five acres of land and while the old aquarium only exhibited freshwater fish, the new aquarium will display both saltwater and freshwater fishes.

Domestic fish species from southern to northern parts of Myanmar will be displayed. There will be over 30 exhibitions including an underwater section, training areas related to the fishery industry as well as food-stalls and shops of fishery products and related items.

“When Yangon Region Government had offered the tender, we wanted to build an international-standard aquarium for the public. Plans are underway to offer discounts for all classes and schools. We’ve already discussed affordable entrance fees with the Yangon Region Government Committee,” said Tin Maung Tun.

Myanmar Investment Commission gave green light to Yangon’s first international-standard aquarium with initial total investment amount of US$30 million.

Due to an increase of investment in building the aquarium, the project has been submitted to the Yangon Region Government and the rent period is 40 years under the permission of Fishery Department.