Sagaing Region government is planning to implement Nantpanga hydropower project worth over Ks 20 billion in Homalin Township.

The project is expected to generate four megawatts of electricity and six billion Kyats has been prepared for the project for this financial year. The ministry will call for tender soon, said Soe Oo, the regional minister for finance on February 11.

“We are distressed that locals have to pay Ks500 per unit for electricity here. It is a hindrance for the development of the area. We conducted a survey, which cost Ks340 million, for the project last year. There are companies which applied for the project. The project is expected to cost over Ks 20 billion roughly. We cannot fulfill other requirements as one project cost billions of Kyats,” said the minister.

The locals from Homalin are depending on the electricity supplied from the private sector and some are still using solar energy and candlelight.

“Pho Thi Cho Company is distributing electricity in Homalin but the electricity bill is expensive as they rely on running diesel generators to supply electricity. There are people who cannot afford the electricity bill. We have to give about Ks 20,000 for using lighting for personal use. We are glad that we heard about the project and we want it to implement as soon as possible,” said a local.

Townships in upper Chindwin River in Sagaing Region are depending on private sector for electricity as they have no access to national grid yet.