Some locals from the Dawei Special Economic Zone project area in Taninthayi Region have no chance to clearly be informed about land compensation and land purchases as land plots are being bought through brokers, according to a ceremony to introduce a report surrounding community voice and general perspectives.
"We knew about the project only when bulldozers came. We were not informed. Land purchase is different from land compensation. Knowing what was happening here, the company came to the village. They bought pieces of land through brokers. It will be difficult to negotiate when compensation is paid. It is very complicated," said adviser Bo Bo from Earth Rights International (ERI).
In paying land compensations in a project, compensations were paid by the company concerned, the company and government, village administrators or brokers.
According to the report launching ceremony, the local people from the above project area do not know if they have received compensations in line with a certain government-recognized law.
"It is not clear whether the compensations they received from the village head came from the company or the government. It is not clear if the money the company paid is for compensation or purchases. If it is compensation, there must be the law to follow," said Bo Bo.
The report was compiled by ERI after a survey conducted from July to December last year. The draft report came out earlier this year. Interviews were conducted with 88 men and 43 women in individuals and groups.
According to the Dawei SEZ management committee, preparations are being made to finalize the project land lease in accord with the international practices, and it will be sent to the Italian-Thai company for signing.
Dr Tun Naing, committee chairman and deputy minister for electricity and energy, said it had taken about one year to discuss the signing of the land lease for the project, stressing the need for SPV company formed for the project to help achieve success. He also spoke of the need to open a company office in Myanmar.
