Some villages near Mobye Dam in Phegon Township, southern Shan State, are facing difficulty as Ks200,000 per household is being collected from them by promising that they will have access to electricity before the general election this year, villagers said.

“The government allotted a budget for 2020. The budget is for electricity installation in Naunglai Village, three villages upstream the dam and Shwesan Village. The project is said to be finished by 2020. We will be happy if we have electricity access. But I have a mixed feeling. When electricity comes, a transformer is needed in Hsimilaw Village. We need to pay for this. Then, about Ks200,000 is for a meter box,” said Khun Maung Ann from Yan Village.

About 100,000 acres of farmland and nine villages were submerged when Mobye Dam was constructed. Twenty five villages near the dam which earn their livelihoods from agriculture have yet to enjoy electricity.  

“Before the 2015 election also, we were promised electricity access. But it didn’t work. We were promised again now before the election. Lamp posts are being erected. I don’t know if we have access to electricity,” he commented.

Local people said before elections, they were promised electricity and better roads.