Tahan Market Construction

Tahan market construction halted by authorities Khonumthung News 19 April 2007 Shop owners have been ordered by local authorities to discontinue construction work of Tahan market in Kalay Myo, Sagaing Division. The reconstruction of the market, which was destroyed in a fire last year, envisaged having two floors. But the authorities objected and shop owners who paid money in advance for the construction took it back from the Market Construction Committee.“They are not giving permission to construct two floors because they are probably afraid that the market will be bigger than Kalay Myo market,” said a local in Tahan. Kalay Myo market has only one floor, so the authorities were not keen on allowing construct of two floors for Tahan market. The authorities cancelled the permit. “Those who paid an advance for the upper floor are taking back their money because the second floor will not be constructed,” another local said. Shop owners had paid the first installment of Kyat 4 lakhs for the construction of the second floor. The second installment was Kyat 450000. Each shop would have cost Kyat 12 lakhs. The installments were paid to the market construction committee. Though some shop owners have taken back their money, they are ready to pay again if construction work continues. The authorities have not given any reason regarding the halt to construction. Local people feel construction was discontinued because there is corruption involved. The Letpanchhaung market is also under construction. It too caught fire and was burnt after Tahan market was gutted in a fire. But construction work is yet to start in Pakokku market which was gutted early this year. Tahan market was gutted in August 2006 and the fire destroyed goods worth Kyat 100 million. The government did not pay any compensation to shop owners. Shop owners are selling their wares from the road side near the market site. Some are paying rent for sitting on people’s lawn to sell their goods. “They pay Kyat 15,000 as rent each month. Since the market does not exist the shop keepers have no other option,” said a local. For Further More Information-Email- khonumthung@ yahoo.com