Myanmar Developer Assures No Village Relocations in Mandalay Urban Project

In a recent statement, Sepine Company, the authorized developer of the Amarapura Urban Development Project near Mandalay, Myanmar, clarified that no villages have been relocated as a result of the project. The company emphasized that the project area, which spans 2,500 acres, was publicly announced by plot numbers in 2016, and that residents of Shan Lay Kyun Village, the only village within the project area, have not been required to relocate.

The project, which has an initial investment of 500 billion kyats (US$238,095), aims to develop a planned urban area in Amarapura Township, Mandalay. According to Zaw Ye Win, director of the Amarapura Urban Development Project, the company has worked hard to develop the project in accordance with ethical standards and has implemented measures to support the development of Shan Lay Kyun Village.

Despite the company's assurances, there have been reports of illegal subdivision and sale of plots within the project area. In response, the Township Farmland Management Committee issued an order under Section 19 (c, d) of the Farmland Law, requiring current residents to leave the farmland and remove buildings built without permission by August 14.

The situation has sparked concerns among local residents, who held a meeting with parliamentarians on August 5 to discuss their demands. The company has responded by offering to provide necessary documents to those who have not contacted the company yet and has agreed to pay for lawyer's fees to help them recover their money from illegal plot sellers.

Additionally, the company has announced that it will provide social assistance to those who have built illegal plots of land in the project area, including reimbursement for building values. However, this assistance will not be provided to those who have quickly built buildings.

The Amarapura Urban Development Project has been underway since 2016, with the master plan first announced and implementation beginning in the same year. The project covers a significant area, including 500 acres east of the Mandalay city ring road and 2,000 acres to the west.

In January 2025, a protest was held by locals in Shan Lay Kyun Village, who demanded compensation for damage to crops caused by the project, replacement of the village cemetery, and reopening of the village's western entrance road. The protest highlighted the need for the company to engage with local communities and address their concerns.

In conclusion, while the Amarapura Urban Development Project has sparked concerns among local residents, the company has taken steps to address these concerns and ensure that the project is developed in a responsible and sustainable manner. As the project continues to progress, it is essential that the company maintains its commitment to transparency and community engagement.