Mawlamyine Township, Mon State: Owners of shops on U Zin Maung Road, near the airport, and in front of Mawlamyine University are petitioning the State Military Council to stop their relocation, due to the planned construction project to expand the airport.
The area is a popular hangout area for Mawlamyine University students, and many of the shops have been there for more than 30 years.
The relocation plan is problematic because shop owners were required to sign renewal contracts for their space every six months, with rental payments ranging from 15,000 to 50,000 kyats per month.
However, the Mon State Military Council issued a letter instructing owners of market stalls to relocate their operations by February 2nd.
More than 15 shops have been identified for relocation. Some operators have moved, but others are having trouble moving. Another 15 shopping malls, restaurants, grocery stores and pharmacies are for sale.
The petition has been submitted to the relevant authorities, according to one grocery store owner.
“I’m in a bit of trouble right now, so I’m filing a petition. I have a child who needs to take the 10th grade exam, and I need to keep my business operating, so I filed a petition,” said the woman.
Another store owner, at risk of losing their business, said, “We bought this shop just 6 months ago. I paid the money in December. Then the letter to relocate came in January, it will be a financial difficulty to move to another place. Elsewhere a shop and a residential building like this costs more than 300,000. I don’t have much money. If we destroy this place, we will have to start from scratch,” she said.
