5 May
Located east of Myanmar, Shan State is the biggest among the 14 States and Regions of Myanmar with an area covering 61090 square miles.
The clouds hovering over the mountain ranges make one wonder if they are actually on top of the world.
Then Shan plateau hosts quite a lot of villages and is home to 5.8 million people in1 self-administrated state, 4 self-administrated areas, 13 districts ( 55 townships and 86 towns).
For the 2018-19 financial year, the Shan State government aimed to produce up to K1,929,584 million worth of goods and services. By the end of the year, the government had an output of goods and services worth K2,007,356 million.
Agriculture and Livestock
The State government was able to grant K75000 million of loans to 130,000 farmers in the span of 3 years the incumbent government has been in office. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also collaborated in an effort to borrow 149 farm equipment units as well as loans up to K6000 million.
Over 29572 acres out of 30831 of abandoned land from the war was restored and given back to the farmers with the rest in progress.
Floods are a constant threat to crop fields. With the construction of dams, trenches, underground trenches and other water drainage systems, 189,740 acres were managed to prevent from flooding. There are also plans to dig wells in the coming year in 17 villages to supply 19225 people with fresh water. Additionally, from 31st Jan 2019, 3563 companies were able to export 313897 cows and 42286 buffalos worth US$430 million.
Education and Health
The literacy rate in Shan State is 73.42%. In an effort to increase the numbers, 30 new schools have been opened through the state. Within three years of the current administration, 1346 additional health centers have been opened. There were also 410 field trips by the doctors to remote areas to treat 62545 patients. ICRC, an international NGO, donated 1800 million Kyats to Kyein Tone hospital for a 40-bed rehabilitation center. JICA contributed K8340 million as well for the expansion of the Lashio General Hospital.
Infrastructure
To rewire the electric lines that have been damaged during natural disaster, K33 million were invested in 2018 alone. “In 2018-19, there was an increase of 770,000 people who had access to electricity,” explains the State Chief Minister.
Trade
Within the past three years, US$4293 million worth of goods and services crossed the Muse 105 mile trade zone on 287,166 vehicles. Five more investments have been approved as well as other US$27.1 million of foreign investment and US$446284 million domestic investment.
Hotel and Tourism
The State Minister comments “During the past three years of our government, we approved 1270 licenses for hotel and hostels, 291 tour operators, 7206 transportation operator licenses and 569 guide licenses.” There are also plans in place to open waterfalls, ethnic villages, elephant sanctuaries as well as additional routes along the Mekong river.
Social Sector
There have been numerous camps to accommodate for the people fleeing the KIA/ TNLA/ MNDAA/AA war zone territories. The Union donated 138 million Kyats along with supplies worth 65 million Kyats for rehabilitation efforts. The Shan State government also donated K2.2 million along with supplies worth 29 million Kyats as well. Companies donated 1 million Kyats and 13 million worth of supplies with NGOs and other private donors donating 98 million Kyats and K456 million worth of supplies. Total donations combine to almost 800 million Kyats.
Low-cost Housing and Philanthropy
The Shan State government officials’ accommodation were constructed with funding from the State government. A total of 716 rooms from 34 buildings were constructed. In Taung Gyi, the government was able to house -with a lottery system- 119 households who are considered low-income and/or pensioners. In 2018-19, the social security for people above 85 years of age was increased to 10,000 Kyats. During the past three years, the state have distributed up to 29 million Kyats to support retirement homes, youth organizations and kindergartens.
The State government, elected by the people, is in charge of the state and its people’s welfare, the administration aims to choose policies and projects that will benefit the people.
Translated by Myat Thu
By Shin Min, Photos: Aye Than
