The wastewater treatment plant in the leather and vermicelli section of the Monywa industrial zone is now 60 per cent complete, said U Wei Tint, who runs a vermicelli business and is the chair of the wastewater treatment plant construction committee.
The plant was scheduled to be completed by the end of this year.
“At present, the construction is 60-per cent complete. We still need to install machines and equipment. Those machines have arrived in Yangon. In early June, mechanic experts worked on further operations. The committee signed an agreement with a Denmark delegation to construct the wastewater treatment plant by 31 December, 2019. They are scheduled to complete construction by the end of October so that they can start trial operations in November and December. We have made a dam to separate industrial effluents and pond water,” said U Wei Tint.
A year ago, 15 businessmen from the Monywa industrial zone joined hands to set up the wastewater treatment plant. The Asian Foundation contributed K40 million to them for laboratory analysis of sewage and pollution and for the wastewater treatment process.
“Upon completion, the treatment plant will ensure a healthy environment in its surrounding area. Currently, there are 15 factories that produce industrial wastewater. If three factories which have suspended operations resume business, they will join the wastewater treatment cycle,” said public relations officer of the committee U Kyaw Myint.
The plant will be 200-400 feet wide. Wastewater produced by nine vermicelli factories, one paper factory, and five leather factories will be stored in a lake and then, it will travel to the plant through pipes and pumps. Thereafter, it will undergo filtering and testing and finally, the treated water will be added to the ponds.
“The construction of the plant is estimated to cost K1,500-2,000 million. Therefore, it could not be financed by the 15 businesses as they could bring in only K750 million. Fortunately, they linked with an organization funded by the Denmark government and received a contribution of K750 million. The Denmark delegation also provided a K170-million biogas generator and other equipment valued at K40 million,” said U Wei Tint.
After the wastewater treatment plant is complete, it will be operated in three shifts. Training courses will also be conducted for employees. — Myo Win Tun (Monywa)
(Translated by Ei Myat Mon)
