Electrical industry of burma/myanmar

Additional references:
See below: ‘Solar power seen as solution for remote villages’ (MT: 06/10/03)
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INDUSTRIAL ZONES RECOVERING FROM CYCLONE

Ye Lwin, Myanmar Times, 26/05/08. http://mmtimes.com/no420/b005.htm

Myanmar's industrial capacity was dealt a heavy blow by cyclone Nargis, which inflicted total or partial destruction on 70 percent of Yangon’s 2500 factories, depriving most of them of electrical power. More than 60pc of the 496 factories, including power stations, operating in Hlaing Tharyar Industrial Zone, Myanmar’s biggest, suffered damage, and more than 150 lamp posts were felled.
But reconstruction is now under way in all industrial zones in Yangon, and an official from the management committee said on May 20 that most are expected to resume operations, with electricity, before the end of the month. All the lamp posts destroyed in the zone had already been repaired two weeks after the cyclone struck, U Myat Thin Aung, president of the Hlaing Tharyar Industrial Zone management committee told The Myanmar Times. “Almost every factory halted operations for a week for repairs after the cyclone. Right now, all but 28 of our 496 factories are operating.
There are about 120,000 workers employed in all Yangon’s industrial zones, including 39,000 workers in Hlaing Tharyar Industrial zone. Though most factories suspended operations while undergoing repairs, workers are still being paid in every factory, U Myat Thin Aung said.
U Thant Zin Tun, managing director of MGS Beverages Co Ltd, said his factory in Shwe Pyi Thar Industrial Zone was running non-stop to produce urgently needed purified drinking water. “We are running our own generator, so production costs are very high due to the current price of fuel. The cost will fall if we get regular electricity,” U Thant Zin Tun said.
Yangon, which consumes nearly half the country’s electricity, uses 530 megawatts (MW). Of this, 400MW is for domestic consumption and 120MW for industry. The management committee is still assessing storm damage, but it is feared that losses in the industrial zone are severe, and some factories do not carry insurance.
Additional references:
For a complete listing of articles on the impact of Cyclone Nargis, see: ‘Impact of Cyclone Nargis on Myanmar’s electricity sector’.
Han Oo Khin, MT, 17/11/08. http://mmtimes.com/no445/b004.htm

Nail producers in Hlaing Tharyar IZ report that Myanmar nails now beat [the prices] of those produced in China. They expect to maintain their lead until at least the end of the year, says the manager of Myanmar Region Industries, U Moe Hein. “Now we are making a profit because raw materials prices are 45pc lower than in August. The selling price has also dropped by 18pc from last year”. Last year Chinese nails held down 80pc of the market because they were cheaper – and shinier – than Myanmar nails. But now, Myanmar is clawing back its share. In Yangon this week, Chinese nails costs K1700 per viss, while Myanmar nails were K1680 (1 viss equals 1.6 kilograms or 3.6 pounds). The main reason for the price increase in the Chinese product are transportation costs, which have risen by 25pc since Cyclone Nargis, U Moe Hein said, adding: “After Cyclone Nargis, we got 20 hours of electricity, instead of the eight hours we used to get before that. So we could save the cost of generator fuel, which also helped to bring our prices down.” Late last year, Myanmar Region Industries stopped production when the price of iron topped U$1000 per tonne. But when prices almost halved to $550 per tonne in July, the company resumed production.

NLM, 03/08/08. http://mission.itu.ch/MISSIONS/Myanmar/08nlm/n080803.htm

Lt-Gen Myint Swe of MoD attended the co-ordination meeting of the management committee for industrial zones in Yangon Division held at the hall of Yangon Command HQ. . . . He said remarkable progress has been achieved in reconstruction tasks in the storm-hit areas. Arrangements are being made for supplying of power to industrial entrepreneurs of Yangon Division to carry out production at full capacity,

Ye Lwin, Myanmar Times, 14/07/08. http://www.mmtimes.com/no427/b004.htm

U Myat Thin Aung, patron of the Myanmar Industrial Association (MIA), told The Myanmar Times last week that damage to Yangon’s industrial sector is estimated at about $800 million. Of the more than 5380 factories in all of Yangon’s industrial zones, about 4,000 were destroyed or damaged by Nargis. Hlaing Tharyar IZ, the biggest in terms of foreign direct investment and workforce, was hit hard: 340 of its 800 factories were damaged. Domestic economists, led by Dr Maung Aung, a senior economist and researcher at the Economic Studies and Research Institute, suggested that special low interest loans should be provided to affected companies to aid their speedy recovery. “If financial resources are provided by international or domestic financial institutions, they will continue to run their business and rebuild productivity on their own,” said U Myat Thin Aung. A particularly hard-hit sector was rice milling: About 95pc of mills within the affected areas were damaged or destroyed, said Dr Maung Aung. “People in the delta depend on rice milling and finding the funding to rebuild the sector should be considered urgent,” he said. Rice milling in Myanmar is the preserve of small and medium enterprises and provides a critical bridge between rice farmers, traders and consumers, he said. “If we’re unable to get this industry back on its feet there’s a possibility that distribution will stall. “One rice mill supports an average of 50 farmers in rural areas, so it’s crucial to get this up and running again,” he said.

NLM, 06/07/08. http://mission.itu.ch/MISSIONS/Myanmar/08nlm/n080706.htm

PM Thein Sein, accompanied by the director-general of the Government Office and dept heads visits the factory of the Myanmar Lighting Manufacturing Co Ltd in the Shwepyitha IZ. They are welcomed there by Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the MoD, Chairman of Yangon DPDC Win Myint, Yangon Mayor Aung Thein Lin and officials, Chairman Sein Wam of Mynamar Lighting and responsible persons. The PM is briefed on production at the factory by U Sein Wan, on the supply of electricity by U Khin Maung Soe of the YESB and on arrangements for the factory building by D-G Aung Win of DHSHD. In response to the reports, the PM explains that power generated by hydropower projects will be supplied to the factories in the IZs. Industrialists are to strive to develop sound agrobased industries that will foster the the economic growth of the State.

NLM, 02/07/08. http://mission.itu.ch/MISSIONS/Myanmar/08nlm/n080702.htm

When Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the MoD visited Kamanat main subpower station of MEPE in Bago on 01/07/08. he was welcomed by EPM No 2 Khin Maung Myint, D-G Tin Aung of the EPSE, Ch of YEPSB Khin Maung Soe and officials. Lt-Gen Myint Swe was briefed on the erection of concrete towers along the 61-mi-long, 230-kV Kamanat -Thanlyin main power line project and the 40-mile-long, 230-kV Kamanat – Myaungtaga power line. Pointing out that these lines were required to supply the electric power demand in Yangon, he called for speedy completion of the tasks in building them. This was necessary, he said, so that more power could be supplied to the industrial zones including Myaungtaga IZ.

NLM, 27/06/08. http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs5/NLM2008-06-27.pdf

EPM No 2 Khin Maung Myint checks on the supply of electricity at Mawtin (Seikkan) sub-power station in Yangon and urges officials to carry out the installation of power lines systematically. He and his party go on to Thitdaw computerized sub-power station on Bayintnaung Road in Insein township where they inspect transformers, the supply of electricity and the condition of the high-tension tower of the Hlawga-Hlinethaya-Seikkyi-khanaungto 33-kV Hline river crossing power line in Shwelinban IZ in Hlinethaya township and give instructions on the durability of towers, installation of power lines and matters related to the supply of electricity. A 33-kV power line is being installed between the main power station in Hlinethaya and Seikkyi-Khanaungto and work is continuing on the installation of power lines in Shwelinban IZ and the erection of powerline posts in No 4 IZ in Hlinethaya. Work is also continuing on the 33-kV power line from Hlinethaya main power station to Khanaungto, Kawhmu and Kungyangon. At the Mingaldon Airport sub-power station, the minister inspects the condition of the transformers. At Sule Centre Point sub-power station in Pabedan township, the Minister and party check on the installation of dry type transformers and the installation of transformers at sub-power station in Dagon township.

Sann Oo, Myanmar Times, 16/06/08. http://www.mmtimes.com/no423/b002.htm

Officials from the Department of Fisheries say the export of fisheries products during the past two months of the current fiscal year has earned the country about US$72 million. Though exports fell during May, officials claimed they were slowly reviving to normal levels. “After Cyclone Nargis hit, normal trade had resumed by May 9, and border trade by May 5,” said one department official.” An official from the Myanmar Fisheries Products Processors and Exporters Association said processing factories were running normally, thanks to regular electricity supply.

Xinhua, 12/06/08. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-06/12/content_8353914.htm

About 95pc of the 800 factories in industrial zone of Hlaingtharya have resumed operations after being seriously damaged in Cyclone Nargis. 156 power poles in the zone which supply electricity had to be replaced, according to a report from the administrative committee. During the storm, most of the roofs of the factories were blown to pieces and operations had to be suspended. The industrial zone sustained property losses of K 3 billion (US$ 2.7 million).

NLM, 10/06/08. http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs5/NLM2008-06-10.pdf

At a meeting organized by Yangon Division Industrial Zones Management Committee Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the MoD thanked entrepreneurs and companies for contributing much towards the speedy restoration of business following Cyclone Nargis. He said factories should boost production of construction materials to assist reconstruction efforts. Officials were to co-ordinate in order to fulfill the requirements of the entrepreneurs. Private entrepreneurs were to improve their production. Lt-Gen Myint Swe was then briefed on the assistance being provided to develop the industrial sector and on the requirements of the industrial zones.

NLM, 28/05/08. http://www.foreverspace.com.mm/newspapers%5C08%5C5%5C28508newsn2.pdf

EPM No 2 Khin Maung Myint meets with members of the supervisory committees and businessmen from IZ Nos 1, 2 and 3 [in South Dagon township] and signs off on a plan for the reconstruction of cable connection and supply of power to the zones. At the sub-power station in Dagon South the minister checks on power supply from the station and the condition of the transformers there.

NLM, 24/05/08. http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/NLM2008-05-24.pdf

Labour Minister Aung Kyi visited Hlinethaya and Shwepyitha industrial zones and inspected the running of factories which were damaged by the cyclone. Of 2,830 factories in industrial zones in Yangon, 550 were damaged by the storm. Thanks to the co-operative efforts of the factory owners and workers and employees of the ministries, 2,757 factories can run at full capacity to date. Almost cent per cent of the labourers are working at the factories to boost productivity. Efforts are being made to re-open the other seventy-three factories which were damaged by the storm.

Xinhua, 24/05/08. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-05/24/content_8244033.htm

Yangon's biggest industrial zone, which was seriously destroyed in a recent severe cyclone storm, has partly resumed operation with half of the 800 factories going into production again, the local weekly Voice reported.

Quoting the industrial zone administration authorities, the report said the zone has started to produce food, construction materials and plastic. Half of the 157 collapsed lampposts which carry electricity had been rapidly repaired and re-installed. During the storm, most of the roofs of the factories in the industrial zone were blown to pieces, it said. The industrial zone sustained a property loss of 3 billion Kyats (2.7 million U.S. dollars), the report added.
NLM, 20/05/08. http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/NLM2008-05-20.pdf

Industry Minister No 1 Aung Thaung inspects damage caused by Cyclone Nargis to No 2 Soap Factory on 17/05/08. The damage has been repaired and the factory has restarted operations and is producing at 60pc of capacity. He goes on to other factories in Yangon operated by his ministry and instructs officials to increase production.

NLM, 21/05/08. http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/NLM2008-05-21.pdf

EPM No 2 Khin Maung Myint met with industrialists of IZ No 1 in Shwepyitha township on 20/05/08 and checked on the control and supply of electric power. At Hlawgar sub-power station in Mingaladon township, the minister heard reports by officials on the construction of power lines and distribution of electricity. He then looked into the replacement of nine pylons at the Pyinmabin IZ sub-power station in Mingaladon township. The minister and party also inspected the setting up of 33-kV pylons along the Hlinethaya-Nyaungdon road in Hlinethaya township and on Sethmu-1 street in Yankin township and KabaAye Pagoda road.

NLM, 18/05/08. http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/NLM2008-05-18.pdf

At a joint meeting of the YPDC, the YCEPSB, chairmen of the IZs and entrepreneurs on 16/05/08, Yangon Commander Hla Htay Win said that arrangements are being made for factories and workshops in the industrial zones of Yangon to resume commercial operations. These establishments need to restore their power lines, he said. At present 175 MW of electricity is being distributed to downtown Yangon. Next, chairmen of the IZs and officials reported to the commander on work being carried out to resume normal operations at the factories and workshops, the renovation of transformers and return to work by employees. Afterwards, the chairman of the YCEPSB explained measures being taken by the Electricity Supply Board, the Soe Electric Co, the Yangon Transformer Co and and the IZs to restore the power supply as soon as possible.

NLM, 18/05/08. http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/NLM2008-05-18.pdf

EPM No 2 Khin Maung Myint inspected production and distribution of lamp posts at the YCEPSB [factory] in Hlinethaya Township on 16/05/08. While he was there, the minister looked into the production of a "steel fix and steel sieve" to be used in construction of the concrete lamp posts. From there, he went on to inspect the work of skilled technicians erecting pylons and the installation of 33-kV, double circuit power lines linking the [main] sub-power station and the IZs along the Hlinethaya-Nyaungdon motorway. In the afternoon, the minister and Deputy Minister Win Myint oversaw the installation of power lines, connections and the supply of power at the district electrical engineer's office in Ma-ubin.

NLM, 09/05/08. http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/NLM2008-05-09.pdf

EPM No 2 Khin Maung Myint inspected reconstruction of suspension pylon No 57 of Thakayta-Hlawga 230- kV national grid and preparations for supply of power from the power station of No 2 IZ in South Dagon township. He viewed supply of power from Thakayta Natural Gas Turbine and damages to the lamp-post of 66-kV national grid and power lines in South Dagon IZ caused by the storm Nargis.

NLM, 09/05/08. http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/NLM2008-05-09.pdf

Access to electricity has been restored to some wards in South Dagon township. Of the 49 transformers in the township, 24 have been repaired and are in use. Areas which have access to power are along Sipinthaya and Ayeyawun streets and in Industrial Zones 1 and 2. No efforts are being spared to return electricity supply to the remaining wards. Experts from the Ministry of Electric Power are seeking to restore power phase by phase. Power consumption in Yangon before cyclonic storm ‘Nargis’ was in excess of 200 MW. As a result of efforts made by EPM staff over 40 MW is now being supplied.

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MYANMAR’S BIGGEST CITY STILL PARALYZED FIVE DAYS AFTER CYCLONE

New York Times, 08/05/08. http://www.burmanet.org/news/2008/05/08/

Five days after the powerful cyclone struck Yangon, Myanmar’s commercial capital and until Saturday a verdant oasis of wide avenues, is far from back to normal. Thousands of trees lie where they fell, jetties on the Yangon River are collapsed into the water and only a few traffic lights are working across the city of 5 million people. Most of Yangon remains without electricity and even the local branch of the Ministry of Energy has no power.
The death toll in Yangon has been small compared with the devastation in the delta of the Irrawaddy River. The government counts fewer than 400 people killed here compared with the more than 22,000, and by some unofficial estimates possibly tens of thousands more, dead over all in Myanmar since the huge cyclone hit on Saturday. But the inability of the government to clear debris and restore basic utilities like water and power in what is the country’s wealthiest city are a measure of how difficult Myanmar’s overall disaster recovery could be.
Essential equipment — chainsaws, machines capable of lifting heavy debris and helicopters, among many other necessary items — are in short supply or absent altogether. The government has 12 helicopters, but only five of them are operational and can transport supplies to far-flung locations, diplomats here say. In neighborhoods here where soldiers are clearing trees, they are often using small machetes and axes to hack away at thick branches. Others, where workers have chainsaws, look and smell like lumberyards. Basic construction materials are unavailable.
The damage to buildings, many already decrepit, is extensive. The city’s largest hospital, a majestic red-brick building built by the British, lost large portions of its roof during the storm. Crumbling colonial mansions are newly ravaged by wind and rain. Reams of fabric at the neighboring Bogyok Aung San market were soaked by the cyclone and were rolled out onto balconies to dry.
In the wealthy neighborhoods where the generals and diplomats live, groups of soldiers are clearing away debris and workers are perched on rooftops replacing tiles. But in the poorer neighborhoods, “there are no soldiers at all,” said one resident.
Drivers spend three or four hours at gasoline stations to buy two gallons of fuel, the daily allowance by the government. The fuel costs just $2.50 a gallon but on the black market, where many drivers are forced to buy their fuel, the price is four times that. Soldiers sitting under tarps along the side of the road sell the illegal fuel.
Local residents, especially the poor, are struggling to keep up with soaring food costs. There have been scattered reports of looting and if the city remains without power for much longer, diplomats fear that violence could break out. “No power!” said Kyaw, a taxi driver, as he passed the Ministry of Energy building, which serves only as a branch office after the military government moved the capital to a faraway city in the jungle, Naypyidaw.
Compiler’s Note: The articles in this section have been included because of references to the impact of the loss and restoration of electric power in Yangon and surrounding townships following Cyclone Nargis on 2 May 2008. Articles with references to restoration of electric power service in the Irrawaddy delta area will be found under the key article titled, ‘Delta given priority’. For a complete listing of articles on the impact of Cyclone Nargis, see: ‘Impact of Cyclone Nargis on Myanmar’s electricity sector’.

Additional references:
IMNA, 27/06/08. http://www.monnews-imna.com/newsupdate.php?ID=1064

Shop owners in Nandawun market, South Okkalapa township, complained after power supply to the market was disrupted following the cyclone but the Rangoon electricity department did not repair transmission lines. "If the shop owners do not pay we will not repair it," a shop owner told IMNA quoting a civil servant from the electric power department. "We collected a thousand Kyat from each small shop and 3,000-5,000 Kyat from the bigger shops and paid the department on June 24. The next day the power supply was back," the shop owner said. The market has about 5,000 shops and the power and telephone lines snapped after cyclone. North Okkalapa township residents also paid 5000 Kyat for reinstalling power connection after the cyclone.

NLM, 07/06/08. http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs5/NLM2008-06-07.pdf

Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the MoD and party inspect the installation of telephone cables, the cleaning of debris, repairs to power lines and the dredging of drains in downtown Yangon. On Thaton Street in Yangon University, they look into substitution of new lamp-posts to replace damaged ones and in Dagon East township the installation of 6.6-kV power lines along No. 2 Hwy.

AP, 06/06/08. http://www.irrawaddy.org/highlight.php?art_id=12537

Crowds throng Rangoon's markets and street-side stalls, taxis ply the streets with policemen directing cars at intersections where traffic lights are still broken. Electricity has been restored in the more affluent city center, though some residents still lack telephone service.

AFP, 02/06/08. http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5i-tS851hTARRN0W7CAWeqywymubw

Interview with a teacher in Rangoon a month after Cyclone Nargis ripped through the city damaging her family's home and leaving them without running water since. She still has her job teaching English, but her middle-class family is worried about how they will survive the months to come. "My father spent all of his money on repairs," said the 29-year-old, who lives with her parents. Much of the city's water system was damaged by the storm, and without electricity to power the pumps, there's no way to get water into the building where they live. They can rent a generator, but this costs nearly $8 an hour. Pumping water into the building takes about five hours, and the $40 it would cost is more than what some families pay in rent each month. "We'd need to buy fuel on the black market to make the generator work, because fuel is rationed," she said. Fuel prices more than doubled after the storm, though the price has eased a little as supplies have resumed again. For families in top-floor apartments, their bigger priority has been shelter, because many of their roofs were blown away by the storm. The price of corrugated metal has doubled, but people have been forced to buy it because of the daily monsoon rains. "Those who could not afford metal bought tarpaulins. Those who don't have enough money have gone to live somewhere else, and their apartments have been flooded by rain," she added.

NLM, 02/06/08. http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs5/NLM2008-06-02.pdf

Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the MoD and party inspect the repair and installation of power lines and clearing of debris along the Yangon-Nyaungdon Road. At the power station in Hlinethaya Township, they hear reports on the availability and supply of electricity. .

NLM, 30/05/08. http://myanmargeneva.org/NLM2008/eng/5May/n080530.pdf

Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the MoD inspects repair of power lines, reconstruction of damaged buildings and the clearing of the fallen trees in downtown Yangon. New power lines donated by the Republic of Korea are being installed along the Kandawgyi Lake ring road and Natmauk street.

Anglican Diocese of Lichfield, 30/05/08. http://www.lichfield.anglican.org/news&newsID=524

Myanmar Archbishop Stephen Than Myint Oo said: “In Yangon, even after 14 days, many parts remain without electricity. Those who are able have resorted to generators; those who cannot have to rely on candlelight in the night. While most major roads have been cleared, debris and detritus have yet to be completely removed. The work is tedious and labour-intensive. Without electricity supply, piped water supply has been disrupted. Telecommunications have yet to be fully restored.

NLM, 29/05/08. http://www.burmalibrary.org/docs5/NLM2008-05-29.pdf

Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the MoD supervises repair of power lines, reconstruction of damaged buildings and clearing of debris and trees uprooted by the storm in downtown Yangon. Lamp-posts are being replaced along Parami, Yangon-Insein and Mindhamma roads and 33-kV lines re-installed.

NLM, 19/05/08. http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/NLM2008-05-19.pdf

At a meeting in the hall of YCESB on 18/05/08, Deputy EPM No 2 Win Myint reports on priorities being given to the supply of power in Yangon and the installation of power lines in Ayeyawady division. Later EPM No 2 Khin Maung Myint inspects the repair of the power lines along Bayintnaung road in Insein township and the installation of a power line to CNG filling station No 012 in Ywama. The minister also views substitution of pylons and lamp-posts in Mayangon and Bahan townships, and the supply of power from the main Hlinethaya power station to sub-stations No 1 and No 2 in the township. [Photos on p 10 of the print edition of NLM taken inside and outside sub-station No 2.]

Cherry Thein, Myanmar Times, 19/05/08. http://mmtimes.com/no419/b001.htm

Bronze and copper irons are selling like “hot cakes” in Yangon in the past two weeks as people attempt to overcome the lack of electricity and maintain their appearance, say sellers at Shwedagon Pagoda. Bronze irons are filled with charcoal and are a traditional way to iron clothes.

CCTV, 17/05/08. http://www.cctv.com/english/20080517/102148.shtml

Two weeks after the powerful cyclone Nargis swept through Yangon, reconstruction work to repair damage in the city from the disaster is underway, and transport and water supplies have been restored. But it's taking longer for electricity to be reconnected. The reports say prices are rising. However, the government says social order is stable.

NLM, 17/05/08. http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/NLM2008-05-17.pdf

EPM No 2 Khin Maung Myint inspected the repair of 33-kV pylons along the Hlinethaya-Nyaungdon power line. 16 of the pylons were damaged by Cyclone Nargis at the beginning of May. Arrangements are being made to supply power to Nyaungdon and Ma-ubin townships in Ayeyawady Division on 14 May. The minister also looked into reconstruction of pylons used to supply power from the [main] Hlinethaya subpower station to Shwelinban IZ and sub-power stations No 1 and 2, as well as the installation of power lines and repair works. [Article in the print edition of NLM is accompanied by a photo of the interior of the [main] sub-power station in Hlinethaya.]

Staff writer, Los Angeles Times, 16/05/08.

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-fg-ratified16-2008may16,0,84112.story

Many of Yangon’s 7 million people still don't have electricity and running water 13 days after the storm struck. The price of rice has shot up by 50%, the cost of fuel has more than doubled, and other basic needs are sapping meager savings.

NLM, 14/05/08. http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/NLM2008-05-14.pdf

At the meeting hall of Hlinethaya TPDC Office, Information Minister Kyaw Hsan met with the chairman and officials and discussed clearing of debris, tasks for electricity, water and communication, health care services and measures for the speedy delivery of relief supplies to the cyclone victims.

NLM, 14/05/08. http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/NLM2008-05-14.pdf

Caption of a picture on page 7 of the print edition: Service personnel of Hline electrical engineer’s office install power lines for resuming power.

NLM, 13/05/08. http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/NLM2008-05-13.pdf

A meeting about the rehabilitation of storm-hit areas in Yangon and Ayeyawady Divisions was held at the meeting hall of Yangon Command this morning, with an address by Chairman of National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee Prime Minister General Thein Sein. . . . The PM said that in Yangon, commuter service has resumed as usual and power and water supply operates to some extent due to the measures taken by the government.

Irrawaddy On-line, 12/05/08. http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=11979

More than a week after the powerful cyclone Nargis struck Burma, Rangoon—once proudly called “green city”—is still struggling to survive. Most parts of Burma's old capital remain without electricity, although residents told The Irrawaddy that power could be obtained by bribing the authorities.

NLM, 12/05/08. http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/NLM2008-05-12.pdf

At the relief camp opened at Dhammapiti Monastery in Seikkyi-Khanaungto township [across the Hlaing river from Yangon], the Yangon division commander presents K 2 million, 1000 bags of rice and 3,000 bottles of drinking water to storm victims. Yangon DPDC also donated a 5-KVA generator, wires, bulbs and fluorescent lamps worth K 2.6 million to the victims.

Xinhua, 11/05/08. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-05/11/content_8146462.htm

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-05/11/content_8146462_1.htm

Two photos of the destruction caused to the rural electricity distribution system in Kyauktan, south of Thanlyin in Yangon division. The first shows survivors camped next to a fallen electrical pole near Kyauktan more than a week after the cyclone hit the delta area. The surrounding landscape is almost completely denuded of trees. The second shows an electrical pylon lying on top of the Mid-river Pagoda in the town itself. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Australian News Net, 11/05/08. http://www.australiannews.net/story/358217

According to government officials, some electricity supplies have been fixed in parts of Rangoon. More than 4,000 electric workers were mobilised over the weekend to repair the power lines which were downed by falling lamp-posts or trees. Electricity has mostly been restored at the airport, government radio and television stations, hospitals, banks and key factories as well as some residential communities. The electricity authorities claim that 95pc of the city now has access to water supplies.

NLM, 10/05/08. http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/NLM2008-05-10.pdf

On 7 May, EPM No 2 Khin Maung Myint inspected supply of power at Hlinethaya 100-MVA main power station and rebuilding of No 31 pylon of Hlinethaya- Athok 230-kV national grid.The minister also supervised preparations for re-erecting of pylons along Yangon-Hlinethaya road and functions of Hsinmalaik 66-kV power station. The station is supplying power to Hsinmalaik, the Orthopaedic Hospital and the Myanma Shipyard. He also inspected supply of electricity from Thakayta Power Station to Pazundaung, Botahtaung, Kyauktada, Tamway and Mingala Taungnyunt townships through Thida 66-kV subpower station of Pazundaung township.

NLM, 10/05/08. http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/NLM2008-05-10.pdf

Yangon City Electricity Supply Board has been restoring power service to areas of the city where it was knocked out during Cyclone Nargis. A total of 4,247 employees under the ministry together with the chairman and workers of YESB are making concerted efforts for supply of power to the people. [The rest of the article consists of the names of places and buildings in Yangon to which electric power has been restored and the dates between the 3^rd and 8^th of May when service was resumed.

NLM, 09/05/08. http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/NLM2008-05-09.pdf

The National Disaster Preparedness Central Committee held a coordination meeting at the hall of Yangon Command Headquarters on 08/05/08 attended by Chairman of the NDPCC Prime Minister Thein Sein. Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win of of the Yangon DPDC reported on the resumption of local trains and bus lines, sales of fuel for vehicles, the rerunning of factories at Hlinethaya IZ after electricity supply [was restored], opening of rice shops, provision of rice and aids to relief camps and arrangements for the reconstruction of schools, hospitals and dispensaries.

NLM, 09/05/08. http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/NLM2008-05-09.pdf

EPM No 2 Khin Maung Myint inspected reconstruction of suspension pylon No 57 of Thakayta-Hlawga 230- kV national grid and preparations for supply of power from the power station of No 2 IZ in South Dagon township. He viewed supply of power from Thakayta Natural Gas Turbine and damages to the lamp-post of 66-kV national grid and power lines in South Dagon IZ caused by the storm Nargis.

NLM, 09/05/08. http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/NLM2008-05-09.pdf

Access to electricity has been restored to some wards in South Dagon township. Of the 49 transformers in the township, 24 have been repaired and are in use. Areas which have access to power are along Sipinthaya and Ayeyawun streets and in Industrial Zones 1 and 2. No efforts are being spared to return electricity supply to the remaining wards. Experts from the Ministry of Electric Power are seeking to restore power phase by phase. Power consumption in Yangon before cyclonic storm ‘Nargis’ was in excess of 200 MW. As a result of efforts made by EPM staff over 40 MW is now being supplied.

NLM, 09/05/08. http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/NLM2008-05-09.pdf

In Thanlyin township, EPM No 2 Khin Maung Myint supervised the repair of power lines and lamp-posts and efforts to restore electricity. At Kyaikkasan Power Station in Tamway Township, the minister inspected the supply of electricity to urban areas, Yankin Centre and the Central Bank of Myanmar. The minister and party also viewed replacement of power lines and lamp-posts along Saya San Road.

Aung Hla Tun, Reuters, 08/05/08. http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23664830-23109,00.html

Sporadic power and water supplies returned to parts of Rangoon and the prices of basic food dropped, signals of a gradual recovery from the onslaught of Cyclone Nargis. Fuel prices also fell after the junta relaxed its ban on private companies importing fuel to try to alleviate a chronic energy shortage. The staple rice remains costly, but prices have stabilised with roads into the city from the north remaining open despite destruction of homes and other buildings in and around the former capital during the weekend cyclone. About 23,000 people were killed, including nearly 700 in Rangoon, the Government said. More than 42,000 were missing in the worst cyclone to hit Asia since 1991, when 143,000 people were killed in neighbouring Bangladesh. Thailand's largest oil company said it was preparing to send a tanker with $400,000 of fuel for the stricken city, where queues at filling stations stretched several kilometres. Electricity supplies are sporadic at the best of times, making many of Rangoon's five million residents reliant on diesel-powered generators. However, United Nations aid experts said much repair work still needed to be done at Rangoon's port before any tanker can dock and start unloading fuel. The power shortage is making water scarce in higher buildings because pumps are not working.

NLM, 08/05/08. http://myanmargeneva.org/NLM2008/eng/5May/n080508.pdf

EPM No 2 Khin Maung Myint together with officials arrived at Nyaunghnapin Water Purifying Plant in Hmawby township on 07/05/08. At the sub-power station, the minister heard reports on conditions of the plant and station, arrangements for clean water supply to Yangon, installation of power lines from Hlawga sub-power station to the plant, and condition of power cables and station. The minister also looked into repair works along Yangon-Pyay road and No 3 highway junction. Afterward he went to the sub-power station of Myawady Television and gave instructions on repair of the power lines. Next, he looked into the the connections of the power line that transports electricity from Ywama sub-power station to Bayintnaung sub-power wtation, the conditions of transformers, switch yard and power lines at Ywama sub-power station

NLM, 08/05/08. http://myanmargeneva.org/NLM2008/eng/5May/n080508.pdf

Yangon City Mayor Aung Thein Lin checked into the functioning of two 710-HP water pumps and three 280- HP water pumps at Yayku water pumping station in Mayangon township on 07/05/08 The Yayku station distributes water to the townships in Yangon. It had stopped functioning because of the power failure caused by the storm ‘Nargis’. On 5 May, a 1375-KVA generator was installed to operate the station. It is now getting back to its normal function and operation as electricity is available.

Nem Davies, Mizzima, 07/05/08.

http://bnionline.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4077&Itemid=6

Only a few news journals with generators have published in the week after Cyclone Nargis swept through Rangoon. "At least 20 sport papers were closed due to the electricity shortage downtown and because they could not afford to run generators," said the editor of a news journal who did not want to be named. Hein Latt, editor of the Popular Journal, said, "Six to seven papers, including Popular, Weekly Eleven and Flower News, were released today, but I do not remember which journals are closed because there are more than 100 papers here." Journals that hit the news-stands this week covered the cyclone and featured photos of the devastation in Rangoon. The price of diesel has gone up to K 18,000 (US$ 15.72) per gallon from 4,500 kyats per gallon before the cyclone. "Journals that are not good at sales and could not afford to buy oil and diesel must be closed," Hein Latt said. "But journals with good sales will try to publish and raise the paper's cost a little bit to cover their expenses from buying diesel."

NLM, 07/05/08. http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/NLM2008-05-07.pdf

Steps to restore the supply of electricity are being taken in two phases. Priority in the first phase is to ensure the services to No 2 Defence Services General Hospital, the Children’s Hospital, Central Women’s Hospital, Yangon General Hospital, Western General Hospital, Insein Communication Station, Insein GSM Station, Mayangon Overseas Communication Station, five natural gas filling stations, Yangon International Airport, the University of Computer Studies, Phugyi Water Works, Yayku Water works and Shwedagon Pagoda. In the second phase, 4,000 employees are working on repairs to the power supply system and power distribution to the complete power supply network. Of the five main stations that supply water in Yangon, Gyobyu station is operating under regular conditions, while Phugyi, Hlawga and Yayku are ready to re-start operations as they have been repaired. Nyaunghnapin station is still under repair but it is expected to supply water within one or two days. Seven generators — two 100-kV generators in Hlinethaya Township, two generators in Thingangyun Township, two generators in Thakeyta township and one generator in Latha Township — are being used to supply water to residents in Yangon. Arrangements have been made to bring 35-KVA, 360 KVA and 500- KVA generators to Yangon to be used in water supply tasks in Yangon. Water supply stations on Maha Bandoola Street, at City Hall, in Thakeyta, Yeku and Ahlon townships are currently supplying water to residents in Yangon. The connection of mobile phone system is restored to its good condition, and 100 CDMA phones have been installed in Yangon for public use and more CDMA phones will be installed in Yangon.

NLM, 07/05/08. http://burmalibrary.org/docs4/NLM2008-05-07.pdf

EPM Minister No 2 Khin Maung Myint went to the main sub-power station in Hlinethaya township on 05/05/08 and inspected preparations [to restore] the power supply. The minister also inspected production of concrete posts at the Yangon Concrete Posts factory there. Afterwards, the minister and party went to Mingaladon township to check on the repairing and installation of cables. Then they proceeded to the Phugyi water purifying plant in Hlawga and gave instructions on power supply from the plant. During his tour of Mingaladon township, the minister inspected the CNG refilling station and gave instructions on power supply to the station. He also inspected the reconstruction of the power supply system to the Pale IZ. Afterwards, he looked into the connecting of cables at Kyatphyukan sub-power station and Myawady TV station in Hmawby township. While visiting the Ngamoeyeik water purifying plant and the Hlawga sub-power station, the minister checked on the condition of the transformers and preparations for power supply tasks. Later he met with officials at the office of the Yangon Power Supply Board and gave instructions on the supply of power to the four districts of Yangon.

Aung Hla Tun, Reuters, 06/05/08 http://www.irrawaddy.org/highlight.php?art_id=11779

At least 15,000 people died in the Burma cyclone and the toll is likely to rise rapidly as officials make contact with the worst-hit Irrawaddy delta areas, the military government's foreign minister said on Tuesday. Nyan Win said on state television that 10,000 people had died in just one town, Bogalay, as he gave the first detailed account of what is emerging as the worst cyclone to hit Asia since 1991, when 143,000 people died in Bangladesh. The town-by-town list of dead and missing announced by Nyan Win showed 14,859 deaths in the Irrawaddy Division and 59 in Rangoon, the largest city of 5 million. In Rangoon, people were queuing up for bottled water and there was still no electricity four days after Cyclone Nargis struck. "Generators are selling very well under the generals," said one man waiting outside a shop, reflecting some of the resentment on the streets to what many described as a slow warning and response.

AP, Reuters: 05/05/08. http://www.irrawaddy.org/highlight.php?art_id=11757

Cyclone Nargis, which had been gathering steam in the Bay of Bengal for several days, devastated Rangoon Burma's leafy main city, littering the streets with overturned cars, fallen trees and debris from battered buildings. "Utter war zone," one diplomat said in an email. "Trees across all streets. Utility poles down. Hospitals devastated. Clean water scarce." Older citizens said they had never seen Rangoon, a city of some 6.5 million, so devastated in their lifetimes. In the city residents lined up on Monday to buy water as widespread power cuts left most households unable to use electricity-driven pumps. With the city's already unstable electricity supply virtually nonfunctional, citizens also lined up to buy candles, which doubled in price along with water. Hotels and richer families were using private generators but only sparingly, given the soaring price of fuel. An Electricity Board official said it was impossible to know when the power supply -- hit-and-miss at the best of times in one of Asia's poorest countries -- would be restored. "We still have to clear the mess," said the official, who did not want to be named.

Mizzima News, 03/05/08. http://www.burmanet.org/news/2008/05/03/

The Burmese government has announced a ‘State of Emergency’ in many parts of the country after Cyclone Nagirs lashed Burma late on Friday night. The state-owned media declared that Rangoon Division, Pegu Division, Mon State, Karen State and Irrawaddy Division have been brought under a ’state of emergency’. The announcement was made by the SPDC Secretary No 1 Tin Aung Myint Oo a few minutes ago. Strong winds continue to sweep the city and the window panes of apartments have cracked or broken. The electricity supply has been cut off, a resident of Hle Dan in Rangoon told Mizzima. Another resident that Mizzima was able to contact said he thinks this is the severest cyclone in the country’s history. There have been loud noises in the city and zinc roof tiles crisscrossed the city and trees have been uprooted, he added.

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