Naypyidaw, 30 million from Italy to bring electrictiy rural areas

The initiative will bring energy to around 10 thousand families in the Chin State and in the autonomous area of ​​Naga. The agreement provides for a grace period of 18 years; starting from the fiscal year 2036-2037, every year the Burmese authorities will return 3 million euros.

Naypyidaw (AsiaNews) - The Burmese parliament has accepted an interest-free loan from Italy worth 30 million euro, to bring electricity to some rural areas in the north-west of the country. The sum will fund a four-year project of the Naypyidaw Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation. 

Through the use of solar panels, it provides for the supply of electricity and the construction of a small power grid for the benefit of about 10 thousand families, residing in over 1,000 villages in the State of Chin and in the autonomous area of ​​Naga, in the Sagaing region.

Gathered in joint session (photo), the two chambers that make up the Union Assembly approved the funding from Rome three days ago. It is now being examined by the Burmese President Win Myint and is awaiting ratification. During the parliamentary session, the deputies also discussed a motion on the loan of 40.5 million US dollars from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The initiative funded by the Italian government is part of the National Electrification Project, undertaken by Naypyidaw thanks to 400 million US dollars given by the World Bank. At present, only 41% of the population has access to electricity supplied by the state network. The agreement with Rome provides for a grace period of 18 years; reimbursements will take place over 10 years, starting from fiscal year 2036-2037: every year the Burmese authorities will return 3 million euros.