MyoTaw: Naypyitaw Administrator Distributes Earthquake Aid Only to Supporters, Extortion Disguised as Allowances Reported

In Naypyidaw, the administrator is distributing earthquake relief funds only to his supporters, with extortion under the guise of "pocket money" taking place

July 8

In Chinsu Village, Thitsaint Pin Village Tract, Tatkon Township, Naypyidaw, when distributing earthquake relief funds provided by the military junta, those who actually suffered damage are not receiving them. Instead, the administrator is prioritizing and discriminating in favor of those who supported and assisted him, and is reportedly collecting fees under the names of service charges and pocket money.

The earthquake relief funds are provided based on the condition of damaged houses: 2.5 million kyats for a single-story house and 5 million kyats for a two-story house. However, in practice, many whose homes were actually damaged have not received anything. Even those who did receive funds got only 2.5 million kyats for a two-story house, while those who campaigned and supported the administrator in the election received the full 5 million kyats for a two-story house.

Furthermore, it is said that the administrator's wife herself has been demanding and collecting fees from those coming to withdraw the relief funds, including service charges and so-called "pocket money" for submitting damage reports—30,000 kyats for a single-story house and 50,000 kyats for a two-story house.

"Regarding these relief funds, they have threatened that if anyone complains to the township office, they won't receive any further relief funds, so no one dares to complain. Among the 51 houses that received relief funds, only about 70 percent were actually damaged. Among the houses that received no relief at all, there are at least four damaged houses still left out," a local resident told MyoTaw.

Similarly, in other townships in Naypyidaw, village administrative bodies are reportedly misusing earthquake relief supplies and donations meant for local residents, prioritizing only those close to them, and intimidating people with threats of authority to prevent complaints. This is said to be happening continuously in many villages.

MyoTaw News Channel