Multiple blasts rock hydropower project in Myanmar

YANGON - Several bombs exploded Saturday at a hydropower project in northern Myanmar, but no deaths were reported, officials said.

At least three blasts were reported at the Asia World Construction hydropower site in Myitkyina, northern Kachin state, “but no serious casualties reported so far,” an official who requested anonymity said.

“Several bombs that had not yet exploded were also found at various places in the site,” one local witness said.

It was not immediately known how much damage was caused to the project, which has been opposed by local residents.

The dam is located at the junction of the May Kha and Malika rivers, which merge to form the Irrawaddy River in Kachin state. It is opposed by the state’s ethnic minority and by environmentalists.

The 4,100-mw hydropower plant is a joint project between the government, local developer Asia World Construction and the China Power Investment Cooperation. Construction began in 2009.

The military sealed off the area to investigate the explosions, which reportedly occurred near the workers’ quarters. Most of the labourers were away celebrating the traditional Myanmar New Year.

The incident followed three grenade explosions in Yangon that killed at least eight people and injured more than 170 Thursday.

Myanmar is scheduled to hold a general election this year, which has been been criticised by the main opposition party and many ethnic minority groups as being rigged to assure a favourable outcome for the military, which has ruled the country since 1962.