Solar Power to Villages in Karen State, Myanmar

As referred to in our report last Jan., BHN has agreed with the EAOs(Ethnic Armed Organizations) on our next project in Karen(Kayin) & Mon States as shown under.

Outline of the next project;

1. Electrification and Computer Study Systems into Schools; 10 Schools
2. Electrification of Hospitals/Clinics and Installation of Computer Systems to Improve Medical Services; 17 Hospitals/Clinics
3. Installation of Home Use Solar System; 3,955 Households

l        * Expected Duration of the Work ; Jan.2023~Dec.2023

So far, site surveys of the schools and clinics in Kayin State is almost completed except for 2 villages which were postponed by skirmishes occurred on the way to the villages.

On the other hand, as one of the most important part of the project, to select the contractors for construction work BHN requested to 6 interested suppliers to present a model design & price quotation.   After detailed inspections and discussions all the 6 companies could comply with our requirements.

Although the preparation to push forward the project is making progress, Myanmar Government issued new regulations on INGO registration in late 2022 which requires INGOs wishing to continue activities various capacities including Agreements with the related Ministries and recommendations from local governments and the procedure for such authorization is taking much time yet to pass through the red tape and our registration is not making progress yet.

Also, confrontations between the Junta VS. PDF(People Defense Forces, pro-democracy armed organization) + EAO groups are becoming harsher especially in the rural areas and our activity is always suffering from the limitations to move. 

However, the destitute in the EAO villages are keenly wishing our project implementation and we are eagerly trying to overcome such difficulties.

The solar power project that started in Dec.2020,with the expected term to finish by Nov. 2021, finally  completed by the end of Oc. 2022.

Lock-downs in China(where producing solar equipment) ,proliferation of Covid 19 in Myanmar & aroud the world,and,especially due to the Coup in Feb. 2021 that entailed frequent battles between Junta and people defene groups caused much delay in our work.  After the Coup the battles were becoming more and  more frequent in rural areas as many of the EAO(Ethnic Armed Organizations) groups are increasing ly taking sides of the revoluting people.

Two of the schools which BHN has installed computer systems for students to study how to use PCs were occupied by the Junt army soldiers and became unaccessible by our staffs.

We also had to change our planned villaged to another ones as they became dangerous for access. With such hindrances ,by extending the term by 11months,we could complete the 5th porject basically as planned.

Now, form the start of the new year, we could agree with the EAOs in Kayin (Karen) and Mon states to start next project.   We proposed to EAOs to place priority to the public facilities in their villages like;  (a)installation of computer systems with solar power into schools to enhance the computer literacy of the students

(b)installation of solar power and computer systems into hospitals/clinics to enhnace the serviceability to villagers.

However, due to various  new regulations enforced by Junta are causing many tasks for all the INGOs active in Myanmar and our start of action may be delayed by certain period.