The Chin State government plans to erect a massive independence monument in Hakha for a price tag of $45K.
The monument, which will be in Khusilobo park, in Myothit ward, will cost the government 61.6 million kyat, according to Hakha city council. The Chin State Municipal Department pledged 50 million kyat and the state government will kick in the remaining 11.6 million kyat.
KO Andrew Thatuang, who heads the Myanmar Alliance for Transparency and Accountability (MATA) for Chin State, criticized the government for spending so much on a monument, while more important public works remain underfunded.
“Do we really need this monument?” KO Andrew Thatuang asked. “Does Chin State have the extra funds?” He says the money would be better spent building bridges, schools and clinics in remote locations across the state.
The Chin Karlily Company was awarded the contract to build the 75 ft high by 14 ft wide monument in the Chin State capital. Construction begins this month and is expected to be completed by September.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Chin State Chief Minister Salai Lian Luai was held yesterday morning (July 1).