Following the 7.7 magnitude Sagaing earthquake that struck on March 28, many high-rise buildings in Mandalay have been left severely tilted and at risk of collapse. While residents have submitted applications to the Mandalay City Development Committee (MCDC) to demolish these dangerous structures, they report being told to wait at least three months, with priority given only to those who pay bribes. The earthquake has left numerous buildings in precarious conditions, prompting citizens to seek urgent demolition permits from municipal authorities, who have responded by imposing a minimum three-month waiting period.
A Mandalay resident revealed that when they approached the MCDC about demolishing the tilting Sein Pan Condo in their ward and street, they were told to wait at least three months. The condo developer has refused to take any responsibility, while the MCDC claimed they couldn’t attend to the matter immediately due to other priorities. However, the resident noted that applications from other wards were processed immediately, and upon inquiry, it was discovered that these cases were expedited because bribes were paid. This has created a system where demolition priorities are determined by monetary payments rather than safety concerns.
The current situation poses significant risks, particularly with the approaching rainy season. Residents warn that the already tilting high-rise buildings could sink further and collapse when heavy rains occur, presenting a severe danger to pedestrians and nearby residents. Despite these urgent safety concerns, the military council and municipal authorities continue to delay action, forcing people to wait for months. The impact of the Sagaing earthquake has already resulted in several building collapses, including an eight-story building at the corner of 15th Street and 82A Street in Mandalay on May 4, which sank two floors into the ground. Additionally, on April 15, a three-story Fine Store building located between 80th and 81st streets on 26th Street, which had been tilting due to earthquake damage, completely collapsed during heavy rainfall.
