Following the devastating Sagaing earthquake that struck on March 28, Min Aung Hlaing has appointed Defense Minister General Maung Maung Aye to lead the reconstruction efforts in Naypyidaw. The earthquake caused extensive damage to government buildings and staff housing, leaving the capital city in ruins. As chairman of the Naypyidaw Reconstruction Committee, General Maung Maung Aye is tasked with overseeing the construction of new buildings and renovation of salvageable existing structures. The reconstruction committee includes other ministers and generals as members.
Currently, construction business owners are making frequent visits to General Maung Maung Aye and other high-ranking military officials to secure tenders and business opportunities. The reconstruction project will allow tax-free imports of cement and steel materials. However, instead of a formal tender process, contracts will be directly awarded to selected businesses. Sources indicate that the company owned by Min Aung Hlaing’s son is expected to receive the majority of the contracts, making it difficult for other businesses to compete. Due to the large number of ministry buildings requiring reconstruction, business owners continue to flock to Naypyidaw seeking opportunities.
The earthquake damage has transformed Naypyidaw into what witnesses describe as a ghost town, with numerous government office buildings and staff housing complexes severely damaged or collapsed. The reconstruction effort represents a major undertaking, with significant implications for both the physical rebuilding of infrastructure and the distribution of valuable contracts. While many business owners are actively pursuing these opportunities through various military officials, the apparent favoritism toward the military chief’s son’s company highlights the challenges faced by other contractors in securing work in this massive reconstruction project.
