Irrawaddy: Burma plans a cyber-city near Maymyo - Yeni

The new center, called “Yadanabon Naypyidaw,” is arising o­n 7,000 acres of land confiscated from its owners by the Burmese army.

The Irrawaddy obtained pictures showing signboards displaying a complex combining a software-based industrial zone and residential areas. Work has begun o­n clearing the land and building roads.

Although the government has kept the project quiet, it comes as no surprise in view of the importance of developing reliable communications and a transport infrastructure in Maymyo, a strategic town 67km east of Mandalay located halfway between Mandalay and China’s western Kunming province.

The historical town is home to the Defense Services Academy, Burma’s version of the US West Point military academy. The Defense Services Mechanical and Electrical Engineering School is also located there.

The regime has also upgraded the city’s small airport, allowing a regular service from Naypyidaw to use its 3,000m runway.

Rumors in Maymyo that the proposed gas pipeline between Burma’s Arakan State and China could pass through the area have further boosted business confidence there. “The price of land is skyrocketing,” a resident told The Irrawaddy. “But you can’t predict what will happen tomorrow. The army can confiscate your land anytime.”

Maymyo was o­nce a thriving colonial garrison town, named after its first British administrator, Colonel May. When Burma gained its independence in 1948, the name of the town was officially changed to Pyin U Lwin.

Source: Burma Net