The military junta has banned metal smelting industries from using electricity in Pyigyitagon Township, Mandalay Region, according to industrialists.
Starting from May 6, 2024, if it is found that those industries are using the electricity, they have instructed that it will take action, according to entrepreneurs in the Mandalay Industrial Zone.
“It has been asked to stop the use of electricity on May 6. I don’t know how long we will stop. They don’t say what action will be taken,” a smelter entrepreneur from Industrial Zone (2) in Pyigyitagon Township, said.
As the military junta restricted the use of electricity, the iron smelting industries had to stop operation, so the workers in the industries were no longer able to work, and those workers had difficulties with their living, he continued.
“I do no longer work in the factory, so the income is gone. Now I have to do other small jobs at home. I have to work because I still have to make a living,” said a factory worker.
Currently, the Junta’s Ministry of Electricity has announced that electricity is provided for eight hours per day in Mandalay, but the electricity is only provided for 4 hours every eight hours starting from January 2024.
However, the distribution of electricity is reportedly not at the right time, causing difficulties for local residents in Mandalay.