CCTV's to be installed for Water Festival

Nay Thwin
Mizzima News
April 7, 2008

Chiang Mai: The Burmese military junta authorities in Rangoon have issued orders to install security cameras at the water playing stations in the ensuing traditional New Year celebrations.

The Peace and Development Council of Rangoon Division has directed those who have applied for permission to construct water stations to install Close Circuit TV Cameras.

"Each water playing station is setting up cameras for security reasons to record unlawful activity. If a problem comes up, it has to be reviewed," said a source.

CCTVs will be installed by the Fisca Company, which imports telecommunication material. The hiring of CCTVs will cost FEC 20-30 (22,100 to 33,150 kyats) per day. The person who monitors the camera has to be paid 8,000 kyats.

Meanwhile, Air Bagan, owned by Tay Za, a businessman close to the military junta supremo Than Shwe decide to abolish not to celebrate the water festival under the company's brand and logo due to security concerns.

"Because they have heard of rumors of the possibility of bomb blasts," an official from Fisco told Mizzima.

There is no immediate confirmation from the Air Bagan office.

In respective townships of Rangoon, governor's stations are being constructed. The construction of other water stations has started in Kandawgyi, Latha, Lanmadaw and the City Hall.

The TV cameras will be installed in every water station which has an area of more than 20 square feet. In Rangoon it will cost between 3 million kyats to 10 million kyats to construct a water station.

The Burmese water festival will start from April 13 and conclude on April 16 this year. In some locations, it is held for a day before the real one and ends one day after the last day called the Burmese New Year day.