Development and conservation of colonial-era buildings in Yangon discussed

March 5, 2016

The Director of the Yangon Heritage Trust, U Moe Moe Lwin, has said conservation for a sustainable city relies upon a well thought-out plan as there is an urgent need to conserve historical buildings in Yangon with the noticeable increase in high-rise buildings since the beginning of economic reforms in 2011 move the city towards a more sustainable infrastructure.

“The point is to raise public awareness on the issue. People know that it is important to cherish our heritage. However, knowledge is important to maintain these values in a proper way. For instance, focusing on issues in Yangon city’s urban planning sector.”

Without proper planning, Yangon could lose its architectural heritage like many of its Asian neighbors.

U Naing Tun, Building Maintenance Specialist said, “Look at the City Hall, its roof has been changed but it’s not waterproof at all…and it’s absolutely dripping and the High Court too. And also R.I.T. and also Surandi Villa. Though they all need to exist to preserve our heritage, they are going out of style.”

The Yangon City Development Committee in 2001 published a list of 190 heritage buildings, including religious buildings and government offices and other structures from the colonial era.

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar