The new total of K109 billion (about US$112 million) represents a hike of K30 billion over the initially proposed budget of K79 billion, which was discussed on November 9. It also represents a 60pc increase on last year’s budget of K68 billion – itself a K4 billion increase on that year’s original proposal of K64 billion.
This year’s budget will be shared between the 25 ministries of Rakhine State, but does not cover health or education. It factors in an estimated K37 billion to be collected in tax – substantially less than the total required.
“It’s possible the deficit in the budget will be K70 billion, if you compare the collection and expenditure amounts,” said U Aung Mra Kyaw, an MP of Rakhine parliament.
An official from the Rakhine State administration, who declined to be named, said that the budget was expanded in order to create job opportunities, reduce poverty and build additional infrastructure in the region.
He also said that K5 billion of the extra K30 billion will go toward developing Napali Beach into an international-standard holiday spot.
“It hasn’t drawn any exact project plans yet,” said U Maung San Shwe, Rakhine State minister of national planning and economic development. “First of all, the main thing is stability in the region.”
He added that the government will form a committee and put out a call for tenders to construct needed infrastructure and turn the beach – often considered Myanmar’s most beautiful – into a world-class destination.
Ngapali Beach is 7 kilometres (4 miles) from Thandwe. Its long unspoiled stretches of sand are a popular attraction for tourists.
source: The Myanmar Times
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