Kantarawaddy Times
In September, heavy rainfall and flooding caused water from the Belu River to enter the No. 2 Lawpita Hydropower Plant in Loikaw Township, Karenni State, leading to operational damage.
Although floodwaters have receded, the machinery remains damaged and cannot operate as usual. To repair the facility, residents from villages in the Lawpita area have been mobilized for labor, primarily for clearing debris and mud. According to an unnamed local source from Lawpita who spoke to Kantarawaddy Times, junta troops have provided full security around the site.
“The plant’s condition is very poor; floodwater entered all the lower floors, and none of the machinery is operational. Although the water has receded, soldiers are still stationed around the site. Villages are being called upon in turn to provide labor and they have to work under full security to clear debris and mud from the plant,” the source said.
Electricity from the No. 2 Hydropower Plant in Loikaw is a primary source for the town. Since the plant’s shutdown, Loikaw has experienced power outages for over a month, according to a Loikaw resident.
“The power has been out since flooding damaged the Lawpita plant. They say repairs may take one to two months, but power has yet to be restored,” the resident said.
The junta reportedly plans to restore electricity to Loikaw within six months. In the meantime, villages near the Lawpita area continue to receive power from the No. 1 plant, ensuring a stable supply, according to local reports.
