Myanmar’s military ruler Min Aung Hlaing’s son is set to land a major contract to rebuild the capital Naypyidaw after a devastating earthquake.
The quake, which struck on March 28, has killed over 3,600 people across the country. Naypyidaw suffered significant damage, with key buildings like the presidential palace, parliament, and military headquarters largely destroyed.
Min Aung Hlaing inspected the damage and ordered construction companies that built Naypyidaw in 2002 to lead the reconstruction efforts. Several firms, including Htoo Group, Eden Group, Asia World, Max Myanmar, and ACE Group, are vying for contracts. Sky One Construction, owned by Min Aung Hlaing’s son Aung Pyae Sone, is among them.
Sky One Construction has faced UK sanctions since 2022. The company has previously built a new military hospital in Yangon, a media center for Myawaddy TV, and a private hospital owned by the military regime.
Rebuilding Plans
Reconstruction plans are already underway, with talk of a new “Naypyidaw Mark 2” project. However, details are scarce, and funding remains uncertain. Myanmar’s economy is struggling, and the country is short on foreign currency since the 2021 coup.
International Aid
International aid is starting to pour in. China has pledged $136.7 million in aid through its China International Development Cooperation Agency. This follows an initial emergency grant of $13.7 million. Other countries and organizations are also providing assistance to help Myanmar recover from the disaster.
Several major construction companies are in the running to secure rebuilding contracts. These include:
- Htoo Group
- Eden Group
- Asia World
- Max Myanmar
- ACE Group
- Sky One Construction
The reconstruction of Naypyidaw is expected to be a massive undertaking, with significant economic and political implications for Myanmar.