Dagon City 1 developer ‘respects’ decision to scrap project, but defends position

Marga Landmark “respects” the government’s decision to cancel its multimillion-dollar development near the Shwedagon Pagoda, but maintains there are no scientific grounds supporting objections to the work.

In a measured but defensive statement released late last night, the company, which was building Yangon’s $300 million Dagon City 1 – the most high-profile of the five projects scrapped by the government on Tuesday – said that “while everything we have done is proper, legal and for the best interest of our customers and the public, as a responsible foreign developer who aims to contribute to the social and economic development of Myanmar,” it respects the public sentiment, “particularly those of the Sangha [Buddhist clergy] members, and is working with the Myanmar Government towards an arrangement that upholds the international contract between Myanmar and foreign investors.”

Marga Landmark “reiterates and emphasizes that we are a law-abiding, responsible and conscientious developer” that submitted its plans on Dagon City 1 to several authorities, who approved them.

Dagon City 1 and the four other projects near Shwedagon Pagoda have been on hold since earlier this year in response to growing resistance from preservationists, architects and most recently, Buddhist nationalists, who threatened to hold nationwide marches if the projects weren’t scrapped. The government finally bowed to the demands on Tuesday in a statement broadcast on national television.

Arguments against Dagon City focused on the vague claim that its construction would affect the water table of Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda, which sits on a hill, and disturb its structural integrity.

Marga Landmark has always refuted the allegation, and it did so again in its statement.

“As confirmed by top international experts, the plans and technology of Dagon City One are safe, proper and will not affect the Shwedagon Pagoda. Our intended use of [a] diaphragm wall, an advanced, proven technology used by many developed countries and cities will not affect any building within 3 feet away. Shwedagon Pagoda, which is 3,000 feet away from the project, will certainly not be affected. Also, Dagon City One never intended to and would never use underground water. Although the project will not continue, we want to clarify these misconceptions about our previous plans. We are passionate and professional about our projects, and we are absolutely certain our plans do not present any negative impacts to our surroundings. Marga Landmark is willing to cooperate and compromise because we value harmony with the culture and people we work with above all else.”

So while it respects the decision, it completely disagrees with the reasoning behind it.

And what about the money?

“Marga Landmark is presently cooperating closely with the Myanmar Government on a mutually agreed scheme that will satisfactorily resolve all matters pertaining to our customers and our investors,” the statement said.

Here is the full company response in italics:

Marga Landmark respects the final decision made by the Myanmar Government. While everything we have done is proper, legal and for the best interest of our customers and the public, as a responsible foreign developer who aims to contribute to the social and economic development of Myanmar, Marga Landmark respects the public sentiment, particularly those of the Sangha members, and is working with the Myanmar Government towards an arrangement that upholds the international contract between Myanmar and foreign investors. Marga Landmark is presently cooperating closely with the Myanmar Government on a mutually agreed scheme that will satisfactorily resolve all matters pertaining to our customers and our investors.
Marga Landmark is immensely thankful to our customers who have shown their trust and support all along. We shall conduct all dealings with our customers in compliance with the agreements signed once we finalize the details of the scheme with the Myanmar Government. We understand that our legal rights are protected under the Foreign Investment Law, and we foresee a satisfactory resolution for all parties.

Marga Landmark reiterates and emphasizes that we are a law-abiding, responsible and conscientious developer who has obtained necessary approvals from MIC, Yangon Regional Government, YCDC and HIC on the plans including height limit of Dagon City One. As confirmed by top international experts, the plans and technology of Dagon City One are safe, proper and will not affect the Shwedagon Pagoda. Our intended use of [a] diaphragm wall, an advanced, proven technology used by many developed countries and cities will not affect any building within 3 feet away. Shwedagon Pagoda, which is 3,000 feet away from the project, will certainly not be affected. Also, Dagon City One never intended to and would never use underground water. Although the project will not continue, we want to clarify these misconceptions about our previous plans. We are passionate and professional about our projects, and we are absolutely certain our plans do not present any negative impacts to our surroundings. Marga Landmark is willing to cooperate and compromise because we value harmony with the culture and people we work with above all else.

As an international developer, Marga Landmark has the utmost respect for the culture of Myanmar. We hold on to our vision for a progressive and prosperous Myanmar. We will continue our commitment to the social welfare programs we have commenced and will build world-class projects in design and quality that encourage social and economic progress in this beautiful country.

Photo / Facebook / Save Shwedagon

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