Yangon residents have “almost zero” public space, according to a new study, the Myanmar Times reported.
A survey by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Japan’s Ministry of Land and Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism found that each person who lives in the city has just 0.37 square metres.
That’s 10 times less than in Bangkok and Singapore, according to U Than Moe from UN-Habitat. Bangkok has about 3.3 square metres per person.
“In the past, Yangon was called a green city, but not anymore.” said U Than Moe. “They should create more open spaces instead of building wherever they see vacant ground.”
Residents interviewed by The Times complained about the environmental effects of increased construction.
“Honestly, I feel as if I’m suffocating,” said Ko Kyaw Zin Tun, who lives in Botataung Township. “The city is hotter.”
In response, the Yangon City Development Committee argued that it had scrapped entrance fees for most parks and added more than 50 new playgrounds.
Photo: Coconuts Media
