Mizzima (Rangoon) – In its privatization spree, the Burmese military junta has now begun to lease out the country’s natural resources. The Hlawga National Park, in Mingaladon Township, is being handed over to Htoo Trading Company to run.
The park is the property of the Ministry of Forestry but will be transferred to the private firm, which will take the responsibility of all the employees.
“If the government leases it to a private company the maintenance will be more systematic. I don’t know the number of years the lease is for. A contract will be signed in the end of April,” said a park official.
“The park generates revenue mainly from elephant rides by visitors among other entertainment facilities. Those wanting to shoot films in the park will have to pay a fee,” he added.
Hlawga National Park is in Mingaladon, Rangoon Division and came into being in 1980. The park is spread over 1500-acres and includes a wildlife park, a mini-zoo and a buffer zone. The people’s resort is owned by the Ministry of Forestry. There are around 200 species of birds in the park. However the 2008 Cyclone Nargis uprooted hundreds of trees.
