Unofficial Hlaing Tharyar renters fear looming eviction
Over 200 residents of Shwelinban ward on the industrial outer ring of Yangon fear they will imminently be swept from their homes and driven from the area. They believe eviction is inevitable, after a similar neighbourhood in Mingalardon township was forcibly dismantled on 26 January.
Last month, 36 households in Shwelinban received their latest eviction notice instructing them to move out by 29 January in order to make way for a housing project. The neighbourhood is surrounded by multi-storey construction sites for apartment buildings, but the units are intended for a different clientele – the Shwelinban families said they will not be able to afford the rent.
