Sep 4, 2008 (DVB), Authorities in Hmawbi in northern Rangoon district have been collecting money from local residents in order to repair roads and forcing those who cannot pay to take part in reconstruction work.
The World Vision NGO had already donated money to repair the roads in Hmawbi's Myoma Ward 4, which were damaged by heavy rain in August, a local resident told DVB.
But he said ward Peace and Development Council chairman U Myo Lwin Oo still collected 1000 kyat from each household and 25,000 kyat from every car owner.
"They have to quarry stones and lay them on the road," the local resident said.
"At a time when people do not have enough food to eat, no one wants to contribute anything even if they have the money."
The local said that people no longer even bothered to report these incidents to senior authorities because no action has been taken in past against the officials responsible.
Reporting by Naw Say Phaw