Inbound migration fuels farmland sales for settlement around Dawei
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Phyo/Pearl (NP News) - Dec 26
A local source told The Statesman that there has been an increase in the sale of farmland and nipa palm forests in and around Dawei Township, Tanintharyi Region.
Locals from PDF-dominated areas in Tanintharyi Region are reportedly abandoning their homes and buying land plots near Dawei, while local brokers are also buying farmland and nipa palm forests from farmers and reselling them.
“When displaced people arrive, they tend to buy land in areas closest to the town. Land brokers have become increasingly bold in their dealings, and the situation is getting worse. They buy farmland and nipa palm forests from rural villagers, fill in the land, and then resell it. People at higher levels may or may not be aware of this. It appears that village administrators, ward and village tract leaders, and township land records officials are working together for their own benefit. The worst cases are in the Launglon area—although it is a separate location, it is very close to Dawei,” a local resident said.
Currently, brokers are selling land in 20 x 60 feet and 40 x 60 feet plots, with the market price for the former being around 20 million kyats.
“In areas that are not very close to the town, plots sell for around 15 or 20 million kyats. If the location is a bit closer, they sell for about 25 million kyats. Most of the plots are 20 x 60. This is also happening inside Dawei town. Even farmland within the Dawei urban area is being subdivided and sold. It is said that they even threaten to file lawsuits if anyone photographs their land-filling activities. Rural farmers are also being exploited. There is now a need for regulation. Cutting down nipa palm forests and filling in farmland are also causing environmental damage,” he added.