According to a survey on urbanization, the population in Myanmar’s cities and towns is expected to increase from 15.4 million, or 30 per cent of the country’s total population, in 2014 to 20 million in 2030.
As per McKinsey Research, the population in Myanmar’s big cities, which have over 200,000 residents, would double by 2030. The research states that Myanmar will need to invest US$146 billion over 20 years to develop its cities, with annual spending on development-related projects touching US$7 billion.
Hence, we must start looking at the expansion of urban areas by formulating a modern urbanization plan. The next steps would be to attract investments in infrastructure, and then, ensure good governance as cities expand.
At present, smart city projects are being implemented in three big cities: Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon, and Mandalay, with officials looking into the basic of requirements of the cities. The Korea-Myanmar Industrial Complex in Yangon, the New Mandalay Resort City in Mandalay, and the Smart District Project are national projects that are being carried out in cooperation with local and foreign developers.
Like Myanmar, other countries in the world are also facing problems caused by insufficient urban infrastructure, such as water supply, electricity, roads, drainage, and garbage systems. Squatting and unsystematic expansion of urban areas are especially putting people at risk of natural disasters.
The current situation shows that Myanmar is still far from realizing its plans for urban management, public services, dwelling, and safety of the people in a rapidly changing environment.
For systematic urbanization in Myanmar, we need to enact laws related to urbanization. Only the right urbanization policies can help establish good networks between urban and rural areas.
Myanmar is still in an early phase of urbanization. This brings many opportunities to shape cities for sustainable growth and for poverty reduction. An inclusive approach will help ensure that cities grow in an equitable way, which would bring significant benefits for peace and stability.
On the path to urbanization, we need to be aware that inadequate planning and a lack of investment in infrastructure and provision of basic services can lead to inequality in terms of job opportunities and incomes. Over time, inequality can undermine the benefits that urbanization typically brings as it can create or worsen social divisions and contribute to rising crime and violence in cities.
This accentuates the urgent need to focus attention on investing equitably in urban development._GNLM
