In a joint enterprise between the Yangon Region government and the French Embassy in Myanmar, recreational areas are being built under Yangon’s various flyovers. The first of these spaces — under the Myaynigone flyover — was finished earlier this month where there are now plants and chairs for citizens to relax and hang out.
Unfortunately, some citizens have paid no heed to the fact that the space is actually an effort to beautify the city. Now, the Yangon regional government is up in arms over the fact that their new MMK370 million recreational space under the Myaynigone flyover is being defaced with trash and betel nut.
Speaking to 7Day, Regional Minister of Karen Ethnic Affairs Naw Pan Thinzar Myo said, “This [the spitting of betel nut] shouldn’t happen at all. The government built this for the benefit of the citizens, and the citizens need to help out as well. They should be disciplined as a sign of respect. It’s important that it [the space] doesn’t get destroyed.”
However, you can’t judge the many by the actions of the few. On Facebook, several citizens have uploaded their own photos of strewn trash and betel nut spit in the area under the flyover and berated those responsible.
“I knew the betel nut problem would arise, but I thought people would be a bit more considerate. I figured that at a time when others are trying to make this city more beautiful, people would be more self-disciplined,” wrote one user who took the words right out of our mouth.
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