Pajau Media
24th January, 2025
Local inhabitants have indicated that there has been a significant increase in the costs of housing, as well as shop and residential rents, in Kachin State, including the towns of Myitkyina, Mohnyin, Mogaung, and others.
“Due to the unfavorable political circumstances, I am compelled to relocate to the city and secure rental accommodation, which has seen a significant increase in prices. Initially, when I began renting, the cost was merely 50,000 kyats; however, it has now escalated to approximately 80,000 to 100,000 kyats. The closer I am to the city, the more pronounced the rise in rental prices becomes,” remarked a tenant from Myitkyina.
The cost of a 10-foot room, which was previously approximately 50,000 to 60,000 kyats, has now risen to about 80,000 to 100,000 kyats. Furthermore, shop tenants have reported that the price for each shop has escalated from roughly 200,000 kyats to more than 300,000 kyats.
A government official stated that the state is unable to raise the salaries of public sector employees, which is creating challenges for those at the grassroots level, making it difficult for them to manage the current economic conditions.
“The monthly salary I receive is modest, and I am responsible for all household bills, leaving me with insufficient funds to meet my personal expenses. Furthermore, the increasing prices of goods exacerbate the situation, making it even more challenging,” he stated.
On March 7, 2024, the escalation of conflict between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the State Administration Council (SAC) prompted numerous individuals in Kachin State to seek safety, resulting in their relocation to internally displaced persons (IDP) camps across several villages. Additionally, some displaced individuals have opted to reside in rented accommodations within the city.
Since that time, rental prices for houses, rooms, and commercial spaces in certain townships of Kachin State have surged dramatically, with local inhabitants reporting increases of up to twofold compared to previous rates.
Residents assert that the rise in prices can be attributed to the growing influx of internally displaced persons (IDPs) seeking refuge in safer locations such as Myitkyina, Hopin, Mohnyin, Mogaung, and various other towns. Additionally, the persistent political conflict has further exacerbated the situation, leading to an increase in prices.
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