Inspection of damaged buildings: SAC Chairman inspected damaged office buildings

The Chairman of the State Administration Council, Prime Minister, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, together with Council Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, Union Ministers, Chairman of Nay Pyi Taw Council, and responsible officials, inspected the Union Supreme Court Office building and the Ministry of Labour office building in the evening on May 27.

At the Union Supreme Court Office building, the SAC Chairman inspected the clearing of debris, ongoing efforts to remove hazardous damaged sections, the extent of structural damage to office buildings, and the temporary setup of prefabricated office units in front of the building, which are being used to continue office operations.

The SAC Chairman provided guidance on necessary actions based on briefings from the responsible personnel. Subsequently, the SAC Chairman inspected the Ministry of Labour, where temporary prefabricated office spaces have also been set up to ensure uninterrupted operations.

He examined the conditions, office by office and provided further instructions as needed. The SAC Chairman also surveyed the perimeter of the Ministry of Labour’s office compound to assess the full extent of earthquake-related damage.

The Union Minister for Construction presented findings from structural engineers and earthquake specialists, explaining that parts of the building can be reconstructed in sections, while some parts will need to be demolished systematically.

It was also noted that a retaining wall must be properly constructed at the west side of the compound. Following these explanations, the SAC Chairman acknowledged that both the Union Supreme Court Office and Ministry of Labour Office are among the buildings that sustained significant structural damage from the earthquake.

He instructed that reconstruction works must focus on ensuring long-term durability and earthquake resistance by incorporating expert recommendations from engineers and seismologists, conducting proper geotechnical soil testing, and following systematic design and construction procedures.

He further emphasized the need to promptly begin preliminary works and to ensure that the reconstruction of the office buildings is completed within a set timeframe. Additional necessary instructions were also given to the relevant officials.