YANGON, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- China-aided solar-powered streetlights installed in Yangon's Thaketa township are significantly improving nighttime transportation, public safety, and local livelihoods in surrounding communities.
Sponsored by southwest China's Yunnan Province, the streetlights have been installed in densely populated and heavily trafficked public areas, including markets, parks, gas stations, and office zones.
The solar streetlights along Ayeyar Wun road -- a major route connecting Dagon Seikkan, South Dagon, and Thaketa townships -- are especially beneficial for pedestrians, street vendors, taxis, and buses, as the road remains busy at night, said U Kyaw Thu, chairman of the Thaketa Township Administration Body.
The improved lighting has enhanced visibility and helped reduce traffic accidents, he added.
The solar-powered lights operate daily from 6 p.m. until before 6 a.m. the following morning. With stable lighting along the roadside, street vendors and small shops are able to extend their business hours, while pedestrians feel safer moving through the area, he said.
As a result, nighttime activity has increased, making the streets livelier and more secure, he added.
The project also brings environmental and economic benefits, as the solar-powered system does not rely on grid electricity, reduces energy costs, and minimizes environmental impact, U Kyaw Thu said.
It has further strengthened friendly relations between China and Myanmar, he said.
Local residents and workers say the impact is clearly visible in their daily lives.
Sein Pan, 49, a motorized trishaw rider, said roads had been dark and unsafe at night before the installation. "We could not see people clearly, and commuting was risky," he said.
"Now the road is bright, and it helps reduce robbery and theft. In the past, I stopped working around 8 p.m., but now I can work until 10 p.m. It is safer for both drivers and passengers, and we can earn more," he added.
Tin Tin Mya, 60, who runs a roadside soft drink shop, said frequent power outages previously forced her to close early. "If the electricity failed, it was completely dark," she said.
"Now, with solar lights, I can keep my shop open until 10 p.m., earn more income, and feel safer," she added.
Tun Tun Naing, 43, another motorized trishaw rider, said the improved lighting allows him to work one to two hours longer each evening. "The road is clear, traffic is smoother, and drivers can see better," he said.
"There are fewer accidents, and both vendors and pedestrians feel safer," he added.
Following the success of the project's first phase, a handover ceremony for the second phase of China-aided solar-powered streetlights was held in Yangon on Thursday as 40 sets of solar-powered streetlights were officially handed over to the Thaketa township administration body.
Together, the two phases now provide lighting for areas serving approximately 400 households and businesses, benefiting around 2,000 people in surrounding communities. ■