FILE PHOTO: Thae Mama Swe stands at the site of Sky Villa, a 10-story condo that collapsed during the March 28 earthquake, in Mandalay, Myanmar, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025. - AP
MANDALAY: A ceremony to offer compensation and apologies to those who lost their lives in the Sky Villa collapse was held on September 8 at 2 PM at the Mone Tine shelter in Aungmyaytharzan Township, Mandalay, according to news sources.
The ceremony was attended by officials including Daw Thet Thet Khaing, the wife of U Nai Htun Lin, the Managing Director of NTL Construction Company which built Sky Villa, as well as the Chairman of the District Natural Disaster Management Committee and other responsible persons.
Daw Thet Thet Khaing, wife of NTL's MD, expressed her condolences. "I am saddened that we have to meet under these circumstances," she said. "I share the grief with the families of the deceased. I have already met with some homeowners at the district administration office three times to express my sorrow, and I want to say again that I share the pain with all the families. The reason I must say this to everyone now is to apologise. I am sorry. I wanted to personally visit each and every family member here to share my condolences and express that I feel their loss. I am also facing numerous difficulties, which is why I am only saying this now, and I deeply apologise for that. Providing compensation is not about putting a value on a human life. Many of the residents were wealthy. However, there are also many IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) staying here who are facing great hardships. It is with the desire to help alleviate their difficulties a little that we are providing this support."
Regarding the Sky Villa collapse, as of the morning of September 8, a total of 205 bodies have been recovered—90 men and 115 women. While some have been precisely identified with name, age, and address, others remain unidentified and under investigation.
Dr. Aung Swe, Chairman of the District Natural Disaster Management Committee, stated at the ceremony that while the Mandalay Region Government and various groups are providing support funds for those killed in the earthquake, support will also be provided for the Sky Villa victims.
At today's ceremony, compensation of one million kyat (US$476) per person was provided to the families of 72 victims, with more to be provided subsequently. - Eleven Media/ANN
