Arakan state government starts preparation for IDPS for rainy season

By Thet Naing 06 May 2019

Thet Naing / DMG

May 6, Sittwe

The number of IDPs are increasing day by day due to the battles between the Tatmadaw and Arakan Army (AA).

There are 99 refugee camps with over 35,000 IDPs in Rathedaung, Buthidaung, Ponnagyun, Pauktaw, Minbya, Kyauktaw and Mrauk-U Townships, according to Rakhine Ethnic Congress (REC).

Thus, the State government is making preparations for the growing number of IDPs in the rainy season to live comfortably and safely, said U Win Myint, minister for Municipal Affairs in Arakan State.

“We are now making plans for the rainy reason but I don’t know yet how much we can accomplish at this point in time. We know IDPs may face a lot of problems. So, we have come up with plans for them,” he said.

Refugees can’t go home yet, they have been living in the camps since the beginning of this year. So, the government has been arranging for their living conditions and it becomes a burden for the government, so the battles should be stopped as soon as possible, U Win Myint said.

“Both parties should reach a cease fire so that IDPs can return home.  If they try to negotiate and find a mutual solution through dialogue, there will be peace for people and the country.  Development projects can be initiated for Arakan State, I believe,” he said.

It is not clear how the government is planning for refugees to be comfortable and safe during the upcoming rainy season.

The state government’s relief aid programs for refugees have been criticized for not being one hundred percent effective. Meanwhile, refugees worried about their quality of life during the rainy season.