Cyclone-damaged pier at Sittwe central market yet to be repaired

By Admin 16 Sep 2023

DMG Newsroom
16 September 2023, Sittwe

The pier of the central market in the Arakan State capital of Sittwe has not yet been repaired more than four months after it was damaged by Cyclone Mocha, creating problems for boatmen and travellers.

“It is not convenient for elderly people and sick people to get into and get out of the boat. It is also not convenient to load and unload cargo,” said boatman Ko Aung Naing Oo.

The pier had served rural villagers from Pauktaw, Myebon, and Minbya townships who came to Sittwe to buy or sell things. The pier was used by around 200 vessels daily, including more than 60 ferry boats.

“I dare not even go [to Sittwe town] on rainy days,” said Daw Than Than Nu from Sintetmaw Village in Pauktaw Township. “There is no pier, and it is frightening. We have concerns for our safety.”

Boatmen and travellers have called on authorities to repair the pier as soon as possible.

Ko Aung Myint, who runs a Sintetmaw ferry boat from Pauktaw Township, said: "It is not convenient for travellers, especially pregnant women and elderly persons. The pier is important for travellers.”

When asked by DMG, Sittwe Township administrator U Kyaw Lwin said it was the job of the Myanmar Port Authority to make the repairs. DMG was unable to obtain comment from Myanmar Port Authority officials.

The pier at Sittwe’s central market is managed by the Myanmar Port Authority, which levies a tax of 2,000 kyats per day from ferry boats.

Some 1.5 million people were affected and over 24,000 buildings were damaged or destroyed by Cyclone Mocha in mid-May.