Damaged temples in Mrauk-U could require costly restoration

By Admin 07 Jun 2023

DMG Newsroom
7 June 2023, Mrauk-U

Some ancient buildings damaged by Cyclone Mocha in Mrauk-U Township will be renovated according to their original structures and designs, according to the Department of Archaeology and National Museum.

The department is already repairing minor damage with its funds, and will ask for funds from the regime for major repairs.

“We have photo records of the buildings that we submitted in our bid for UNESCO World Heritage status. We will do the restoration work according to photo records,” said deputy director general Dr. U Thein Lwin of the Department of Archaeology and National Museum.

The Mrauk-U branch of the Department of Archaeology and National Museum is still surveying the damage, and the exact number of buildings damaged by the storm remains unclear.

Some damaged buildings will be kept as they are because of their architectural value, according to the department.

Mrauk-U residents have expressed doubts, however, that the department is capable of restoring the damaged structures.

“Previously, Koethaung Temple was also restored according to its original structure and design. But it was again damaged by the storm. The temple will be damaged again even if it is repaired,” said a Mrauk-U resident.

A final proposal intended to put Mrauk-U on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites was submitted to the UN cultural agency’s Paris headquarters in December 2021. The fate of the Mrauk-U bid is expected to be decided this year.

Mrauk-U residents have expressed concern that the damage caused by the cyclone will have an impact on Mrauk-U’s bid for UNESCO World Heritage status.