Many roads, bridges yet to be repaired in storm-hit Arakan State

By Admin 16 Aug 2023

DMG Newsroom
16 August 2023, Sittwe

Three months after Cyclone Mocha made landfall over Arakan State, damaged roads and bridges are yet to be repaired in Rathedaung, Kyauktaw and Myebon townships, disrupting transportation for locals.

A suspension bridge at Thayet Chaung Village in Rathedaung Township, which is critical for residents from nine area villages, was damaged by the storm and has yet to be repaired.

“We have replaced the iron deck with timber sheets, and have also propped up suspension cables. The damage was huge, and it is dangerous to use the bridge,” said U Soe Hla Aye from Thayet Chaung village.

The bridge links Thayet Chaung with several other villages. It was built in 2013 by locals on a self-reliant basis.

Residents have sought help from the Rathedaung Township General Administration Department (GAD) to help repair the bridge, but there has been no response.

In Rathedaung Township, a suspension bridge near Zedi Pyin Village was destroyed by the storm, and a new bridge is yet to be built.

“The bridge is on the road to Buthidaung. As there is no bridge now, we have to cross the creek by boat. It is dangerous to take a boat in the rainy season,” said U Tun Kyaing from Zedi Pyin Village.

DMG’s calls to the township GAD went unanswered.

On Nga Mann Ye Island in Myebon Township, a key earthen road linking 11 villages with Myebon town was destroyed by the storm surge, and the road is yet to be repaired.

“We have reported to higher-ups. However, there is still no reply,” said administrator U Aung Soe Hlaing of Kyet Ye Village on Nga Mann Ye Island.

DMG was unable to obtain comment from the Myebon Township GAD at the time of reporting.

While storm victims in Arakan State have received limited relief supplies due to restrictions imposed by the junta, disruptions to the road network take a separate toll.

“Transportation is crucial to provide livelihoods for storm victims in Arakan State. Assistance will reach only when transportation is smooth. There is a need for authorities to repair the damaged roads and bridges as early as possible,” said Ko Myo Myat Hle, an ethnic Mro man.

Seventy-five percent of the population in Arakan State are rural residents who have seen development lag behind in various sectors due to poor transportation networks.