IDP camps in Arakan State face shortage of drinking water

By DMG 18 Jan 2022

DMG Newsroom
18 January 2022, Sittwe

Some camps for internally displaced people (IDPs) in Arakan State have been facing drinking water shortages ahead of summer’s onset, according to IDPs. 

Many IDP camps in Arakan State face annual water shortages in winter and summer, said U Maung Tun Hla, manager of Pharpyo IDP camp in Minbya Township. 

“We dare not go to the forest near the IDP camp to fetch water because a Myanmar military group is stationed there. As we have no money, we have asked the relevant authorities to provide water to the IDP camp,” he said. 

U Maung Tun Hla continued that a letter was submitted to the Arakan State Administration Council in December regarding the water supply to IDP camps. 

IDPs are struggling to make ends meet even with the support of donor organisations, with the shortage of drinking water just one of many challenges facing those displaced. 

Water is being used from a lake near Yay Phyu Kan IDP camp in Ponnagyun Township, and the lake’s water level is gradually declining, said U Than Htay, an IDP from the camp. 

“We have to fetch water from a lake, which is located about one mile from the IDP camp. The lake will dry up next month,” he added. 

Displaced people at Sethmuzone IDP camp in Ponnagyun Township are also facing drinking water shortages. 

Displacement camps and villages in Arakan State townships such as Rathedaung, Pauktaw, Minbya, Mrauk-U, Ponnagyun and Myebon face annual water shortages. 

DMG attempts to contact the Arakan State Administration Council — to find out how the local government was working to supply water to the IDPs — were unsuccessful. 

More than 100,000 IDPs have returned to their homes since fighting between the military and Arakan Army ceased at the end of 2020, but tens of thousands more remain in displacement camps.