IDPs need shelters for rainy season

By Khin Tharaphy Oo 07 Jun 2019

Khin Tharaphy Oo | DMG

6 June, Sittwe

The regional government could not construct shelters for IDPs yet because of armed conflicts in Northern Arakan State, this has created mounting concern for their living in the coming rainy season.

Tin Nyo IDP camp in Mrauk-U Township has more than 400 households, and over 300 houses were built under the cooperation between the IDPs and CSOs. The remaining households are now taking shelter in monasteries and schools, said U Wai Hla Aung, in-charge of Tin Nyo IDP camp.

“We cannot build shelters for all the people in the camp. The government has not built houses for them yet. Authorities conducted inspections two times to build houses for IDPs besides the camp. But, as far as I know, tender invitations for the construction project failed,” he said.

There are concerns for IDPs that they will face difficulties getting food and having decent accommodations to live in during the rainy season, said U Shwe Baw Sein, chairperson of Rakhine Ethnic Congress.

“They might face a lot of troubles during the rainy season. They are now living in temporary buildings with roofs and walls were not completely built. They might face difficulties getting food also because CSOs cannot come and provide essential supplies during the rainy season due to poor transportation,” he said.

The DMG tried to contact U Aung Kyaw Zan, minister for Electric Power, Industry and Transportation in Arakan State, but he could not be reached for comment.

The regional government invited tender to construct temporary buildings for Arakanese IDPs. The last date for the tender invitation was May 27. The government has planned to build two buildings each in Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, Mrauk-U, Buthidaung and Minbya Townships respectively.

Currently, two buildings are under construction in Buthidaung Township, administrator of Maungdaw district said.

The number of IDPs in Arakan State has surged to about 40,000 and their temporary shelters were destroyed due to heavy rain making their living situation more perilous day by day.