Manaung Twsp farmers whose lands involved in dam project seek compensation

By Aung Kaung Zaw 01 Dec 2020

Aung Kaung Zaw | DMG
1 December 2020, Manaung

Locals from Pyin Kauk village-tract in Arakan State’s Manaung Township say they have not yet received compensation from the government for farmlands of theirs that were included in the construction of a hillside dam.

A total of 17.5 acres of farmland owned by locals were reportedly included in the dam project built by the Irrigation and Water Utilization Management Department.

“There are nine landowners whose farmlands were involved in the construction of the dam. Local authorities only summoned three landowners to discuss compensation. No compensation has been paid to those summoned by the authorities. We want the government to pay us compensation as soon as possible,” said U Tin Maung Htwe, whose farmlands were confiscated in the dam’s construction.

U Tin Nu Aung, the Lower House MP for Manaung Township, said the government would compensate for farmlands damaged by construction of the dam, according to the locals.

“U Tin Nu Aung, Pyithu Hluttaw Representative for Manaung Township, said the government would pay compensation. My tobacco plantations and teak plantations were involved in the dam construction project. I want the government to pay the local price for the farmland involved in the dam construction project as soon as possible,” said U Lone Khaing, a resident.

U Tin Nu Aung said the issue of land compensation has been presented to Parliament.

“Compensation for farmlands involved in the dam construction has already been tabled in Parliament. They [landowners] have to wait for a while. Working with the government will take some time. Compensation will be paid to the landowners this year,” the lawmaker said.

The dam — 345-ft long, 40-ft high and 20-ft wide — is being built at an estimated cost of K120 million ($91,000). There are four other similar facilities elsewhere in Manaung Township.

Earthen dams are being built in some parts of Arakan State to provide adequate water to people in areas facing water shortages during the summer months.

In the fiscal year 2018-19, the Irrigation and Water Utilization Management Department in Arakan State built one similar dam each in Ponnagyun, Pauktaw, Rathedaung, Gwa, and Maungdaw townships, and two each in Ramree, Ann and Buthidaung townships.