Villages in Manaung Twsp facing water woes

By Aung Kaung Zaw 12 May 2020

Aung Kaung Zaw | DMG
May 12, Manaung

Some villages in Manaung Township are experiencing drought-like conditions as wells and ponds dry up. Local residents say the resulting water shortages have been impacting their villages since the end of April.

The villages of Pan Hpey, Ye Myet Wa, Nagar, Doe Dan, Hpet Yar, Thayaw Taw are just some of the settlements facing such difficulties. Villagers have to fetch water from distant streams or are forced to rely on local charitable groups and individuals to donate and transport water in.

“It gets complicated for people’s livelihoods when water becomes scarce. Families have to go and fetch water from streams, and they spend all their time doing that and don’t have time to do their other jobs; to earn their living,” said one man from Nagar village, U Tin Tun. “The roads to our village aren’t very good, and there aren’t many people who come to provide donations.”

In some places, even buffalo and cattle often don’t have enough drinking water.

“We do have a water pond, but it’s empty now. At the moment it’s the hot season, and the heat is intense. If we have to continue like this for another month, then the buffalo and cows won’t have enough to drink and will die,” U Lu Hla from Hpet Yar village explained.

Charitable organisations and individuals have donated water to some villages. But according to locals, it isn’t enough, with the water generally lasting just one night before being used up.

The government has dug ponds for villages facing water shortages, but local people report that every year toward the end of April these reservoirs dry up, causing daily life difficulties.