Locals call for soonest completion of new bridge linking Mrauk-U, Minbya

By DMG 26 Mar 2021

DMG Newsroom
26 March 2021, Mrauk-U 

Residents in Arakan State’s Mrauk-U and Minbya townships are appealing to local authorities to complete a new bridge linking the two townships as soon as possible. 

Construction of the bridge near Myaungbwe village began in October 2018, and the bridge is scheduled for completion in 2022, according to Road and Bridge Construction Group 7. 

Made of wood, the current bridge is in bad condition and is at risk of collapsing when used by cargo trucks and passenger buses, according to local residents and travellers. 

“We have troubles crossing the bridge, especially in hot and cold seasons when there are large numbers of travellers,” said driver U Ba Maung. “As parts of the bridge are broken, only one vehicle can use the bridge at a time, leading to a long queue of vehicles. Sometimes, drivers have to wait for the whole day.” 

The bridge is so badly damaged that even two small vehicles cannot cross the bridge at the same time, said resident of Myaungbwe village Daw Sein Oo Tha. 

“We once travelled from Minbya to Mrauk-U for an urgent matter. But we were delayed by a long queue of vehicles waiting to cross the bridge,” said traveller Ko Aung Ko Nyein. 

The new bridge is expected to be completed in September, said member of the Arakan State Administration Council Colonel Min Than. 

However, deputy director U Min Khaing of Road and Bridge Special Group 7 said the bridge can only be completed in 2022 due to budget constraints. 

“The bridge is expected to cost 4.7 billion kyats. The total budget we have received as of current fiscal year is over 2.5 billion kyats. The bridge is complete 45% now. We expect to complete the bridge next year,” said U Min Khaing. 

Bridge construction was delayed by fighting between Myanmar’s military and the Arakan Army near Myaungbwe village. The two sides have, however, observed an unofficial ceasefire since November. 

The new bridge will be 740 feet in length and 34 feet in width. The bridge is described as not only crucial for links between Mrauk-U and Minbya, but also as a major connection on the Yangon-Sittwe road.