Pauktaw introduces one-way scheme to address traffic jams

By Admin 23 Apr 2023

DMG Newsroom
23 April 2023, Pauktaw

A one-way traffic scheme will reportedly be introduced to address frequent traffic jams blamed on neighbourhoods with narrow roads in Arakan State’s Pauktaw.

The junta-controlled newspaper Myanmar Alinn announced on April 22 that if people do not follow the one-way traffic rules, action will be taken against them.

“Department officials will carry out public awareness activities to prevent unwanted problems from occurring due to unruly driving of vehicles, and action will be taken against those who do not comply,” the regime mouthpiece said.

“Educating the public about traffic rules and road rules is being conducted three days a week, and in doing so, the public’s cooperation is also required,” said U Kyan Aye, administrator of Pauktaw Township.

“We are conducting public awareness about traffic and road rules three days a week. It depends on the public’s cooperation,” he added.

Six roads in Pauktaw have been designated as one-way, but there are still traffic jams due to the narrowness of the roads and lack of enforcement.

“The roads are narrow, causing heavy traffic jams. The one-way system has been in place since last year. The road does not conform to the town’s features. The main road is only 20 feet wide. If two cars are driving, no more vehicles can pass. The locals also don’t follow traffic rules. Those who drive park their cars on the side of the road,” said Ko Kyaw Kyaw Khaing, a resident of Pauktaw.

Enforcement was a recurrent theme in DMG interviews with Pauktaw residents.

“If the authorities enforce traffic rules on the road in the morning, the locals follow the rules at that time. When the authorities are gone, the locals don’t obey the traffic rules,” said Ko Yan Lin Soe, a three-wheeled motorbike driver.

Pauktaw has a compact urban core and a population of 19,157, according to the 2019 inter-censal survey.