Shoddy or nonexistent pavements blamed for traffic accidents in Sittwe

By DMG 16 Nov 2022

DMG Newsroom
16 November 2022, Sittwe

It has been years since some pavements have been repaved in the Arakan State capital Sittwe, with some stretches of road and sidewalk worn almost to nonexistence, and described by residents as a traffic hazard.

There are barely sidewalks anymore along Minbargyi Road and Mayu Road, and some remaining parts of pavement are being lost to street vendors.

Local residents complain that given the lack of quality pavement, the state capital does not even meet the standards of an average town.

Neglected or nonexistent pavements also contribute to road accidents, said information officer Ko Aung Kyaw Phyo of the Shwe Yaung Metta Foundation.

“As there are no pavements, motorbike riders can’t avoid pedestrians when they come out of a lane suddenly,” he said.

The Arakan State Administration Council is reportedly rebuilding pavements in Sittwe. But DMG was unable to contact the council to ask about how it plans to undertake the effort.

Sittwe resident Ma Mi Che called for removing houses and shops that “squat” on pavements. “If authorities will build pavements systematically, and not just for show, it is good for us,” she said.

“If authorities are rebuilding pavements, they should also enforce pedestrians needing to walk on pavements and make sure they do not walk on streets,” said U Moe Kyaw, vice chairman of the Sein Pyar environmental conservation association.

A street vendor asked for compensation, should they be removed to make way for pavements.

“We need somewhere else where we can continue to do our business. It is best if we are allowed to continue to sell here. But it is still OK if we are given space somewhere else,” said street vendor Daw Khin Khin Oo.

There were five road fatalities in 180 road accidents over the six months from May to October, according to data from social organisations. Pedestrians were hit by cars or motorbikes in those accidents.