Guesthouses under construction near coral reef attraction in Manaung Twsp

By Aung Kaung Zaw 18 Nov 2020

Aung Kaung Zaw | DMG
18 November 2020, Manaung  

Amid the growing popularity of a 3-acre stretch of coral reef along the Arakan State coast in Manaung Township, several guesthouses are under construction to accommodate visitors. 

Manaung Public Company has been building 12 two-room guesthouses at Pyin Kauk village, which lies adjacent to the coral reef, according to company officials.  

The company chairman, U Kyaw Hlaing, said the aim of building the guesthouses was both to allow visitors to stay overnight, and to contribute to Pyin Kauk village’s development for the benefit of local people. 

“Villagers will lead. It is owned by the village,” he said. “Currently, we have invested. When the villagers get some revenues, it can stand on its own. The combined objective is a sustainable environment and development of the village.”  

The coral reef has long been known to local residents, but it is also becoming an increasingly popular place for visitors from farther afield. In May, social media was abuzz as photos spread showing destruction of the coral by crowds of visitors. The Manaung Township General Administration Department issued a regional order on June 9 to protect the delicate coral. 

It has reportedly been agreed between the company and Pyin Kauk village that Manaung Public Company will put forward the money for the guesthouses’ construction and the village will get 30% of the eventual proceeds from the venture. 

“The village, as owner of the land space being used for construction of the guesthouses, will be given 30%. If constructed on private land, only 15% of the profits would be given. It has been agreed like this. As the land is owned by the village, the dividend will be 30%,” said U Than Shwe, a resident of Pyin Kauk. 

A final agreement has not yet been inked, however, so details of the profit-sharing arrangement could change.  

“Our villagers agreed to the fact that the benefit for the village is 30%. As the company leaders have not arrived, the documentation matters have been stopped,” Pyin Kauk villager U Than Htay said. 

The 12 guesthouses are situated on approximately 2 acres of land and construction is reportedly about 40% complete. 

A hotel and tourism zone elsewhere in Manaung is one of 10 “master plans” that Manaung Public Company has put together to spur development in the island township. 

Its tourism-focused project broke ground in early 2019 and is situated near Kaei village. It was previously expected to open for business in early 2020, but construction could not be completed in time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A rescheduled late 2020 opening date will also be missed, with a responsible person from the company saying the ribbon-cutting will have to wait until after the pandemic is considered under control.