Locals call for improving Rathedaung-Moese Island road

By DMG 30 Apr 2022

DMG Newsroom
30 April 2022, Rathedaung 

Local residents have called for upgrading the road linking the Arakan State capital Sittwe and Rathedaung, citing the risks associated with travelling on the existing gravel road.  

Known as the Rathedaung-Moese Island road, it was built during British colonial rule and remains gravelled. Successive administrations have carried out only minor repairs to the road, said locals who are asking for a more durable upgrade. 

“The road is rough and the gravel is sharp, which often bursts the tires of vehicles and motorbikes,” the administrator of Kapchaung village told DMG. “The road is bad, and it is risky to transport patients who need emergency healthcare. If possible, the road should be upgraded to asphalt or concrete.” 

Around 10 miles long, it is the only road connecting 30 villages from Moese Island with Sittwe. The road is also used to transport crops grown on Moese Island to the Arakan State capital, according to locals.  

Former Upper House lawmaker U Khin Maung Latt echoed calls for upgrading the road. 

“The road has been a trunk road since colonial times. It was repaired over successive periods but unsystematically. Shortly after repairs were made, the road would be bad again. So, this road should be a concrete road,” said U Khin Maung Latt. “This road is important for supplying commodities to Sittwe. Moese Island produces prawn, rice, beans and pulses and onions.” 

Villagers from Moese Island have also complained about difficulties travelling to local cottage hospitals due to the poor road. 

“We have to ride with caution because the road is very bad and we can easily overturn. There are only two cottage hospitals, both of which are located along the road. The authorities should make systematic repairs to the road, and not just for show,” said Uga villager Ko Maung Myat Aung. 

Arakan State Road and Bridge Construction Department staff officer Daw May Aye Aung said: “The Rathedaung-Moese Island road is not managed by our department. I think it is managed by the Rural Development Department. I have no knowledge about the Moese Island road.”

DMG phone calls to the Arakan State Rural Development Department went unanswered.