Sittwe residents call for better monitoring of treacherous waters at View Point Beach

By Admin 22 Feb 2023

DMG Newsroom
22 February 2023, Sittwe

Three warning signs have been placed around dangerous and rough waters near View Point Beach in Sittwe, Arakan State, since January at the arrangement of the city development committee.

Construction of an 18-by-17-ft warning sign is currently being completed near View Point Beach.

“A warning sign will be placed at a distance of more than 100 feet [from shore],” said Ko Kyaw Aung Sein, who is building the warning signs. “Since it is being done according to the tides, we cannot yet say when the three warning signs will be completed.”

Sittwe residents have welcomed the installation of warning signs, and some have called for the effort to go further.

“If possible, it would be better if warning signs were erected near the Sittwe Hotel. By erecting warning signs that show how deep the water is and where it may be dangerous, the risks will be reduced if the relevant government [entities] are able to monitor and prohibit it,” said U Kyaw Zan Maung, chairman of the Tharki Mandaing Arakan Association.

There have been multiple drowning deaths due to strong currents and waves near Sittwe View Point Beach in recent years. Three Grade 4 students drowned on October 22.

CCTV cameras have been installed at the beach, but there is a need for better surveillance for the safety of the public, residents say.

“I want the authorities to do more things that will be more effective,” said U Min Htel Wah, chairman of Shwe Yaung Myitta Foundation. “Sittwe View Point Beach is not like Ngapali and Chaungtha [beaches]. Sittwe’s View Point Beach is always a dangerous place, with rocks and currents, so there needs to be effective monitoring to save lives.”

DMG continues to attempt to contact the Arakan State military council spokesperson U Hla Thein to ask whether there are any plans for enhanced monitoring of high-risk areas along Sittwe’s View Point Beach.

There were five drowning deaths at View Point Beach from August through October of last year, according to data compiled by the Myitta Yaungchi Association, a Sittwe-based charity.