Chaung Han Kwa Bridge destroyed: Creates transportation and livelihood problems for 30 villages

November 24, 2023

HURFOM: The Ataran Bridge near Chaung Hna Kwa village, Kyikemayaw Township, Mon State was bombed and destroyed on November 17, 2023. The destruction of the bridge has created transportation and livelihood problems for residents in nearly 30 villages.

The Ataran Bridge connects Mon and Karen States and Myawaddy and Three Pagoda Pass on the Thai-Burma border. Due to the destruction, more than ten villages in Kyikemayaw Township, Mon State and nearly 20 villages in Kyarinnseikyi Township, Karen State are facing numerous socio economic problems.

“The destruction of the Chaung Hna Kaw Bridge has created lots of problems. The bridge is the main route for us. Now, if we want to go to Mawlamyine, we have to go via the Sa Bell Gu Bridge route. This adds to our transportation cost,” said a resident from Kyarinnseikyi Township.

Now, the transportation fee per person from Kyarinnseikyi to Mawlamyine has risen from 35,000 to 50,000 MMK.

“We have to use the long route so it costs us a lot. It’s a big problem for transportation. Then, we’ll suffer from high commodity prices very soon,” said a villager from Chuang Hna Kwa area.

Heavy armed clashes between the military junta and the revolutionary forces in the Chaung Ha Kaw area have been ongoing since November 10, and military tensions persist.

More than 3,000 villagers have to flee their homes due to armed clashes in the area.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News