Rakhine State — Local residents have informed that the Irrigation and Water Utilization Management Department (IWUMD) is planning the construction of a dam in Kyauk Tan village, located within Maday Island village tract, Kyaukphyu Township, Rakhine State. The Irrigation and Water Utilization Management Department (IWUMD) asserts that the dam is primarily intended for the local residents' benefit. However, local residents seek a transparent explanation regarding the dam's construction, expressing concerns that it may also cater to the requirements of Chinese projects on Maday Island
U Maung Hla Khin, a resident of Kyauk Tan village recalls that , "During previous projects on the island, they promised numerous benefits for the local population. Now they claim that this dam is intended for the local residents. However those responsible for the project have not yet provided full transparency to the local community. As a result, we can only adopt a wait-and-see approach," said U Maung Hla Khin, a resident of Kyauk Tan village.
The Island hosts a port and oil storage facilities owned by the Chinese company CNPC.This location enables international ships to dock and supports the export of natural gas and oil to China through a dedicated pipeline.
Back in 2009, as part of the Shwe natural gas project, a crude oil storage and shipping port was established, leading to the confiscation of certain farmlands and the loss of certain fishing blocks of water industry operators.
Similarly, during the construction of Chinese projects in the past, local farmlands and orchards were confiscated. Residents are concerned that this trend of land confiscation might recur, as the planned site for the dam's construction includes farmlands and orchards.
The dam will be constructed approximately 2 furlongs away from Kyauk Tan village, situated between Shauk Pin Chein mountain and Kyin Tan mountain.According to residents, officials from the Department of Land Records in Kyaukphyu Township conducted land area measurements for the project in January, April, and on October 10.
"Currently, orchards within the proposed dam site can only be compensated, if they possess land ownership titles. For those without land ownership documents, the Department of Land Records has indicated that they would receive compensation solely for the value of the planted trees. Despite the absence of land titles, these orchard owners have been cultivating their ancestral lands, causing concern about potential expropriation," Daw Nwet Nwet Myint from Kyauk Tan village explained.
When DMG reached out to U Thet Lin Tun, the Township Officer of the Kyaukphyu Township Irrigation and Water Utilization Management Department (IWUMD), regarding the dam construction, his response was, "I'm currently traveling, and I will provide information at a later time." Thus there was no information available at that moment.
Former Member of Parliament for Kyaukphyu Township, U Ba Shein, suggested that if the dam project proves to be beneficial in the long run, it is essential to establish coordination to prevent any hardships for the local residents.
"We are aware that a dam is planned for construction, but the exact timeline remains uncertain. If the project moves forward, it has the potential to benefit the local community, and it's crucial to ensure that no harm comes to the local residents," stated U Ba Shein.
Maday Island comprises five villages, which include Kyauk Tan, Pyain, and Ywar Ma. The total population on the island is approximately 3,000 people, with the majority of them engaged in agriculture and the water industry for their livelihoods.
