Although the military council pledged to assist with reconstruction efforts in Chaunghanakwa village, Kyaikmaraw Township, Mon State, where homes were destroyed in clashes, locals report that no tangible progress has been made.
The promised support includes the reconstruction of homes and improvements in security, agriculture, education, healthcare, and electricity.
An aid distribution ceremony for affected residents of Chaunghanakwa village was held on September 28 at Shwe Hinthar Hall in the township administration office. At this event, Mon State's Chief Minister, U Aung Kyi Thein, appointed by the military council, restated the pledge to help rebuild damaged homes in the area.
"Village leaders said the Chief Minister mentioned in the meeting last month (September) that they would repair the destroyed houses, but it's uncertain when. The houses are still in disrepair, with only a few people living there. We haven't received any assistance so far," a local woman from Chaunghanakwa village said.
According to the Mon State government's website, the Chief Minister allocated 29.4 million kyats for construction materials to rebuild 147 homes damaged in the fire.
However, locals note that, despite the military council's assurance of reconstruction efforts in Chaunghanakwa village, the current security situation has prevented many from returning home.
"We can go back to the village to check on our homes, but we're not ready to return permanently. Even if they complete the rebuilding and ask us to live there, no one is willing to stay. The situation is not peaceful. Some villagers stay in Mudon, while others are in the Phathein area. They don't feel safe to return yet," said another Chaunghanakwa village resident.
Since mid-November 2023, clashes intensified around Chaunghanakwa village and nearby areas as anti-coup forces attacked local security posts, including a police station and a security gate at Attaran Bridge.
In late December 2023, the military regained control of Chaunghanakwa village and has maintained a military presence there.
The fighting in Kyaikmaraw Township has led to civilian casualties, widespread destruction of homes due to artillery fire and arson, and forced more than 20,000 residents from around 20 villages, including Chaunghanakwa, Taung Kale, Maedro, and Hlar Kazine, to flee their homes.
