The construction of a bridge across the Nga San Paw Creek connecting Rathedaung and Buthidaung townships in the Rakhine State will be completed by the end of March.
The Nga San Paw Bridge spans 210 feet across the Nga San Paw Creek, which flows between Rathedaung and Buthidaung townships. Located on the road connecting Rathedaung and Buthidaung, which is under construction, the bridge is being built by Bridge Special Group 8 of Bridge Construction Group 2 under the Bridge Management Department of the Ministry of Construction.
The Nga San Paw Stream flows into the Mayu River. The northern part of the stream near Yay Kaung Chaung Village of Rathedaung Township falls under Buthidaung Township and the southern part of the stream falls under Rathedaung Township.
“Taung Maw Village in the north of the creek is [under] Buthidaung Township. This Yay Kaung Chaung Village is under Rathedaung Township. This creek divides the two townships,” said a resident of Yay Kaung Chaung Village, who works as a ferryman.
The ferryman said people can travel easily after the bridge has been completed and it will bring benefits to the region.
“I collect a basket of rice from each house every year as ferryboat fee for transporting them along the stream. I collect a basket of rice per home from the villages from here. I collect 200 kyats from people who come from faraway areas. I won’t have a job after this bridge has been completed, but I’m happy for the bridge’s existence as it will bring benefits to the local residents,” he added.
The Nga San Paw Bridge is located on Ponnagyun-Rathedaung-Buthidaung Road, which will connect with Sittwe-Yangon Highway. The opening of the road connecting Rathedaung and Ponnakyun is scheduled on March 31 and the road connecting Rathedaung and Buthidaung will be opened within this year.
Thaung Da Yar Chaung Bridge, Nga San Paw Bridge, and Sai Tin Bridge are currently under construction on Rathedaung-Buthidaung Road. This road would be opened on March 31 if the construction of these bridges can be completed on time.
Rathedaung, Buthidaung, and Maungdaw can be reached directly by car via the Yangon-Sittwe Road after the construction of these bridges is completed.