Two emergency motions over disaster-related damage to transportation infrastructure and public property in Kachin State were put on record at the Pyithu Hluttaw on May 26, 2016.U Zone Teint of the Chiphwe constituency tabled a motion calling for prompt repair of a road linking Chiphwe and Hsawtlaw townships. Some sections of the road were damaged in recent torrential rain, he said. Another motion was concerned with the collapse of houses, landslides, damaged crops, difficult communications and shortages of food due to the incessant rain. U Ar Moe Hsi of Khaunglanphu constituency proposed the motion urging the Union government and the local government to take prompt action to address the problems in Putao district, Kachin State. The region has undergone heavy rain since 18 February this year, he said. In response to the motions, Construction Union Minister U Win Khaing promised to seek union funding of the 2016-17 fiscal year for the construction of five wooden bridges in the affected areas, saying that construction would start when the monsoon begins to withdraw. Five bamboo bridges have been constructed in the areas as temporary replacements to ease access to the region. Home Affairs Union Minister Lt-Gen Kyaw Swe spoke of ongoing measures for the repair of the damaged transportation infrastructure and the provision of foodstuff by local military commands. He added that local police were carrying out security measures in partnership with military personnel in a bid to prevent possible outbreaks of crime and reinforce the rule of law. Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Union Minister Dr Win Myat Aye said that assistance in cash and materials had been provided to flood victims in two townships in Kachin State. According to the union minister, relief worth K18 million (US$15,202) has been distributed to the victims in Hsawtlaw township and relief worth K53.8 million (US$45,439) to the people in Khaunglanphu township.
Reference: GNLM