Race against time to clear damaged water sources
Experts are warning that unless urgent action is taken to clean water sources before the end of the monsoon rains, flood-affected communities in Rakhine State could soon face water shortages as thick deposits of mud foul the rivers, lakes and creeks that residents and farmers rely on.
Rakhine State relies heavily on rainwater and a few freshwater sources, like the Laymyo River, for drinking, cooking and agriculture, as many other creeks and streams are salty. Seasonal rains keep ponds and wells fresh for dry-season use.
However, a huge effort is now needed to clear fresh-water sources of the mud left by weeks of heavy rain and flooding.
The Department of Rural Development, working with community-based organisations, has been pumping sources clean, but poor roads, inadequate funding and lack of technical expertise are hampering the process.
