The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $10 million grant from the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction to rebuild cyclone-damaged community infrastructure and restore livelihoods in villages in Chin state—the poorest and most remote part of Myanmar, which was highlighted in ADB’s website on 20 April 2016.
The project will upgrade rural roads in seven target townships in the north of Chin State, using a “build-back-better” approach to withstand future disasters and cope with climate change. Power systems will be repaired in 25 villages; water supply infrastructure upgraded in 44 villages, and inundated farmland reclaimed.
In regards of starting the project work, Mr. Jon Larkin, External Relations Specialist of ADV said, “It is planning; survey and detailed design work will be initiated starting May/June 2016 to enable construction (civil works) activities to commence after the monsoon period in Oct/Nov 2016,” to Khonumthung News.
When Khonumthung ask about who will be the local partners of ADB in Chin state in order to accomplish the project works, Mr. Jon Larkin said, “We will work with the Chin State government, including and through the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Committee, and with the Department of Rural Development, Ministry of Agriculture Livestock and Irrigation at the national and township levels. We will also work with local NGOs on project implementation to strengthen disaster risk preparedness and on strengthening disaster risk management systems at district, township, village-tract and village level. We will select amongst NGOs with experience working in Chin State.”
The project will focus on seven townships in the northern part of Chi State, namely, Falam, Hakha Thantlang, Matupi, Mindat, Tidim and Tonzang, he added.
“The devastating floods and landslides in June and July 2015 left a trail of destruction across Chin state where many communities remain isolated because of widespread road damage and long-term power and water supply interruptions,” said Winfried Wicklein, director of ADB’s country office in Myanmar.
‘Local labor will be used, where feasible, to carry out the repair and restoration work, boosting local incomes and providing a cash infusion to participating villages. The project will run for about 3 years, with an estimated completion date of April 2019’, he added.
ADB, is working closely with the Government of Myanmar and other development partners to help the country recover from the disaster, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration.