Mandalay to spend K5.3b to prevent riverbank erosion in major rivers
17 Oct 19 - Source: Myanmar Times - Mandalay Region will spend K 5.3 billion (US$2.29 million) in 2020 to fortify river banks to prevent erosion, the regional Directorate of Water Resources and Improvement of River Systems said.
The measures to prevent riverbank erosion will be carried out in 20 villages along the Ayeyarwady River, Panlaung River, Chaung Ma Gyi Creek and Dokhtawady River, which flow across eight townships in the region, U Toe Aung, the department's director, said.
He added that preliminary work is being done in preparation for the project.
"The current in the rivers changes a lot. Areas where we did surveys last year have changed due to this year's floods. So we are conducting surveys now and will draw up prevention designs depending on potential findings," he told The Myanmar Times.
"The headquarters will carefully verify the designs and calculate the cost. After we finish these stages, invitations for tenders will start," he said.
The invitation of tenders will begin in December and preparation for work will be completed between January and April 2020, U Toe Aung said.
The official said that riverbank erosion can be triggered by man-made activities such as deforestation and excessive mining in watershed areas.
He added that uncommon weather conditions such as heavy rains or the strengthening of the current of the river can also cause erosions.
Due to riverbank erosion, villages near rivers and streams are losing farmlands and buildings.
Concrete barriers, dams, dredging work, dams with sand bags are built to prevent or mitigate erosion, said the department.
According to statistics from the Water Resource and River Development Department, K5 billion will be used for erosion prevention work and river current streamlining in 20 villages. – Translated
