Pajau Media Channel
3rd May, 2024
Following the indefinite ban imposed by the SAC on the Mali Hka Marina in Naung Hkai village, Putao District, local residents, particularly those engaged in mustard farming along the Mali Hka River banks, are encountering transportation challenges and financial losses.
Expressing dismay over the inability to transport mustard seeds, a local resident lamented, "This year has been devastating. With the marina closed and fuel prices soaring, our mustard seeds are ruined. The journey is arduous, and carrying seeds on foot is not feasible, resulting in significant losses."
A significant portion of Putao residents depend on mustard plantations along the Mali Hka River, relying on the marina for livelihoods. However, since the end of last March, the local militia force has indefinitely prohibited access to the Naung Hkai Marina, disrupting transportation of mustard seeds and causing financial hardships for locals.
Despite negotiations with two remaining boats in the Mali Hka River, local residents were unable to secure transportation for their mustard seeds, even after offering up to 500,000 kyats.
Furthermore, the mustard fields currently cultivated by locals are situated in the Hpakant area along the Mali Hka River, totaling nearly 800 acres this year.
It is reported that the journey from MaChanBaw to the mustard fields takes over an hour and a half downstream and almost three hours upstream, with a trek on foot requiring nearly three nights. Consequently, locals heavily rely on the marina for transportation and livelihoods, underscoring the urgent need for its reopening.
News - Hugawng
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