Utilize roads and bridges in border areas for development

February 25,2022


NOWADAYS, the government is emphasizing the plan to narrow the development gap between the border areas and mainlands as well as the border areas and that from other countries. 


The living standards and daily lifestyle of the people residing in Myanmar side are very different from those from other neighbouring countries. Hence, local authorities and people are in harmony to strive for the development of their areas under the auspices of the Union government. 


The Ministry of Border Affairs stated that more than 4,800 small and large bridges have been built for the development of border regions up to the end of January 2022. In this regard, the ministry implemented the master plans for development functions. 


In so doing, the first three-year short-term plan was implemented from 1993-94 financial year to 1995-96 financial year, the first five-year medium-term plan from 1996-97 to 2000- 21 financial year, and the second five-year short-term plan from 2001-02 to 2005-06 financial year, totalling 13 years. 


Furthermore, the ministry adopted a 30-year master plan from 2001-02 to 2030-31 financial year. The master plan was divided into six portions. Starting from the 2011-12 financial year, the master plan was shifted into the 20-year master plan for the development of border areas. Such a master plan lasts from 2011-12 financial year to 2030-31 financial year. 


Up to 31 January 2022 of the 2021-22 financial year, a total of 4,896 small and large bridges have been built across the nation, including 358 bridges of more than 100 feet in length and 4,372 bridges under 100 feet in length and 166 suspension bridges. 


During the period, the ministry built more than 10,303 miles long earthen roads, 7,207 miles long gravel roads, more than 177 miles long laterite roads, over 3,175 miles long asphalt roads, more than 46 miles long repaved roads, more than 91 miles long concrete roads, 543 miles long expanded roads, 5,101 miles long renovated roads, 2,422 conduits and 5,736 culverts. 


Road and bridges in all areas of the nation, including border regions and remote areas, are reliable infrastructures to help the local people enjoy the improvement of living standards and to contribute towards the development of local businesses. As such, the local people are responsible for the maintenance of these infrastructures as well as have a chance to taste the fruits of development.