Residents are calling for urgent repairs to the Kyaukpandu–Zaydipyin Mountain Road, a vital route passing through the Mayu mountain range and linking southern Maungdaw Township with Rathedaung Township in Arakan (Rakhine) State, warning that worsening conditions pose serious risks to travelers.
The road sustained extensive damage during last year’s rainy season. Landslides left large boulders scattered across sections of the route, while erosion caused partial collapses in multiple areas. Since then, accidents have become increasingly common.
Safety concerns extend beyond the road itself. Residents also highlighted fears about the presence of the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), saying its activities heighten insecurity along the route.
“Motorcycles crash all the time. On our last trip, we even saw a car that had gone off the road. When we ride, we often have to get off and push the bike up steep parts. But even walking like that feels unsafe because we worry about running into ARSA. If the road were fixed, it would make a huge difference for safety,” said a woman from Zaydipyin Village.
Stretching approximately 10 miles and 7 furlongs, the road is a vital lifeline for Rathedaung residents, supporting trade, access to healthcare, and everyday travel.
“The road is in terrible condition. Only people who really know the area dare to use it. If repairs don’t happen soon, it might become completely unusable by the next rainy season,” a 32-year-old Rathedaung resident told DMG.
In addition to infrastructure improvements, locals are calling for stronger security measures to prevent possible ARSA ambushes.
Although the United League of Arakan (ULA), the political wing of the Arakan Army (AA) which controls large areas of Arakan State, has carried out road and bridge projects elsewhere, residents said this particular mountain road has so far been neglected.
Some community members believe the ULA should take the lead in repairs, even suggesting public contributions if necessary.
“The road needs to be rebuilt properly with heavy machinery. If it’s done in a way that makes it safe and reliable, people would be willing to contribute money,” said a resident from Kyaukpandu Village.
The road serves as a key corridor connecting western Rathedaung, southern Buthidaung, and southern Maungdaw, and extends toward Sittwe, the state capital.
While concrete has reinforced steep sections near Kyaukpandu and Zaydipyin villages, most of the route remains a deteriorating stretch of rough stone paths, making travel difficult and dangerous for both cars and motorcycles.
