Residents of Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State, are calling on authorities to take action against people repeatedly dumping wastewater into the creek beneath the ‘Japan Bridge’, located between Sitarpu and Tatkone wards.
According to locals, the illegal dumping has become a frequent occurrence, leaving foul odors in the surrounding area and creating a nuisance for nearby communities.
Residents said the dumping is most commonly seen in the late afternoon, particularly around school dismissal time. Wastewater is reportedly transported in gallon containers loaded onto Hijet microvans and three-wheeled vehicles before being emptied into the creek.
“I've personally seen it happen around 10 times already. It happens more often in the evenings. Sometimes they come in three-wheelers, but Hijet trucks dump much larger amounts of wastewater,” said a woman who witnessed the dumping.
Residents said the creek was once known for its clean, clear water and abundant fish, making it a popular spot where people gathered to fish and relax.
They added that the situation has changed significantly, with the constant dumping causing persistent foul smells, polluting the water, and drastically reducing the fish population.
“We regularly see vehicles bringing in wastewater and dumping it straight into the creek. If that wastewater contains chemical waste, it could pose a serious risk to people who eat fish caught here. This stretch of the creek is one of the local fishing spots. The authorities need to stop this,” said a local.
Another woman also posted on social media, saying, “The smell is unbearable. We tried to stop them from dumping the wastewater, but they ignored us.”
According to Myitkyina residents, some local people still catch and eat fish from the creek and its nearby tributaries.
People living near the bridge suspect the wastewater may be coming from tea shops and restaurants. However, they said there is still no concrete evidence identifying the exact businesses responsible.
Residents are now urging the relevant authorities to investigate the matter and take effective action against those responsible for the dumping, which has become a nuisance for nearby communities.
