Residents left hanging while the government decides if it will repair a dam that provides their drinking water.

Lon Sai Long, a Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) MP for Mongkai Township

A Shan parliamentarian raised concerns about repairing a damaged dam in eastern Shan State that provides drinking water for many people and irrigation water for farmers.

Lon Sai Long, a Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) MP for Mongkai Township, where the Hpong Mong dam is located, started the discussion during a Shan State Parliament session in early December.

“It was damaged during last raining season,” Lon Sai Long said to SHAN. “Officials from the government’s irrigation department have already investigated and measured it. But until now nobody has repaired it. That’s why I asked the question (in Parliament).”

The Hpong Mong dam provides irrigation for over 415 acres of paddy field in Hpong Mong, Nawng Moon and Weing Nguen villages. Since it was damaged farmers have faced difficulties accessing water for their crops.

Responding to the question raised in Parliament, Sai Long Kyauk, minister for Agriculture and Irrigation in Shan State, said plans to fix the dam weren’t included in the meeting’s agenda.

Lon Sai Long also asked MPs what was being done to improve road safety.

“Is there a plan to make an awareness campaign about rules and regulations for vehicles and road safety?” Lon Sai Long said.

State Security and Border Affairs Minister Col. Hla Oo responded there isn’t enough traffic police to start such a campaign but if there is then a program will be initiated in every township in Shan State.