More funding is needed to complete the construction of a drug treatment and rehabilitation center which was built with the cooperation of the New Mon State Party (NMSP), Mon monks, civil society organizations (CSOs) and the general public of Mon State.

“At the moment,we have to put the [construction] project on hold as all [of] the 50 million kyats donations have been spent on it. An engineering group has estimated the camp construction would cost more than 100 million kyats,” Nai Thin Soe, a Secretary of the center added.

Some parts of the camp construction have been finished including paving the 1200 ft entrance connecting to the main road, installation of the plumbing, buildings for the reception hall and accommodation unit.

Still to be completed are the treatment rooms, spaces for education programs and security facilities.

The rehab center is located near Wai Zin village, 10 miles from eastern Ye Township. Construction began in February 2019 and the centre will offer rehabilitation programs for those addicted to drugs.

Nai Gong Saka, a Secretary with the NMSP office in Southern Ye Township said, “…drug-related cases has reached the point where our Township center had to stop [accepting those addicted to drugs and sent by their parents] as there is not enough space … [we] don’t feel good about that. But, the Thawai district rehab center is still accepting more patients. [We] have [told parents] to take their children there. It could be difficult to travel to the place as it is far away from the city.”

Nai Gong Saka added the NMSP views drug dealers as a national enemy.

The NMSP Thawai District Office has detained over 70 people on drug-related cases.

NMSP rehabilitation centers in Thaton and Mawlamyine Districts are under increasing strain to provide food, medication and security services for the growing numbers of families seeking treatment for children who have become addicted to drugs.