Irrigation Facility: Reconstruction of conduit at Samon Dam

Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation U Min Naung visited Samon Dam in Thazi Township of Meiktila District of Mandalay Region on Saturday. Officials reported on the damage condition of the dam due to the impact of Typhoon Yagi, renovation phases of the dam, construction of dam fuse, and distribution of irrigated water.

The Union Minister instructed for quality renovation works and timely completion in line with the procedures. He then viewed the solar-powered pumping project to irrigate highland farms.

In meeting with local farmers, the Union Minister instructed for cultivation of paddy, oil crops and other income generated crops. He also urged officials to provide assistance for technical issue faced by the farmers. He then visited the construction site of underground water conduit at Kintar Left Canal in Wuntwin Township and instructed for timely completion of the tasks in line with the regulations.  Severe flooding along the Samon River caused by Typhoon Yagi in September 2024 damaged and broke the Samon conduit. As a result, a new conduit has been under reconstruction during the 2024–2025 fiscal year.

During the construction period, a temporary dam was built across the Samon River and a temporary irrigation canal was installed to supply water to about 500 acres of summer paddy fields and other summer crops. However, construction works were affected by the strong Mandalay earthquake that struck on March 28, 2025. Due to the damage, the conduit is now being rebuilt at a new location. The project is expected to be fully completed before the 2026–2027 monsoon paddy irrigation season. Upon completion, full irrigation water supply will be restored to farmlands within the irrigation area.