Public Meeting: Flood prevention projects and planned riverside road

A public meeting was held at the Ayeyawady River bank in Myitkyina on Thursday to explain the progress of flood prevention projects and plans to develop a riverside road along the river.

Kachin State Chief Minister U Khet Htein Nan said that the record-high water level of the Ayeyawady River in 2024 flooded about 40 percent of Myitkyina, causing losses estimated at over 100 billion kyat. To protect the city against future floods, 11 measures have been planned, with priority given to riverbank protection, water gates and river channel clearance.

He said that the construction of retaining walls, embankments and water gates have been completed while some have nearing completion. The state government also plans to develop a riverside road to provide a public space for residents to enjoy and relax. He called on local residents and business owners to cooperate in the project.

Officials from the Department of Water Resources and River Improvement also explained the progress of the flood prevention projects and plans to use sand and gravel obtained from river channel clearance to construct the embankment for the riverside road.

The projects, which began in the 2025-2026 fiscal year, include the construction of two water gates, retaining walls and embankments in several areas, as well as river channel clearance beneath Bala Mindin Bridge. Local residents welcomed the riverside road project and raised questions, which were addressed by the Chief Minister and relevant officials.