A total of 168 villages in 56 village-tract of Ayeyarwady region may face a shortage of water during this summer, according to Rural Development Department.
Soe Than, director of the Region Rural Development Department said: “The department has estimated the possible water shortage problems after conducting preliminary surveys on water sources in more than 11,900 villages which face water shortage every year.” The department has decided to spend around Ks 20.6 million on fuel oil to be used in water distribution, he added.
The department estimated that 140 villages may face water scarcity in last year’s summer.
Only 46 villages faced water shortages as the region got the rain in April.
The department carried out the renovation of water wells and lakes and the construction of water tanks in the villages which usually face water shortage problems, by using the remaining funds.
Daw Pu, a villager from Seintaung village in Pathein Township said: “We did not face any water shortage before as there were many plants and forests.
In recent years, the region faced water shortage.
The problem was not serious as we got rain early.” Up to 46 villages in Yekyi Township are likely to face a shortage of drinking water.
In addition, Pathein, Yekyi, Kyankhin, Myaungmya, Pyapone, Bogale, Dedaye, Labutta, Pyinsalu and Mawlamyinegyun Townships may face the similar problem.