CNI News
16 August 2023
A landslide occurred on the new Asia road between Myawady and Kawkareik a few days ago and some parts of the road were damaged.
So, Myawady mountain old road was allowed to be used to go to Myawady.
However, it is inconvenient for trucks to go from the old road, reportedly. Although one day up and one day down are set when using the old road, it is inconvenient for trucks and family cars and small buses only can go, said traders.
Because there were some damages on the new Asia road between Myawady and awkareik, some trucks going to Myawady were stranded on the way and perishable goods such as potato and onion had to be sold at the place where they were, said U Kyin Thein, chairman of Myanmar Highway Freight Transportation Services Association, to CNI News.
Myawady Trade Zone
" The old road is very dangerous. In some places, the road is very narrow. There are big canyons on the side of the road. And it is rainy season as well. They were building a detour on 10th August on the new road. If the weather permitted, it would be finished in a month. But if it got much rain there, it wouldn't be convenient. Perishable goods such as potato and onion in the trucks that are stranded had to be sold at the place where they were." he said.
Although a temporary bridge is being built at the place damaged on the new Asia road, it is estimated that it might take about one month.
At present, because it is not easy to go to Myawady, traders are considering to send their exports to Thailand through Maw Taung border trade route.
Myawady-Kawkareik road
But traders are finding it difficult because costs will rise if they transport their goods through Maw Taung border trade route.
At present, the prices of corn seeds being exported to Thailand are falling, said U Thant Zin Tun, vice chairman of the Myanmar Corn Industry Association, to CNI News.
" At the moment we don't know from where to go. We are still trying to go through Maw Taung. The road seems to be good again in about four days. A bailey bridge is being built.
Going around the collapsed area, a new route is being built. There are three Myawady mountain roads. But largely, the old road going through Kawkareik are used. We have to buy corn after thinking a lot to export through Myawady. The cost has risen a lot. And the prices are also falling." he said.
Because some places on the road are damaged, the trucks that have arrived in Myawady are inconvenient to go back to Yangon and other townships, said freight businessmen said.
Cargo shipments to Myawady have been suspended at present and they are waiting until the road has been repaired already reportedly.
