Facing Difficulties to Build Houses and Fencing Compounds in Northern Arakan

Buthidaung, April 16: Rohingya people from Buthidaung and Maungdaw Townships of Arakan State, Burma are facing difficulties to build their houses and fencing compounds.

The present ruling military government formed nine Nasaka Areas in northern Arakan, especially in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships. The name of Nasaka is changed into Nakapa after sacking Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt. An army officer is appointed as a Sector Commander to control the each of the area. The administration of the each Nakapa area is not same to those of the other Nakapa areas depending on the officer of the area, said a man who was once government servant during the Burma Socialist Program Party (BSPP).

Generally, to get permission to build houses and fencing compounds from a Nakapa area is alike to those of other areas but paying money as bribes to the concerned area Commanders are not same, he further added.

“First of all, we would obtain recommendation letter from the concerned Village Peace and Development Council (VPDC) Chairman, paying bribe about Kyat 2,000 to 5,000. Then we would submit another application together with obtained recommendation letter to the concerned City Development Committee with an amount of Kyat 1,000 fees for house building permission. At least, 5 to 7 days take times to come out permit order, after paying an amount of Kyat 5,000 to 10,000. later, they refer to the concerned forest department, while the forest department considers our application, checking all necessary documents that we obtained before and have to give an amount of Kyat 10,000 to 50,000 based on type and size of houses, Finally, we would go to concerned Nakapa area and have to submit all the obtained documents with an amount of Kyat 10,000 to 50,000 for final approval”, said a villager who was once trying to get permission to build a house.

“We have to go to many departments and the concerned authorities to obtain permission which is deliberately delayed for bribes by the authorities to give the order. We become tired and tired and have to spend more money that hamper to us to build houses”, said a village elder from Taung Bazar village tract of Buthidaung Townships.

Recently, Major Moe Thwin, the new appointed Commander for Nakapa Area No.9 of Buthidaung Township came to Taungbazar of Buthidaung Township on 19^th March 2005, and delivered speech in a meeting with villagers that every people would obtain permission for roofing, fencing and traveling in my area, submitting application to the VPDC authorities, while you would pay fees to the respective departments. Due to the system, the villagers are facing difficulties in this year to fence their compounds and roofing their houses before the rainy season, he further added. ##

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