The major project under a research and development program, Ayeyawaddy Integrated River Basin Management (AIRBM) master plan is expected to be released in early 2020

The final draft for the Ayeyawaddy Integrated River Basin Management (AIRBM) project, one of the major projects under a research and development program by the National Water Resources Committee led by vice-president U Henry Van Thio, has been received. A Master Plan is expected to be released in early 2020, said Dr Khin Ni Ni Thein, a director of the AIRBM project.

The five-year project commenced last year with aid from a $100 million World Bank loan. Benefits of the project include providing water resource information for inclusive decision- making affecting people living by the river and supporting the development of water-related organisations, laws and procedures.

“After project design and calling for tenders, we sent the final draft for implementing the project in November 2016. We can start undertaking basic work for AIRBM before the Master Plan is released. We can use the time before 2020 effectively,” Dr Khin Ni Ni Thein said at a forum on the Ayeyarwady basin in Mandalay on October 17. 

Under the project, natural resource conservation together with development, priority areas for investment, environmental impact assessment, social impact assessment and opinions of the residents will be taken into account, she said.

So far, six groups have studied, managed and recorded the surface water and groundwater resources, geology, siltation, biodiversity and marine life. These groups also analysed the rate of development of each sector and State level economic changes. They also built three- dimensional models and held public discussions.

The studies were conducted along the 1,200 km Ayeryarwady River with more than 70 experts by cooperating with international countries and 25 non-government associations including Myanmar, said Ms Tanya Huizer, project coordinator. 

“We met with the people from 14 townships. When we met the people along the Ayeyawaddy basin, the biggest problem was poverty. The aim of this project is to form the needed associations and to conduct the necessary research for efficient use of water resources and to help the National Water Resource Committee develop the river basin,” she said.

Pollution will also be looked into. The waste water disposal from industrial zones in some parts of the river does not conform to the standards of the World Health Organisation and residue from gold mining activities have also affected the river, said U Aung Naing Myo, environmental expert under the AIRBM project. 

“Some industrial zones are dumping the wastewater into the river without making any treatment. They are throwing water which is contaminated with mercury and lead into the river and it is harmful for the health issue. Cyanide is also seen in gold mining,” he said. “All these issues will be looked into.” 

(The Myanmar Times: https://www.mmtimes.com/news/airbm-master-plan-be-completed-2020.html )

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