In an effort to provide clean water in rural Myanmar, the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Special Fund has supported two major water access projects, benefiting thousands of residents in remote areas.

These initiatives, launched in 2022 in Ayeyarwady region and in 2023 in Shan state, aim to provide clean and safe drinking water to communities in need.

With the completion of both projects, villagers are now reaping the benefits of improved access to clean water. The recipient villages no longer face challenges related to unsafe drinking water, said Soe Than, deputy director general of the Department of Rural Development, under the Ministry of Cooperatives and Rural Development.

Although Ayeyarwady region has abundant water resources due to its location in the delta, tidal waves often contaminate the water, making it unsafe for drinking. Thanks to the project, this issue has been effectively addressed, providing villagers with clean and reliable water sources, he said.

"In Shan state, we utilize spring water from the forest, installing pipelines to transport it to villages," he said, adding that these projects have significantly improved the quality of life for villagers.

Under the 2023 LMC Special Fund, the "Gravity Flow System with Treatment Plant and Distribution Pipeline Network" project was implemented in three villages in Nyaungshwe, Yatsauk, and Loilem townships in Shan state, Win Min Oo, deputy director of the Department of Rural Development, said.

The project benefits 1,627 individuals from 369 households, he said.

Villagers in these hilly regions, who faced difficulties accessing clean water, will have a reliable water supply, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases, he said.

The second project, the "Community Based Rural Water Supply Facilities with Treatment System and Distribution Network" project, funded under the 2022 LMC Special Fund, was launched in three villages in Kyaunggon, Myaungmya, and Dedaye townships in Ayeyarwady region, he said.

The project benefits 1,570 individuals from 412 households, he added.

The project has significantly improved water access for rural communities by constructing a water treatment facility, installing solar-powered water systems and water usage meter, and building filtration and collection pools, he said.

Local residents have expressed their gratitude for the transformative impact of these projects.

Thein Zaw Oo, from Myaungmya township in Ayeyarwady, shared how life has changed with the clean water project. "In the past, we had to walk to the river bank to collect water, which was far from our homes."

"Some people couldn't carry the water themselves, so they had to hire others to do it for them. Now, with direct water installations at our homes, we no longer have to travel long distances or pay for water collection," he said.

"Before this project, we believed river water was good, but after drinking clean water, we now see the huge difference. No one uses river water anymore," he said.

Sai Khaung Hla, from Loilem township in Shan state, expressed his gratitude for the project implemented in his village, saying that "I am really thankful for this project because we have long struggled with drinking water problems."

"Thanks to this project, we now have access to clean drinking water. They installed high-quality pipelines, built a filtration system and a water storage tank, and ensured that every household in our village receives reliable water supply," he said.

Chit Htay Khine, from Kyaunggon township in Ayeyarwady, also highlighted the impact of the project. "With the aid of this project, we now have access to clean drinking water, which helps prevent waterborne diseases."

Myanmar's Department of Rural Development has received funding for nine projects, including two water access initiatives, through the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Special Fund from 2018 to 2024.