A 10-year water supply project of Myanmar, which started in 2000-01, is making progress, achieving 120% of the planned target in 2001-02, according to the latest report of the Myanmar Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs. The report predicted that the plan, which includes digging of wells with the funds donated by the public, can be completed in five years, much earlier than targeted, if the progress is maintained. The plan, aimed at eradicating water shortage in the country's rural areas and supplying fresh water to every village, is being implemented in 285 townships and five towns across the country, giving priority to the dry zone of Magway, Mandalay and Sagaing divisions where most of the villagers face shortage of water. During the 2000-01, the first year of the 10-year plan, 263,100 rural people from 714 villages in the dry zone were reportedly benefited. Meanwhile, under Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA) program, the Japan International Cooperation Agency joined in implementing a JPY 624 million (EUR 5.34 million) rural water supply project in Myanmar's eastern Shan state covering 250 villages and using heavy machinery equipment of the organization.

Source: Xinhuanet, 2 Jul 2002