A lot of cars are waiting to use Myawady to Kawkareik New Asia Highway in the Dawna mountain range, which only allows traffic access intermittently, although there have been frequent shootings and casualties.

The Road Department is taking charge of repairing the road section between mile posts 149th km and 150th km near Tawnaw waterfall after it has been damaged by heavy rain. Therefore, small vehicles are allowed access at 6am, 12pm, 1pm, 5pm and 6pm when the repair work takes a break.

On August 20, there were gun attacks on a vehicle used for road repair work and a mini passenger bus injuring four people.

Despite such shootings, a lot of small vehicles are waiting in line to use the road when it opens after a break for repairs. 

“We are worried about shootings. We have to use the road intermittently so we have to wait. But, the (illegal) tax for using the old road is very high. From Myawady to Malamyine and vice versa, we have to spend over 100,000 or 200,000 kyats. Up in the mountain, we have to spend over 50,000 or 60,000 kyats. There are six gates near the border trade zone where armed men are waiting to collect money. So, use of the road cost around 200,000 kyats per car. This is why we have no chance but to wait,” said a passenger bus driver.

Small vehicles are using the new road while others also use the old road. However, cargo trucks have not been allowed access yet, halting border trade activities.