The investigation team for the recent Hpakant landslide in Kachin State, formed by the President, completed its field trip on July 5, said Kachin State Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation Da Shi La Hsai.
Chairman of the team Union Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation Ohn Win, the Union Minister for Home Affairs, the Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement, the Kachin State Chief Minister, the secretary of the Kachin State government and the director general of Myanmar Gems Enterprise arrived in Hpakant on July 4.
The team visited Hpakant Hospital and Whaykhar Station Hospital and raised questions to the injured people, bereaved families, those who survived the landslide, village authorities, town elders, locals, jade scavengers, company officials, township level authorities and staff from the Mines Department.
“The inspection team went to the landslide scene in Whaykhar Village. They met with all concerned. They also visited other dangerous mining sites. They asked questions. After having breakfast the following morning, they will go back to Myitkyina. When the report comes out, I think all necessary places will have protection. The team also left instructions on erecting notice boards and warning signs, asking village authorities to give information and fencing on the dangerous sites by the company,” said Minister Da Shi La Hsai.
The team will report the cause of the landslide, exposing those responsible, assistance to be provided for the bereaved families and the injured people and preventive and security measures.
“It was a natural disaster. It was a landslide. It was raining heavily. The soil was fragile and easy to collapse. There have been warnings since June 20. But, it’s human greed. They continued to search. All have to cooperate for their safety. Even if we cannot expect 100 percent achievement (in our investigation work), we will do our best, and finish it as quickly as possible. Some cases take a long term,” said the chairman of the investigation team.
