Marking the 100-day establishment of the Tripartite Core Group (TCG), the ASEAN Secretary-General and Chair of the ASEAN Humanitarian Task Force, Dr. Surin Pitsuwan visited the Community-based Early Recovery Pilot Project in Seik Gyi village, Kungyangon Township on 6 September 2008 to celebrate the progress made to date. Dr. Surin together with TCG chairman U Kyaw Thu and TCG key members launched two new fishing boats at Toe River to mark this momentous occasion. Representatives from ASEAN embassies in Yangon, ASEAN volunteers and 30 state media representatives from all 10 ASEAN member countries also participated in this visit to observe how villagers are rebuilding their lives to become more resilient to the impact of cyclones and other natural hazards.
Under the umbrella of the TCG, the project is funded through private donations and implemented by ASEAN and community volunteers. It is designed according to key livelihood needs for early recovery identified after a rapid assessment was conducted with Seik Gyi villagers. Currently, villagers have built 22 (out of 32 projected) new fishing boats, with three fishing nets donated. Approximately, 30 community wells are being cleaned, and saplings of the betel leaf plant are being provided to the villagers for replanting. Primary schools and a village’s monastery are also being renovated under this initiative.
“It is very rewarding to see that the project through the ASEAN volunteers, brought hope and empowerment to the community. It is hoped and anticipated that more ASEAN Volunteers will step forward to participate in this community building process. The success of this project can be a model for other affected villages.” Dr Surin mentioned.
The TCG delegation also visited the neighbouring village of Myat Lay Yon, where village artisans are building 20 fishing boats with various support from the TCG.
Overall, the work of the TCG has been commended by stakeholders and observers alike, who have found their efforts in fostering cooperation, trust and partnerships successful. Under this mechanism various issues such as access, visas and the delivery of humanitarian aid in response to Cyclone Nargis have been facilitated.
To further strengthen the project and early recovery planning process by learning from experiences in other countries, Deputy Minister U Kyaw Thu, Chairman of the TCG, and Myanmar delegation met with His Excellency Mr. Dao Xuan Hoc, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Vice-Chairman of the Central Steering Committee of Flood and Storm Prevention of Vietnam and Central Steering Committee members on 25 August 2008. The two sides exchanged experiences in
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Notes:
Seik Gyi Village is located in Kungyangon Township, about a three-hour drive southwards of Yangon. It has a population of over 1,300. Betel leaf planting and fishing are the two major occupations. Betel leaf is a major cash crop not only for the village but also for the Kungyangon Township, which takes its name after this plant.
The Tripartite Core Group (TCG) was officially established on 30 May 2008. It comprises key representatives from ASEAN, the Government of Myanmar and the United Nations. It is chaired by U Kyaw Thu, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Government of Myanmar. The TCG has been building trust, confidence and cooperation between Myanmar and the international community in the humanitarian relief and recovery work post-Cyclone Nargis.
