NORTHERN SHAN STATE – It is reported that the construction of the temporary bridge across the Namatu River at the exit of Hsenwi Town on the road between Hsenwi and Lashio was completed on Tuesday (February 5) and small cars can now pass through it.
“Hsenwi temporary bridge has been built. Small cars can pass on it now,” said a local.
A driver of a bus running on the Lashio-Hsenwi Road said that he dares not use that road yet but is driving through the villages near Hsenwi.
A border merchant said that the Kokang Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) detonated the bridge over the Namatu River with mines during Operation 1027 (to cut off junta reinforcement) and is now planning to rebuild an iron bridge across the river.
“The MNDAA said they will build the bridge. Now the iron frames have arrived,” said the merchant.
It is said that the bridge between Lashio and Hsenwi is still not usable.
The Namtu River bridge on the Theinni-Lashio road, at the exit of Theinni Town, was destroyed by a mine on the morning of October 30, 2023.