Mizzima

The prices of construction materials in Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine State, are reportedly soaring in the wake of Cyclone Mocha that hit the region as the beginning of the week. 

The prices of construction materials are rising sharply two days after the storm hit the city.

Cyclone Mocha hit Rakhine State on 14 May and it devastated many buildings including residential buildings.

Rakhine people are rebuilding their damaged houses and the prices of construction materials were rising sharply, the local residents said.

The tin roof nail price rose up to 30,000 Kyat per viss (approx. 1.5 Kg) in some towns in Rakhine State and the price of tin roof (corrugated iron roof) rose up to 7,000 Kyat per foot, the local residents said.

The local residents are facing many difficulties as the prices of construction materials and foodstuffs are rising. They said that the shortage of these materials and commodities worsened their situation.

The local residents are currently buying mainly the tin roofs and tarpaulins for roofing as a priority and they said that electricity was not yet available in their town as of Thursday.

Cyclone Mocha damaged and destroyed many homes and buildings in Rakhine State and it is reported that people have not yet received disaster relief and rehabilitation in some areas.

The local residents are worrying about the rising price of their staple food rice.

About 90% of Rakhine State was devastated and damaged by the storm. The United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) Chairman General Twan Mrat Naing said in his address to people delivered on 16 May that the merchants should not take advantage on the natural disaster and not raise the prices of their commodities exorbitantly while the people were suffering from the devastation.