This project will build a bridge to allow the Myanmar rural village of Htee Whr Mu, with an isolated population of 335 individuals in 78 households, to access other villages and towns for commerce, health care and economic opportunities. The Shanta Foundation empowers villagers to determine their own needs and solve their own problems. The village's collective decision to build this bridge will empower the villagers of Htee Whr Mu to further their goal of sustainably improving their lives.
Remote villages of Myanmar are severely cut off from access to other villages, requiring people to walk many miles to trade crops, acquire tools, food, access emergency assistance and more. Detouring around unsafe bridges or road sections costs time and money to villagers. They are forced to leave their village earlier and take more trips. This cuts out extra time and cash investments that can increase their quality of life as they define it.
A structurally sound bridge can withstand the rainy season, while allowing villagers to use carts to carry heavier loads. Similar bridge projects have saved families an average of $40 per year in costs for transportation and supplies. This can benefit Htee Whr Mu more than $3,000 per year. Over the 10-20 year lifespan of this bridge the village can save more than $30,000. This money can be used to put back into village investment in other areas, such as education, and health care.
Shanta's village selection is an in depth process to choose communities that are truly dedicated to rising out of poverty by investing their energy and resources to better the lives of ALL of the villagers. If a village decides a bridge is a priority for their community, and they are investing their own money and labor, their commitment to increased opportunities is clear- they want a better future.
