Myanmar is a Union country where more than 100 national ethnic groups live together. These ethnic groups, though living in different geographical regions, are members of one family who share the same land and water and have grown up together. Although they may live far apart, they are bound by close ties of blood and affection, and the State is fostering unity and connection among them so that they may live and develop together in harmony and friendship.
To enable ethnic nationalities to maintain close relations and live, develop, and progress together, transportation is the most essential and fundamental factor. Only when transportation is efficient can all sectors, including education, healthcare, regional development, and the socio-economic sphere, advance in a balanced manner without leaving any area behind. Therefore, successive governments that have taken responsibility for the country have constructed roads and bridges nationwide, extending across urban and rural areas, mountainous regions and plains alike, in the form of an interconnected network.
On 16 February 2026, a bridge crossing the Chindwin River, namely the Chindwin Bridge (Htamanthi), was inaugurated near Htamanthi Village in Homalin Township, Sagaing Region, in the northwestern part of Myanmar. The bridge is 2,628 feet long and will greatly contribute to the improvement of socioeconomic life and development undertakings for the people in Homalin District and the Naga Self-Administered Zone. It will also facilitate the swift and easy transport of local products and significantly support progress in the education, healthcare, and economic sectors.
The Naga Self-Administered Zone, which includes Leshi and Lahe townships in Homalin District, Sagaing Region, is located in the far northwestern part of Myanmar and is an area with difficult transportation. Only when roads and bridges linking the region with the mainland are in good condition can ethnic areas achieve development and progress. Although it is remote and far from central areas, the region remains peaceful and stable, with local people safeguarding their own area. To support the development of the region, the State has constructed and inaugurated the Chindwin River Crossing Bridge (Htamanthi), a key infrastructure project for the area.
Therefore, local people need to safeguard and take responsibility for their own region. At the same time, the State’s efforts to support regional development will greatly contribute to peace, stability, and prosperity. In this regard, all ethnic nationalities are urged to work together in unity with a Union spirit and collectively participate in efforts for the benefit of their region and the nation as a whole.
