Policy and institutional arrangement for water resource management : case study in Hakha watershed, Chin State, Myanmar

Abstract

Hakha, the capital city of Chin State, Myanmar has been facing severe water shortage, water insecurity and water-related resources degradation for over a decade. The people in Hakha town are unable to meet their basic needs related to water, including for clean drinking water, domestic use, and for food requirements. This thesis addresses the research question: What are the major development changes, impacts of water access and allocation, and institutions, policy and laws in Hakha? The thesis is based on qualitative research that involved key informant interviews, focus group discussions and stakeholder analysis. The thesis finds that there have been major development changes in Hakha in term of infrastructure construction, population growth, land use and deforestation, and political systems. People in Hakha suffer shortages of water, and water scarcity impacts on economics, health and social life. In term of institutions for water resources management, formal institutions are unable to coordinate water access and allocation because of the inadequate laws and policies, while informal institutions marginalized from participation in decision-making processes. The thesis recommends that formal institutions, laws and policies must be drafted that reflect the actual needs and challenges in Hakha town. Furthermore, informal institutions should be allowed to fully participate to promote community-based decision making in watershed and water resources management.