Prisoners from Akyab prison have been forced by prison authorities to work on the reconstruction of shrimp farms on the island of Ngamanray Kyunt in Maybon Township, Arakan State, reports a local social worker.

The report from Akyab said that many shrimp farms located on the island were damaged during cyclone Akash on 14 May. Among those farms damaged, about 15 acres worth are owned by Akyab prison.

The social worker that visited the island on 6 June said about 200 prisoners have been working at the shrimp farms on reconstruction since the last week of May.

Most of the prisoners are now facing a shortage of drinking water on the island as many ponds were also damaged during the cyclone and the water in them has become salty.

The shrimp farm is situated near Mrauk Krean Village on the island and was confiscated from local villagers by authorities for Akyab prison five years ago.

It has also been learned that Akyab prison authorities hire out prisoners to do private work, especially in the reconstruction of other shrimp farms in the area, earning money that goes towards the prison's funds. #

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