Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Pakistan
Yangon, 23 March — On the occasion of the anniversary of the Pakistan Day, which falls on 23 March 2003, Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, has sent messages of felicitations to His Excellency General Pervez Musharraf, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and to His Excellency Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Government building dams and reservoirs to bring about agricultural development, progress of economic life of State and to enhance socio-economic life of rural people
Yangon, 22 March — Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt, left here by Tatmadaw helicopter this morning and arrived at Kawliya Dam in DaikU Township, Bago Division, at 8.55 am.
The Secretary-1 attended the opening of the dam held to hail the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day at the pandal near the dam at 9 am and made a speech. He said the State Peace and Development Council has been making efforts in all sectors for progress of national economic life and improvement of quality of life of the national people while endeavouring for enabling the Union of Myanmar to keep abreast of the nations of the world. By doing so, he said, the government is building economic and social infrastructures as much as possible for the development of all the regions of the Union and creation of economic and social opportunities in the respective regions harmoniously.
In other words, he said, the government is building infrastructures for development for the emergence of better conditions conducive to regional development, economic progress and improved standard of living of local people after looking into the prospects for economic and social development of each region.
He said the government is systematically exploring water and land resources based on the strength of national intellectuals and intelligentsia and the use of modern techniques while promoting region-wise development prospects in the interest of the nation and its people. Regional development was hindered by rivers and streams in the past. Now, many bridges across the rivers and creeks have been built. Development infrastructures such as the Union Highways and dams and reservoirs have emerged nationwide as milestones of the Tatmadaw government in the interest of the people, he added. Being an agro-based country, agricultural development contributes to progress of economic life of the State and enhances socio-economic life of rural people, the majority of the population of the country. That is why the government is building dams and reservoirs, the basic requirement of agriculture, he said.
He said the government is building irrigation networks in every region wherever suitable without taking into consideration whether the dams and reservoirs are economically beneficial or not. Altogether 144 dams including Kawliya Dam have been built since 1988 at a cost of K 59,902.38 million. As a result, they benefit over 20 million acres of farmland, he added.
The Kawliya Dam was the 35th dam built in Bago Division. The 35 dams were built in the east and west regions of Bago Yoma. They now irrigate over 550,000 acres of land.
The Kawliya Dam can irrigate about 24,500 acres of land for double cropping in Bago and DaikU Townships and it will prevent flooding in Yenwe and Pyuntaza plain and it will also be beneficial to local people, he said.
The Secretary-1 called on local farmers and people to efficiently utilize water from the dam which is the fruit of the goodwill toward the people by the government.
Bago Division is a fertile region and a place where major crops are grown. The division is also an important one for paddy cultivation. He said he hoped that emergence of dams and reservoirs would be much beneficial to farmers, local people and the State. He said there are nine dams under construction in Bago Division and arrangements have been made for construction of another eight dams.
Among the nine dams, Ye Nwe Dam in Kyaukdaga Township will irrigate 110,000 acres of land, Phyu Creek Dam in Phyu Township over 120,000 acres of land and Khabaung Dam in Ottwin Township 130,000 acres of land. These major projects including hydro-electric power projects involve a large sum of funds. The government is implementing the tasks that directly benefit rural regions and farmers, he said. With the implementation of the projects, the economy of Bago Division and way of living of local people will significantly improve, he said. He urged local people to make endeavours for development of agriculture, livestock breeding and other production, education and primary health care utilizing the opportunities created by better conditions for development in the regions.
He said only when there is progress in rural regions will there be national development. With this concept, the government has placed special emphasis on better transportation in rural regions, availability of drinking water and water for agricultural purpose, betterment of education and health requirements and rural economy.
The Secretary-1 urged national people to work in the interest of the nation and its people while following the correct development path laid down by the government for development of the regions and uplift of socio-economic life.
In conclusion, he urged local authorities, service personnel and farmers to maintain the dam, to work hard for uplift of economic and social life and to make collective efforts for raising of social standard of the rural people.
Then, Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin said that at a time when nation-building endeavours have been gaining momentum, major dam projects are being implemented in a short period and the Kawliya Dam Project contributes much towards farming with the backup of Bago Mountain Range.
In the world today, water is utilized for the agricultural purpose, development of the industrial sector and human consumption in rural and urban areas. With the ever increasing world pupulation, water plays a vital role in food production and production of crops. Throughout the world, 60 to 80 per cent of water is used for the agricultural purpose and it is predicted that with the growing population, individually water consumption will be reduced.
Today, most of the countries have laid down plans for systematic use of water resource and minimizing loss and wastage in using water. At such a time the Union of Myanmar is endowed with natural resources as well as water resource that will benefit the country and the region in the long run.
As efforts are being made for development of the agriculture sector, dam projects are being implemented for supplying water to farmlands by making effective use of these resources. Up to March 2003 altogether 144 dams benefit 2.06 million acres of farmland representing 20 per cent of the total farmland.
As dam projects are being implemented throughout the country, a cluster of dams has emerged in both Bago Yoma East and West and the facilities include Kawliya, Kintha, Mone Creek, Hsinthay, Pathi, Ngamwe, Yetho, Minye, Hswa Creek, Bawni, Baida, Mazin, Zaungtu, Zalethtaw, Shwepyi, Ngamoeyeik, Taunglon-myaung and Alaini dams, Paingkyon, Shankai and Tawa Sluice gates, North Nawin, South Nawin, Kangyigon, Mataungta, Natmaw, Shwedaung, Wegyi, Taungnyo, Bawbin, Singu Chaunggaung, Thegaw, Kantin Bilin, Thonze and Tabuhla dams.
The agriculture sector is the life-blood of the country. Therefore, priority has been given to boosting paddy production, rice sufficiency and ensuring surplus, extended cultivation of edible oil crops, industrial raw material crops and coffee, tea, pepper and macadamia.
Land and water resources and the power of machinery have been used in the agriculture sector and Special Agricultural Zones have been established to introduce changes in the strain of crops based on good quality strains of ten crops such as paddy, groundnut, sesame, sunflower, cotton and sugarcane. The minister urged local farmers and the people to boost production in agriculture in order to realize the agricultural goal.
For development of farming, the Kawliya Dam Project has been implemented starting from November 2000. It was built on Kawliya Creek with the aim of preventing floods in Yenwe and Pyuntaza Plains and irrigating 24,500 acres of farmland. With the height of 130 feet and length of 900 feet, the Kawliya earthen dam can store 165,000 acre-ft of water from Kawliya Creek. Arrangements were made to build a diversion dam about 5.5 miles down from the dam to irrigate cultivated lands in DaikU and Bago Townships.
In our country, the dams and reservoirs which have been in existence since ancient times are preserved and maintained well for the long term use. Collective efforts must thus be made to ensure good flow of water into the dam as well as to maintain tributary ones, he said.
Then, Commander Brig-Gen Ko Ko said that Kawliya Dam had been constructed and it would contribute towards agriculture sector as well as the greening of the region. The dam was the 144th facility in Myanmar after the State Peace and Development Council had assumed the duties of the State, and it was 35th one in Bago Division. According to the figures, one fourth of dams and sluice gates constructed by the government were in Bago Division.
DaikU Township, in which the dam was situated, got an annual rainfall of 100 inches. However, the region enjoyed the 95 per cent of rain in the period from May to September. So, the region got a little rain in late monsoon.
In the eastern part of Bago Division, from 1988 to date, there had been constructed Hswa Creek, Pathi, Yetho, Min Ye, Nga Mwe, Baida, Alaing Ni, Bawni, Zaungtu, Mazine, Zalathtaw, Shwepyi (3), Kanni, Hseikphutaung and Kawliya dams, which much benefited 169,850 acres of farmland. And construction of Shankaing, Paingkyon and Tawa sluice gates contributed to prevention of flooding in the rainy season and the flow of sea water into some 87,000 acres of fields in summer against the region. Khabaung, Phyu Creek, Ye Nwe and Chaungmagyi (Myo Hla) dams were under construction and on completion, it would benefit 376,500 acres of farms and contribute toward generating 77 Megawatts. On completion of Zwebat and Shwehle sluice gate, it would benefit some 75,000 acres of fields. Similarly, in the west of Bago Division, construction of South Nawin, Kan-gyigon, Wegyi, Taungnyo, Kantin Bilin, Thekaw, Bawbin, Nyaungkaing and Matauntta diversion weirs and Kyeebin, Taungmauk, Shwetaung, Singu Chaung-gaung and Thonze dams benefited 300,120 acres of farmland, and on completion of Gamon, Minhla and Khawah dams, it would benefit 49,000 acres of farmland.
Bago Division was blessed with good condition of water and land resources and so more projects on construction of new dams and sluice gates were under implementation. He, on behalf of the local populace, thanked the government and the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation for construction of dams and sluice gates, which much contributes to ensuring sufficient water supply for cultivation of crops in the rainy season as well as in summer. He stressed the need for the local residents to maintain these facilities, which the government had constructed with a huge sum of money, for ensuring durability for the sake of posterity. So, local people were to plant trees but not to cut them down and not to set fire for agricultural purpose in irrigation areas, to maintain the already-constructed dams, reservoirs and sluice gates, and to abide by laws and regulations on irrigation facilities.
In conclusion, the commander called on respective officials and local residents in the division to maintain the already-built dam for ensuring durability, sufficient water supply for cultivation of crops, sufficiency of potable water and greening of the region.
Next, DaikU Township USDA Executive U Min Aung expressed thanks to the government.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 presented cash awards to the employees of the Irrigation Department through Director U Khin Maung Yu and Assistant Director U Myint Cho.
Then, the opening of the dam followed at the dam. The Secretary-1 formally unveiled the stone plaque of the dam. Commander Brig-Gen Ko Ko and Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin formally opened the dam.
After the opening ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party posed for a documentary photo together with local people, staff and students. The Secretary-1 cordially greeted those present and inspected the main embankment and the control tower.
After the opening ceremony, at the briefing hall, Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and Deputy Director-General of the ID U Khin Zaw reported on progress of construction of dams under the Irrigation Project on Development of Sittoung River Basin in the Eastern Yoma in Bago Division and irrigation areas, conditions of dams and sluice gates under construction, salient points of the Kawliya Dam Construction Project, construction tasks carried out and irrigation areas, conditions of diversion weir, main canal and feeder canals to be built, work to be done for emergence of a network of Kawliya, Baidah, Ye Nwe and Bawni dams.
The Secretary-1 gave instructions on effective use of irrigation water in agriculture sector, and measures to be taken in cooperation with central and local authorities and division level departmental officials for systematization in connection with canal and feeder canals for ensuring supply of sufficient water to farmlands.
The earthen dam, 130 feet high and 900 feet long, can irrigate 24,500 acres of farmland.
Special Refresher Course No 51 for basic education teachers concludes
Entire national people, relying on own resources and own national strength, need to make concerted and collective efforts for national development
Yangon, 22 March—The Special Refresher Course No 51 for basic education teachers concluded at the Nawarat Hall of Central Institute of Civil Service (Phaunggyi) in Hlegu Township, Yangon Division, at 11 am today, with an address by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
In his address, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt said that the State Peace and Development Council, enlisting the strength of the entire national people, is at present making concerted efforts to enable the nation to keep abreast of the nations of the world.
Regarding the international situations, it is in the process of globalization since science and technology has been making progress with greater momentum. At such a time, the respective world nations have been vying with each other to get ahead in economy. Amidst uncertainties in the future, each nation has been making efforts in the interests of itself and its people.
Accordingly, most of the world nations are making efforts for the international cooperation with the aim of bringing about peace and development and alleviating poverty to ensure the emergence of a peaceful, tranquil and developed world. But they ended up in fiasco.
The Union of Myanmar, relying on own strength, has been in a position of making earnest efforts for the nation and its people to be free from being exploited by the powers which are superior in economy and technology and put pressure on her.
With a sense of safeguarding the independence and sovereignty, which is the national prestige and integrity, Myanmar has been facing the pressure put by the some Western nations. In the process, the entire national people, relying on own resources and own national strength, need to make concerted and collective efforts for national development.
At a time when Myanmar has been making all-out efforts with own national strength for enabling the nation to stand shoulder to shoulder with nations of the world, all national people will have to strive to overcome the instigation, dissension and sanctions which are the obstacles and hindrances for national development without letting the unity of the national strength weaken.
In addition, the internal and external destructive elements have been perpetrating fabricated news and accusations on Myanmar with the effective use of modern media. Thus, Myanmar has been in a position to refute those subversive acts levelled at her to avoid misunderstanding on her and her people.
At a time when Myanmar has been striving for national development despite obstacles and hindrances, the perpetual unity among the national people is of paramount importance, forging the spirit of national unity and Union Spirit, which have been preserved in the course of history. The national prestige and integrity can be preserved and uplifted only with the strength of national unity based on national spirit and nationalist fervour, and all entire people will have to make efforts for perpetuation of own nation and its people as long as the world exists.
When concerted and collective efforts are being exerted for ensuring the prevalence of peace and tranquillity in the nation, development of human resource, which is the prerequisite for all-round development, is of paramount importance. All teachers, who are taking the main duty for nurturing and producing the human resources, are to strive in harmony in successfully implementing the national education objectives.
The State Peace and Development Council, taking the advantage of advancement of science and technology in education sector in accord with the time, has now been laying down and implementing a national education system, which will contribute much to the interests of the nation and its people in the long-run. The national education system, which is firmly shaping up the good foundations, will systematically nurture the students capable of building and safeguarding a new nation that will emerge in the future and equip them with nationalism and Union Spirit in accord with the national objectives.
To enhance the standard of education up to the international level, multimedia classrooms, which can ensure the studies of modern science and technology, are being widely established at the basic education schools.
At present, multimedia classrooms, satellite communication systems, e-Education learning centres and multimedia resources centres have been established at the basic education schools, the universities, the degree colleges and the colleges the length and breadth of the nation.
At the same time, modern IT infrastructures such as Myanmar ICT Park and International Data Communication & Teleport of Bagan Cybertech, which can be widely used at the schools and universities as well as at the Government’s departments have been systematically established at the national level.
In education promotion sector, drawing of the curricula of high standard, extension of the major subjects, conducting of the master and doctorate courses and opening of more universities and colleges were introduced in a systematic manner. In accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, relentless and sustained efforts are being exerted in harmony for producing human resources region-wise to ensure the emergence of the highly-qualified human resources in the nation.
According to the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, the three development projects—project for development of border areas and national races, project for development of the special regions and the five rural development tasks—are being implemented. While implementing the three projects, priority is being given to construction of more basic education schools, colleges and universities which are the basic infrastructures for human resource development.
Only when the human resources can be produced region-wise in accord with the objectives, the human resources capable of implementing the development projects being undertaken by the Government region-wise will constantly exist. The teachers who are discharging duties in all parts of the nation are to make strenuous efforts for the emergence of the national education of international level in the hope of bringing about the highly-qualified human resources. At the same time, the teachers will have to strive to produce the students who are outstanding in all spheres for human resource development in the regions where they are assigned to. The education objectives which play a greater role in promoting and strengthening the spirit of students are being implemented after laying down the national education system which is being adopted today. Regarding the morale of the student youths, he said they are trained to gain knowledge on modern science and technology, information technology. Moreover, they are being nurtured to become persons who cherish and value Myanma traditional cultural customs and national values and norms, to possess good character and spirit of the citizen and to become brilliant ones with high concept who will serve the interest of society. Especially, emphasis was to be placed on forging of national solidarity and Union Spirit for every citizen of the Union of Myanmar. Indeed, Myanmar is a Union where national people have lived in peace and unity since time immemorial. In the course of history, evidences showed that national solidarity created the history and fate of the country. Myanmar has existed as an independent and sovereign Union with the strength of national solidarity.
In the course of Myanmar history, national solidarity and development went together firmly. The lack of national solidarity led to servitude. It was an unforgettable historical lesson. The Unions became slaves due to disintegration of unity. Imperialists created disunity in every region they ruled based on racial, religious or geographical grounds. When those nations gained independence from the imperialists they broke up into pieces and conflicts occurred among the races who behaved like enemies. These were evil legacies left by the imperialists.
Unlike those countries, Myanmar gained its independence in its original territory. All national races with oneness gained victory for living in unity in the Union because of Myanmar’s firm nationalist spirit and Union Spirit.
The imperialists who are tactful deliberately created evil legacies such as sowing discord between one race and another; causing development gaps between one region and another or one race and another; and sowing the seed of opium cultivation which can cause dangers to the entire mankind. The entire national people should be aware of the fact that the Government has been making earnest efforts to wipe out those legacies out of the motherland. Some nations which want to disintegrate the Union are reviving the evil legacies of the colonialists by utilizing national traitorous elements to sow discord among the national peoples. All patriotic ones must be aware of this fact clearly. The teachers while shouldering duties at assigned regions are to make the student youths as well as the national peoples understand the destructive schemes of the neo-colonialists who are conspiring to sow discord among the national peoples.
Nowadays, the Government is overcoming various hardships and obstacles caused by the internal and external destructive elements and making endeavours for enabling the nation and the people to be able to keep abreast of the international community. In this context, it is important to mobilize our own national strengths in developing the country. Hence, all the national peoples are to consolidate the national unity for the motherland to stand tall among the world’s nations while enhancing the spirit of national unity and Union Spirit and the brilliant capabilities of Myanmar people. The teachers from the education sectors are to strive for bringing out patriotic persons to enable the nation to stand tall as a sovereign nation with high national prestige. In conclusion, he urged the teachers to organize student youths and the national peoples to keep patriotic spirit, Union Spirit and nationalist spirit ever alive and dynamic with a view to enabling the Union of Myanmar to stand tall among the world’s nations. He also urged the teachers to actively participate in regional development works for ensuring regional development, human resource development and promoting the living standard of the regional people by upgrading the educational foundations. The Secretary-1 also urged the teachers to convince the entire national peoples of the external instigations, fabrications and sowing of discords while organizing the peoples to keep the nationalist spirit and the spirit of national unity and Union Spirit alive and dynamic.
Then, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt presented the Model Trainee Awards to Headmaster U Nyi Nyi Lwin of Hsarbogone Village Basic Education Primary School in Waw Township, Bago Division, and Junior Assistant Teacher Daw Tin Mya Mya Thin of No 1 Basic Education High School in Thaton, Mon State, Diligence Awards to JAT U Soe Thee of Taguntaing BEHS Branch in Shwekyin Township, Bago Division, JAT Daw Khin Aye of No 2 BEHS in Tamway Township, Yangon Division, and Primary Assistant Teacher Daw Myint Myint Lay of No 3 BEHS in Dagon Township, Yangon Division, Model Hostel Awards to trainees of Hostel 4 of Men’s Company-3 and Hostel 2 of Women’s Company-8, and completion certificates to the leaders and deputy leaders of the respective companies.
Afterwards, the trainees donated K 10,000 to Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image, K 20,000 to the renovation funds of Koenawin Pagoda of the CICS, K 20,000 to the Dhammayon of the pagoda, K 10,000 to renovation of ancient pagodas in Bagan, K 10,000 for hailing the national convention, K 10,000 to the funds of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, K 15,000 to the Basic Education Primary School of the CICS, and K 15,000 to the Basic Education High School in Phaunggyi totalling K 110,000. The Secretary-1 accepted the donations and presented certificates of honours to them.
Then, the Secretary cordially greeted the trainees and left the CICS in the morning.
International Relations
Secretary-1 receives Chinese guests
Yangon, 22 March — Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt received Vice-Chairperson Mme Xiao Rong and members of China Association for International Friendly Contact (CAIFC) of the People’s Republic of China at Zeyathiri Beikman in Konmyinttha at 5 pm today.
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt receives Malaysian guests
Yangon, 22 March — Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt received President Mr Dato' Seri Fumthiko Konichi of Texchem Group of Co of Malaysia and members at Zeyathiri Beikman in Konmyinttha at 4 pm today.
Foreign Affairs Minister sends felicitations to Pakistan
Yangon, 23 March — On the occasion of the anniversary of the Pakistan Day, which falls on 23 March 2003, His Excellency, U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent message of felicitations to His Excellency Mian Kurshid Mehmood Kasuri, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Region
Regional development projects inspected in Mandalay and Magway Divisions
Yangon, 22 March — Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win and party helicoptered to Paunglaung Multipurpose Dam Project site in Pyinmana Township yesterday.
At the briefing hall, officials reported on construction of main embankment reinforced with stones, spillway, carrying out irrigation system, work being done and work progress, Paunglaung Hydel Power Station Project, construction of power houses, diversion tunnel and related structures, power intake and Pyinmana Sub-power Station, installation of 230 KV power lines and other power lines and progress of work. The Secretary-2 gave necessary instructions.
Then, the Secretary-2 and party inspected construction of power intake, tunnel and spillway phase 3. They went to power house construction site and inspected progress in construction of tunnels and sluice gates and installation of turbines.
The Secretary-2 then inspected building of main embankment, and projects being implemented with the use of heavy machinery.
At the briefing hall, the Secretary-2 met with officials of the Irrigation Department, the Hydel Electric Power Department and related departments. Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary-2 said that under the correct leadership of the government, staff at different levels applying their technologies were making strenuous efforts in building fundamental infrastructures essential for the development of the nation. He added that altogether 144 irrigation facilities had been inaugurated in the entire nation. It was heartening to see that Myanmar engineers are capable of implementing projects including the hydel electric power station project for the development of the country.
Systematic arrangements were being made for fulfilling the increasing demand of electricity. The government has been laying down plans and is implementing them for development of the nation in sectors.
In conclusion, he called on the employees of the project to make collective efforts in unison for ensuring timely completion of the project. The project is on Paunglaung River near Kyitaung Village 11 miles from Pyinmana. On completion, it will irrigate 35,000 acres of farmland and generate 280 mega-watts.
In the afternoon, the Secretary-2 went to No 2 Farm Machinery Factory (Malun) under the Ministry of Industry-2 in Minhla Township, Magway Division.
He was welcomed by Magway Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Col Zaw Min and officials. At the briefing hall, Managing Director of the Myanma Agricultural Machinery Industries Col Myo Tint reported on location and the purpose of construction of the factory, investments, production of farm machinery, and boosting production of items. Deputy Minister for Industry-2 Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin gave a supplementary report.
The Secretary-2 inspected “Zwe” Brand 50-and 80-horse power tractors, tractor engines, clutch boxes, gear boxes, parts of tractors, and two-ton and four-ton trailers. Officials conducted the Secretary-2 round the factory. Then, the Secre-tary-2 inspected production process and left necessary instructions.
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than inspects coffee plantation, upgrading of road sections in Toungoo
Yangon, 22 March — Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, together with officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, left here by Myanma Airways yesterday morning and arrived at Toungoo, Bago Division, at 7.10 am.
Then, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party arrived at Kyauktaing extended coffee plantation of Myanma Farms Enter-prise in Kyauktaing Village, Toungoo. They inspected coffee and pepper plants, booth on equipment for production of lingzhi mush-room and lingzhi capsule bottles and cultivation of lingzhi mushroom. Managing Director of the MFE U San Myint conducted them round the plantation.
Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party met with members of Toungoo District and Township Peace and Development Councils and division, district and township agricultural coordination committees at the meeting hall. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions on extension of coffee cultivation. Managing Director U San Myint reported on brief account of coffee and lingzhi mushroom, completed cultivation of 105 acres of coffee in Toungoo Township and 3673 acres in Thandaung Township, Kayin State, in the year 2002-2003, earth works and water supply for coffee cultivation, distribution of coffee plants by MFE , arrangements for conducting courses on scientific coffee cultivation methods, assignment of duties to technicians, and cultivation of 500 acres of coffee plants each in Toungoo and Padaung Townships and 1,500 acres in Thandaung Township in 2003-2004. Then, Brig-Gen Win Myint of Thandaung Station reported on arrangements for extension of coffee cultivation in Thandaung Township in 2003-2004. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than attended to the needs and gave instructions on extended cultivation of tea, coffee, cardamom, pepper and cinchona in Thandaung Township in accord with the guidance of the Head of State, conducting courses on scientific coffee cultivation methods to coffee growers and local departmental staff and the providing of necessary assistance by MFE. The tasks on extension of coffee cultivation are being carried out in Toungoo Township and Padaung Township in Bago Division and Thandaung Township in Kayin State. Arrangements are being made to lay down five year plan to extend 1,000 acres of coffee yearly up to 5,000 acres as of year 2003-2004.
Afterwards, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected the coffee nurseries and gave necessary instructions. A total of 600,000 coffee saplings are being nurtured at Kyauktaing coffee plantation to cultivate on 500 acres of land in Toungoo Township.
Then, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party arrived at the briefing hall of project site for upgrading the Yangon-Mandalay Union Highway being undertaken by Kanbawza Pathfinder Industries Ltd. Project Director U Ba Tun reported on extension of road, maintenance, tarring, and construction of bridges on Zeyawady-Yedashe road section and collection of gravel, tar and fuel. Commander Brig-Gen Ko Ko fulfilled the requirements. Then, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions on timely completion and meeting the set standard. Afterwards, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected the upgrading of Toungoo Road on Zeyawady-Yedashe road section.
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party then arrived at Khabaung dam multi purpose project site in Ottwin Township. At the briefing hall, Assistant Director U Kyaw Kyaw Win (Construction-5) of Irrigation Department and Assistant Director U Maw Tha Htwe of Hydel Power Department reported on purpose of the project and tasks being carried out. Commander Brig-Gen Ko Ko presented supplementary reports. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave necessary instructions.
Then, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected round the project site.
Khabaung Dam is situated at 1.25 mile from the confluence of Khabaung Creek and Paraing Creek in Ottwin Township, Bago Division. Its catchment area is 418 square mile and get annual rainfall of 90 inches. It is an earth dam with 920 feet in length and 200 feet in height. On completion, it can supply 120 million kilowatt hours of electric power annually.
Then, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party arrived at the briefing hall of HI Star Public Co Ltd which is carrying out the upgrading of Zeyawady-Nyaunglebin road section. Project Director U Khaing Oo reported on tasks being undertaken and completion of work. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than attended to the needs and gave necessary instructions.
Afterwards, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected the upgrading of Zeyawady-Nyaunglebin road section.
Drill of parade columns inspected
Yangon, 22 March — Chairman of the Leading Committee for Observance of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win inspected the drill of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day parade columns this morning.
Tatmadawmen and members of Myanmar Police Force, Fire Brigade and Red Cross Brigade of Anawrahta column, Kyansittha column, Bayinnaung column, Nawaday column, Aungzeya column, Sinphyushin column, Bandoola column, Myawady column and Aung San column led by Parade Commander Brig-Gen Than Htay, Reserve Parade Commander Brig-Gen Myint Aung practised the drill today. Lt-Gen Kyaw Win and officers inspected the drill and gave necessary instructions.
Measures for ensuring smooth and secure transport coordinated
Yangon, 22 March — Work coordination meeting of Yangon Division Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transport was held at Yangon Command this afternoon.
Chairman of the supervisory committee Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe made a speech.
First, the commander explained the tasks to be carried out by the supervisory committee for ensuring smooth and secure transportation of passengers and goods in the division. Then, members of the supervisory committee reported on work done. Afterwards, the commander made remarks on enforcement of traffic rules, proper handling of passengers by drivers and conductors of bus lines and taxis.
Yangon, 22 March — The 40th Myanma Gems Emporium being held at the Myanma Gems Emporium Hall on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road continued for the fifth day at 9 am today.
Gem merchants bought 24 gems lots for US$ 3,581,764 through the competitive bidding system between 9 am and 1.30 pm.
A total of 446 jade lots worth US$ 14,227,093 and 48 gems lots worth US$ 7,578,252 have been sold up to date.
Grand total of the sale of the emporium stood at US$ 21,805,345. Pearl lots will be sold through competitive bidding system tomorrow.
Secretary of the Central Committee for holding the emporium Managing Director of Myanma Gems Enterprise U Khin Oo presented a gem mosaic painting and certificate of honour to Mr Bunchuai Likhitlert of J J & Ton Jewellery Co of Thailand, who paid highest price for gems lots.
Prize winners of Myawady colour photo contest and Myawady and Ngwetayi magazines announced
Yangon, 22 March — Prize winners of Myawady colour photo contest 2002 and annual best manuscript award winners of Myawady and Ngwetayi Magazines were announced today.
Ko Ko Sonny (Theingi Shweyi), Kyaw Kyaw Win (Myanmar Photographic Society) and Soe Lin Oo won the first, second and third prizes in the photo contest. Cartoon Ni Hmu, “Kyo” poem of Ko (University), “Padamya Ahnit Shwe Asin” article of Ni Thin Aung Kyaw Moe, “Hnalonetha Lapyaiwun” short story of Pyay Oo, and “Hmwaylu Kywaylint” novelette of Maung Yi Thway won the best manuscript awards for Myawady Magazine in 2002. Cartoon Bagyi, “Ngepaung Doh Paung-sichang” poem of Maung Saw Tun (Kyaunggon), “Hnalonetha Hngaryay Khansarchin” article of Nay Soe Thaw, “Yamet Kyun” short story of Moe Thauk, and “Nyaoaksaunghlit Aryonthitpyi” novelette of Ko (University) won the best manuscript awards for Ngwetayi Magazine in 2002.
The prize presentation ceremony will be held at Tatmadaw Television Unit (Hmawby) on 29 March 2003. Prize winners are to report to Myawady Publishing House (Branch), No 181, 32nd Street, Pabedan Township, Yangon, (Tel; 282764) before 6 pm on 29 March 2003 (Saturday).
Information Technology
Talks on ICG branch connect solution
Yangon, 22 March — Under the aegis of the Myanmar Computer Entrepreneurs Association, talks on ICG Branch Connect Solution were held at the MICT Park here this morning.
Present on the occasion were Myanmar Computer Federation President U Thein Oo and members, MCEA member companies and guests. Manager Mr Mohammed Wahid Ullah of Stitel Technologies of Bangladesh gave talks on ICG Branch Connect Solution.
Sport
Myanmar beat Thailand 1-0 in ASEAN U-14 soccer
Yangon, 22 March — Semi-finals of the ASEAN Youth U-14 Championship 2003 Thailand continued in Bangkok, Thailand, this evening. In the first match of semi-finals, Selected Myanmar Youth team beat Selected Thai Youth team 1-0. Win Win Htet score the winning goal for Myanmar team.
In the second match of semi-finals, Lao Youth Team beat Vietnam Youth team 5-2. Myanmar Youth team and Lao Youth team will play against each other in the final of the championship on 23 March.
Myanmar CP Inter Club Tennis Tournament opens
Yangon, 22 March — Hailing the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, Myanmar Tennis Federation hold Myanmar CP Inter Club Tennis Tournament sponsored by Myanmar CP Co Ltd at the Theinbyu Tennis Court this morning.
First, pom pom troupes and band of No 3 Basic Education High School entertained those present.
Then, President of MTF U Zaw Zaw and Mr Boonrerk and Dr Than Htay of Myanmar CP Co Ltd formally opened the tournament. President U Zaw Zaw made a speech. U Aung Din of Myanmar CP Co Ltd explained the purpose of the tournament.
Afterwards, selected Myanmar tennis players Khin Maung Win and Min Min played against selected Myanmar tennis players Zaw Zaw Latt and Tu Maw as a demonstration.
Then, U-14 Phyo Min Tha and Su Wai Phyo played against U-14 Nyi Nyi Tun and Zin Bo as a demonstration.
Later, Patron of MTF Maj-Gen Kyaw Win presented souvenirs to Mr Boonrerk and U Aung Din.
Then, the first day of the tournament continued. The tournament will be held on a grand scale at Theinbyu Tennis Court up to 28 March. Selected Myanmar tennis players and state/division level players are to enter Grade-A team event. Women double and single open events are also included in the tournament.
Inter-State/Division Golf Tournament concludes
Yangon, 22 March — The fourth day play of the 25th Inter-State and Division Golf Tournament, jointly organized by Sports and Physical Education Department and Myanmar Golf Federation and mainly sponsored by ISUZU Motor Ltd, continued at Yangon Golf Club in Danyingon yesterday evening.
After the fourth day play, prize presentation ceremony was held. Resident Representative of ISUZU Motor Ltd of Japan U Aye Cho gave away prizes to Myat Ko (Mon State) who stood third with 278 strokes, Ngwe Tun (Taninthayi Division) second with 275 and Aung San (Kachin State) first with 275 in the individual handicap event. Then, General Manager Mr Kenji Iida presented prizes to Aye Ko (Mandalay Division) who stood third with 312, Aye Chan Tha (Mandalay Division) second with 311 and Thein Zaw Myint (Yangon Division) first with 294 in the individual scratch event. Prizes were also presented to Kyaw Win of Magway Division who scored hole-in-one.
Next, Deputy Director-General of the SPED U Thein Aung presented second prize to U Tun Ko Ko Aye Nyunt (Mon State) and first prize to Major Khin Zaw Win (Shan State East) in team captains event. General Secretary U Aung Kyi of MGF presented prize to Taninthayi Division which stood second with 834 in team handicap event and General Secretary of MOC Director-General of SPED U Thaung Htaik to Mandalay Division second with 941 in team scratch event.
Then, President of MGF Maj-Gen Win Hlaing and Sports Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint presented first prizes and championship bowls to Kachin State with 828 in team handicap event and Yangon Division with 927 in team scratch event. The team captain of Yangon Division Team spoke words of thanks. Afterwards, General Manager Mr Kenji Iida donated US$ 500 each to MOC and MGF through General Secretary U Thaung Htaik of MOC and General Secretary U Aung Kyi of MGF. The tournament was co-sponsored by Sun Far Travel and Tour Co Ltd and Yangon Golf Club and organized by Han Event Management.
Drug
Raw opium and stimulant tablets seized
Yangon, 22 March — A combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Taunggyi Special Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, searched the house of Ma San San Myint (a) Artu (a) Letaiye in Konmyinttha, Monghsu Township and arrested her with 300 stimulant tablets, 7.84 kilos of raw opium and 0.5 litre of opium liquid.
Similarly, a combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Tachilek Special Anti-drug Squad went to Wanton village on 8 March in order to get drug-related information. The authorities spotted a suspect, who rushed from a house, and they searched the house and found Ma Aehtaung in. They seized 38,000 stimulant tablets behind the house and arrested Ma Aehtaung. It is known that the man who escaped is Aeikal, Ma Aehtaung’s father and the owner of the house. Action is being taken against them under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by police stations concerned.
Chemical liquid seized in Kyugok (Panghsai)
Yangon, 22 March — A combined team including members of the local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force, acting on a tip-off, on 13 March stopped and searched a group of people carrying plastic boxes near Nanhu-Yegu country road in Kyugok (Panghsai) township.
The authorities seized Ngwasa, son of U Ngwa Phu (a) Law Phu of Phonkan village, together with 120 gallons of ether (24 five-gallon boxes) and 90 gallons of acetic anhydride (18 boxes). The police station concerned is taking action against him under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.
