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ARCHIVES	Sunday, 1 April 2007	THE MYANMAR TIMES

Pyaingchaung Dam commissioned into service in Kyauktaw Township Government striving for development of political, economic, social and other sectors to enable the country to keep abreast of global nations

Yangon, 31 March - A ceremony to inaugurate Pyaingchaung Dam built by Irrigation Department was held at the pandal near the dam in Kyauktaw on 30 March.

In his address, Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Brig-Gen Maung Shein said that the State Peace and Development Council is implementing the 12 objectives for the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation. ?Development of agriculture as the base and all-round development of other sectors of the economy as well? is one of the four economic objectives. The 24 special development regions project is being implemented for ensuring equitable development of all parts of the country and uplift of living standard of the entire national people. Likewise, five rural development tasks are being undertaken for narrowing the gap between urban and rural areas, he said.

The commander added that Rakhine State is an agro-based region. The state increased up to 1.205 million acres of monsoon paddy from 0.79 million acres in 1988.

Efforts are to be made for cultivation of monsoon paddy meeting the target of 1.21 million acres next year and 100 baskets per-acre yield. In addition, cultivation of pepper and rubber on vacant and virgin lands will contribute to economic development of Rakhine State. To meet fuel demand, Rakhine State made arrangements to grow physic nut plants on 100,000 acres of land in 2006, 200,000 acres in 2007 and 200,000 acres in 2008.

He noted that the government has been building dams and embankments in all states and divisions. Of them, Pyaingchaung Dam is the 197th facility of its kind. He quoted the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe as saying that the present government is striving for development of political, economic, social and other sectors to enable the country to keep abreast of global nations and to ensure uplift of living standard of the people. As the government is focusing only on serving the long-term interests of the nation, efforts are being made for equitable development of all regions of the country and narrowing the development gap of the regions. The government, the people and the Tatmadaw need to join hands in actively taking part in national and economic development, uplift of social standard and better transport. As about 200 dams and embankments have been built throughout the nation, the service personnel have capabilities not only to construct various kinds of dams but also implement hydropower projects. Especially, they are to build small-scale hydropower plants on self-reliant basis. The simultaneous completion of dams and hydropower projects will contribute a lot to the people. In addition, it is necessary to maintain the dams and embankments for durability. Furthermore, encouragement is to be given to farmers to extend cultivation of new item crops in the irrigated areas.

The commander continued to say that although Kyauktaw Township has an average annual rainfall of 190 inches, double cropping could not be undertaken in the region. With the emergence of Pyaingchaung Dam, 4,000 acres of summer paddy or 5,000 acres of farmland can be irrigated, while the surrounding areas of the dam can be supplied with electricity.

Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo made a speech saying that Pyaingchaung dam was opened successfully and it will contribute to boosting the agricultural production and greening tasks in the area. In addition, socio-economic life of the local people will also reach a new high. The State has been striving for development of economic sector. Myanmar is rich in arable lands and natural recourses. Over 70 per cent of the nation's population reside in rural areas and their livelihood is agricultural production.

Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has given guidance on boosting agricultural production. As part of the ministry, arrangements are being made for boosting crop production. Meanwhile, dams and water pumping projects have been implemented throughout the nation to irrigate the farm lands. As a result, the sown acreage has been increased. In 1988-89, there were 23.8 million cultivated acres and now the figure has risen to 46.34 million acres.

Physic nut plant is an invaluable crop and it can be grown in every region of the country. Therefore, all are to make efforts for growing more physic nut plants.

The newly opened Pyaingchaung dam is a medium-sized one and it is the 197th dam built in the time of Tatmadaw Government. It can store 24,290 acre feet of water. The height of the main dam is 106 feet with the four earth embankments. The length of the main dam is 860 feet and the length of the earth embankment is 925 feet. The dam was built at a cost of K 4,460 million.

It can benefit 5,000 acres of farmland. The ministry will provide necessary assistance for boaosting of agricultural production of the local farmers.

Also present on the occasion were local authorities, departmental officials, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigades and local people.

A local expressed gratitude for construction of the dam. The commander unveiled the stone plaque and the minister formally opened the dam.

Next, they viewed the main embankment, conduit, spillway and main canal. At the briefing hall, Director U Tun Aung Lwin of Construction-3 of Irrigation Department reported on construction of the dam.

Pyaingchaung Dam was built on Pyaing Creek near Mindan Village of Kyauktaw Township. The embankment is 38 feet high and 925 feet long. The reinforced conduit, four feet wide, six feet high and 630 feet long, is installed with a pipeline to generate hydelpower. The spillway is 30 feet wide and 550 feet high.

Afterwards, the commander and the minister inspected thriving summer paddy plantations near Sabarseik Village and fulfilled the requirements of the farmers.

Next, they viewed broadcasting of fertilizers and weeding at summer paddy plantations. Due to construction of Pyaingchaung Dam, over 1,000 acres of summer paddy can be supplied with irrigated facilities in three village-tracts of the township. In addition, local authorities and service personnel provide assistance for cultivation tasks to meet the target.

Yangon, 31 March -Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung together with officials arrived at 80-ton brown paper factory and 50-ton pulp factory project (Yeni) of Myanmar Paper and Chemical Industries near Yeni No 2 Paper Factory in Yedashe Township, Bago Division, this morning.

At the briefing hall, the minister heard reports on progress of construction and arrival of machines presented by Managing Director U Nyunt Aung of Myanma Paper and Chemical Industries and inspected machines to be installed in the factory.

The minister also inspected construction tasks at the work site and called for completion of the project in time.

Later, the minister accompanied by Myanma Foodstuff Industries Managing Director U Thaik Tun visited DaikU Tapioca Powder Factory in Bago Division. The factory manager reported on cultivation of tapioca, reclamation of land and production of glucose. The minister then gave necessary instructions.

In the morning, a ceremony to choose lucky draw winners and give a feast in charity was held at the ministry,Nay Pyi Taw. Minister U Aung Thaung, wife and guests chose winners. Next, the minister and departmental heads visited the feast.

The minister and party inspected sales of foodstuff, textiles, steel-ware and medicines. Later, the minister and party viewed entertainment.

Those from US embassy and British embassy visit NLD (HQ) daily They visited NLD (HQ) 29 times in March 2007 NLD (HQ) pushing the entire national people into foreign subjugation or under yoke of colonialists without taking part in nation-building endeavours

Yangon, 31 March-The acts of National League for Democracy (Headquarters) stood witness that they are pushing the entire national people into foreign subjugation or under the yoke of colonialists relying too much on foreign nations especially western powers, instead of participating in the process of building a peaceful, modern and developed nation doing their bit hand in hand with the government putting in the fore the attitudes of the party members and the Myanmar people.

There has been a widespread criticism that the NLD (Headquarters) has been making an attempt to harm the interest of the State and the people, making contact with the US embassy and British embassy in Yangon and following the instructions of the two embassies. In this regard, the people are exercising a constant vigil against the activities of the NLD (Headquarters).

It has already been stated that those from the two embassies visited the NLD (Headquarters) on West Shwegondine Road 34 times in January and 18 times in February.

In March, those from the two embassies visited the NLD (Headquarters) 29 times, holding discussions with the NLD's CEC members and sending parcels and letters to them.

Yangon, 31 March - The Fifth Myanmar-Thai Health Cooperation Ministerial Meeting was held at Sedona Hotel here this evening, attended by Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint and Thai Minister for Public Health Dr Mongkol Na Songkhla.

Also present at the meeting were Deputy Ministers for Health Dr Mya Oo and Dr Paing Soe, directors-general, deputy directors-general, project managers, Resident Representative of WHO Professor Adik Wibowo and members of Thai delegation and Charge d'Affaires of the Thai Embassy Mr Prasas Prasasvinitchai.

At the meeting, they discussed drawing of the plan for cooperation in bird flu and prevention against infectious diseases at the border regions between Myanmar and Thailand.

The first Myanmar- Thai Health Ministerial Meeting was held in Tachilek of Myanmar and Meisai of Thailand in September 2001, the second in Kawthoung of Myanmar and Ranong of Thailand in February 2002, the third in Kengtung of Myanmar and Chiangrai of Thailand in 2003, the fourth in Yangon of Myanmar in September 2004 and the fifth and current meeting in Yangon in 2007.

Nay Pyi Taw, 31 March - The Tatmadaw Park in Nay Pyi Taw Parade Ground where the 62nd Anniversary Armed Forces Day parade took place will be kept open for public until 5 April from 7 am to 9 pm daily.

Nay Pyi Taw, 31 March - CEC member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung together with officials attended the Seinbudaw hoisting ceremony of 42 encircling pagodas in conjunction with the opening ceremony of newly-built Shwelamin building at Phetaw village in Pyawbwe Township yesterday. The minister and wellwishers formally opened the ceremony and donated offertories to Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Paññasiri and members of the Sangha of Tatkon Ngwetaung Tawya Monastery.

Next, the minister and party attended the opening ceremony of earth road linking Thazi village, Htantabin village and Kyathonkhin village.

Later, the minister and party paid homage to the historic Minyama Pagoda in Pyawbwe and inspected progress of the renovation of the Pagoda and construction of Dhammayon.

Symposium on Conservation Methods and Techniques of Historical Buildings and Cultural Properties commences

Nay Pyi Taw, 31 March - The Symposium on Conservation Methods and Techniques of Historical Buildings and Other Cultural Properties in ASEAN, hosted by the Union of Myanmar, was opened at Bagan Hotel in Bagan Archaeological Region this morning.

In his address, Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Khin Aung Myint said that the symposium was held as part of implementing the conservation network of ASEAN cultural heritage. Myanmar, an ASEAN nation, has a lot of cultural heritage. Hence, coope-ration is to be promoted in the tasks of cultural exchange. Experts, re-searchers and observers of ASEAN countries may view preservation of cultural heritage in Bagan region and enjoy the prevailing peace and tranquillity of Myanmar.

After the opening ceremony, the minister, heads of department and representatives of ASEAN countries posed for documentary photo.

Also present on the occasion were officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, deputy directors-general and rectors of departments and universities.

The first-day paper-reading session commenced at the hotel at 11 am. Director-General U San Win of Archaeology, National Museum and Library Department and Secretary of Myanmar Historical Commission U Tun Aung Chein presided over the session.

Ms Loh Heng Nol of National Heritage Board of Heritage Conservation Centre of Singapore presented the paper on Conservation of Moveable Cultural Properties the ASEAN and replied to the queries raised by those present.

Senior Con-servationist and Trainer Mr Hubertus Sadirin of Indonesia read the paper on Conservation of Archaeological and Historical Monuments in ASEAN and Director-General Dr Ba Maung of Historical Research Department on Preservation and Conservation of Archival Manuscripts in Myanmar, and answered the queries.

Seinbudaw (Diamond orb) hoisted atop Thettha Pantaung Shwe Yin Aye Pagoda in Hlinethaya

Yangon, 31 March - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win attended the ceremony to consecrate the historic Thettha Pantaung Shwe Yin Aye Pagoda, to hoist Seinbudaw (Diamond orb) and to open the newly-built east stairway of the Pagoda at Kyonsu village of Shwelinban village-tract in Hlinethaya Township, Yangon North District this morning.

Firstly, the com-mander, the chairman of Yangon North District PDC and the chairman of the Board of Trustees formally opened the east stairway.

Those present received the Nine Precepts from the Presiding Sayadaw Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Siri of Kwatthit Monastery. Next, the commander presented Seinbudaw and Hngetmyatnadaw (Jewelled vane) to the Sayadaw and offered provisions to the members of the Sangha.

Later, the commander and responsible persons accepted K 16,720,000 donated by wellwishers for the construction of the Pagoda. Tutor Sayadaw Bhaddanta Paññananda of State Pariyatti Sasana University delivered a sermon and the congregation shared the merits gained.

The commander and party hoisted Seinbudaw and Hngetmyatnadaw atop the Pagoda. The consecration ceremony of the Pagoda followed.

Nay Pyi Taw, 31 March - The meeting (9/2007) of Nay Pyi Taw Traffic Rules Enforcement Supervisory Committee took place at the office of Nay Pyi Taw Command yesterday afternoon with an address by Nay Pyi Taw Command Commander Brig-Gen Wai Lwin.

In his speech, the commander said measures will be taken for ensuring smooth and secure transport in Nay Pyi Taw region. Bus fares are to be collected in accord with the prescribed rules and regulations and action shall be taken against those who overcharge the passengers. He also stressed the need for free distribution of pamphlets and launch of video show on traffic rules at the video houses. The chairman of the committee explained matters related to taking action against those violating traffic rules and regulations and accidents. Later, the commander gave a concluding remark.

Yangon, 31 March - President U Win Myint and General Secretary U Sein Win Hlaing of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry received a four-member Japanese delegation led by Managing Executive Officer Mr Masahiro Nakagawa of Itochu Corporation at the office of the federation here on 19 March. They discussed boosting trade and investment, to reconvene Myanmar-Japan CCI Business Cooperation Committee (MJBCC) joint-meeting, to exchange visits of entrepreneurs, to share business information and import/export matters.

Similarly, a two-member Japanese delegation led by CEO and Managing Director Mr Isao Takatori called on Vice-President U Thaung Tin of the federation and responsible persons of Myanmar Computer Entrepreneurs Association at the same venue under the arrangement of ASEAN-Japan Trade, Investment and Tourism Promotion Centre and held discussions on information technology and use of Internet.

Yangon, 31 March - The Myanmar Molecular and Diagnostic Centre was opened at IHBC Centre on Bo Aung Kyaw Street, here, yesterday morning.

Dr Htin Lin extended greetings and Deputy Director Dr Win Thein of National Health Laboratory Division gave a speech.

General Manager Ms Sue Yap of Research Biolabs of Singapore and Principal Investigator Mr Masafumi Inoue of Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology of Singapore gave talks on advances in molecular technology and accurate diagnosis of flu A/B viral respiratory infection with H5N1 confirmation using X-map beads hybridization.

Viral load of hepatitis-B and C and HIV can be examined through real-time PCR technology at the centre within seven days. For further information, dial 374676 and 392919 (extension: 301).

Nay Pyi Taw, 31 March - Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association (Central) presented suction machine for the labor room of Tatkon Township Maternal and Child Welfare Association to Township MCWA Chairperson Daw Khin Myo Myo Kyaw yesterday.

MMCWA (Central) Secretary Dr Daw Wai Wai Tha addressed suction machine presentation ceremony. Daw Swe Swe Oo, wife of Nay Pyi Taw Command Commander, and MMCWA (Central) Executive Daw Htwe Htwe Nyunt explained the purpose of donation.

Chairperson Daw Khin Myo Myo Kyaw spoke words of thanks and the ceremony came to an end.

Yangon, 31 March - A 52-pilgrim led by Sitagu Sayadaw Dr Ashin Ñanissara left here by air for Pakistan to visit Pagodas and religious buildings yesterday, They were seen off at the airport by Director-General Dr Myo Myint of Department for Propagation and Promotion of the Sasana, officials of Pakistani Embassy and laypersons.

Yangon, 31 March - A specialist team led by Dr Daw Khin Lay Gyi, chairperson of Myanmar Medical Association's Women Chapter, provided free medical care at Htantabin Township here this morning.

The team provided medical treatment to 334 patients. The chairman of Township PDC, health staff and members of social organizations assisted the team. The team supplied medicine and pairs of glasses to the patients.

Yangon, 30 March - A concert to mark the conclusion ceremony of Early Childhood Development Centre for 2006-07 academic year of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association was held at the multi-functional building of the association at the corner of Thanthuma and Parami Roads in South Okkalapa Township this morning.

Executive Director Professor Dr Tun Yi, CEC members Dr Khin Mya Win and Dr Than Oo presented gifts and completion certificates to teachers and students of the centre.

Myanmar delegation to attend Fighting Corruption and Safeguarding Integrity Forum

Nay Pyi Taw, 30 March - Deputy Attorney-General Dr Tun Shin left here yesterday for South Africa to participate in the Global Forum Five on Fighting Corruption and Safeguarding Integrity.

Deputy Director-General of the Bureau of Special Investigation U Ye Myint and Myanmar Ambassador to South Africa will also participate in the forum along with Dr Tun Shin.

The Myanmar delegation was seen off at Nay Pyi Taw Airport by Deputy Attorney-Generals U Myint Naing and U Tun Tun Oo, Director-General of the Attorney-General's Office U Tin Myint and officials.

Final round of Grand Royal Special Reserve Golf Championship 2007 on 6-8 April

Yangon, 31 March - The final round of Grand Royal Special Reserve Golf Championship 2007 organized by Myanmar Golf Federation with the sponsorship of International Beverages Trading Co Ltd will be held at City Golf Club (Myakantha) in Insein Township from 6 to 8 April.

Five amateurs each who are winners of the qualify rounds at Mandalay, Taunggyi, Mawlamyine and Yangon will compete in final qualify round through system 36.

Pro-AM contest will be held as a special programme of the Grand Royal Special Reserve Golf Championship at the same venue on 8 April morning. International Beverages Trading Co Ltd is the main sponsor of the tournament and cosponsors are Air Mandalay, Hotel Nikko, Sirixon and Alpine. Han Event Management will organize the final round.