nlmMay07

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ARCHIVES	Wednesday, 2 May 2007	THE MYANMAR TIMES

Kataik Dam in Paung Township, Thaton District, Mon State commissioned into service Kataik Dam will benefit 10,000 acres of farmlands, contribute much to regional development

Nay Pyi Taw, 1 May-A ceremony to open Kataik Dam built by Construction Group-6 of the Irrigation Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation in Paung Township, Thaton District, Mon State was held at the pandal near the dam yesterday morning.

It was attended by Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen Thet Naing Win, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo, Brig-Gen Myint Soe of Thaton Station, officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, local authorities, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organizations and local people.

In his address, Commander Brig-Gen Thet Naing Win said that the agricultural sector plays a major role in fulfilling the food, clothing and shelter needs of the people and ensuring strong national economy and local food sufficiency, adding that the net sown acreage of Mon State is over 1.2 million.

There are altogether 198 dams and reservoirs the length and breadth of the nation. The newly-opened Kataik Dam is 198th of its kind built in the time of the State Peace and Development Council, and it is also the tenth in Mon State, he disclosed.

He said that Kataik Dam will be able to supply water to 10,000 acres of farmlands and contribute much to regional development since local people will be able to engage in double cropping as a result.

In Mon State there are five dams including Kataik Dam, five sluice gates and five river water pumping stations. Through those facilities floods and inundation can be prevented in the rainy season and double cropping can be introduced in the summer, thereby contributing to the agricultural sector of Mon State, he noted.

Through cultivation of summer paddy and double cropping the income of local farmers will increase, and regional development will surely be possible.

The commander stressed the need for local people to maintain and safeguard the dam for its durability for posterity as it was built with a large amount of the State funds.

The Head of State has frequently given guidance on implementing projects for dams, sluice gates and river water pumping stations for boosting the agriculture production.

Mon State cultivated 100,000 acres of physic nut plants in 2006-2007. Work is under way to cultivate 200,000 acres of physic nut plants in 2007-2008 and 200,000 acres in 2008-2009 in Mon State totaling 500,000 acres. At the same time, extended cultivation of pepper is being carried out to turn Mon State into a pepper state.

He urged the entire people including local farmers to strive for the development of economic and social sectors of the region making better use of the already-built infrastructures including the newly-opened Kataik Dam and put in the fore Our Three Main National Causes, a prerequisite for building a peaceful, modern and developed nation.

Next, Minister Maj-Gen Htay Oo said that he like local people is pleased at the opening of Kataik Dam as it will be able to contribute to boosting the agricultural production of the region.

He said that boosting the agricultural production is a driving factor for strong economy of the State, adding that the government is giving priority to boosting the agricultural production in order to ensure the development of economy of local people. In the process, the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation is making all-out efforts for boosting the per acre yield and for extended cultivation of crops.

There were 138 dams and reservoirs in 1988 across the nation along with 1.34 million acres of farmlands, and there are now 198 additional dams and reservoirs along with 2.6 million acres of farmlands. The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation is trying its utmost for boosting the per acre yield of ten major crops. As rubber grows well in Mon State extended growing of rubber is being launched while priority is being given to growing of physic nut plants in the region.

The government spent over K 7,012 million on construction of the dam. The dam is 5,200 feet long and 234 feet high and can store over 56,000 acre feet of water, he said. The dam will be able to prevent 10,000 acres of farmlands from being flooded and benefit double cropping, he said.

Unlike in the past, local farmers now have an opportunity to boost agricultural production, he said, calling for durability of the irrigation facility and conservation of watershed areas.

The commander and the minister formally opened the dam and inspected the main embankment, spillway, control tower, storage of water, rubber and cashew plantations in the watershed areas.

Director U Hla Baw of Construction (6) of the Irrigation Department reported on steps taken to construct the dam and irrigation system. Irrigation Department Acting Director-General U Khin Zaw gave a supplementary report.

The minister gave instructions on supply of irrigation water for boosting agricultural production. With a catchment area of eight square miles, Kataik Dam was built on the Kataik Creek, whose annaul flow of water is about 59,000 acre feet, near Kataik Village in Paung Township. It has a 134 feet high and 5200 feet long embankment and its maximum water storage capacity is 56,000 acre feet.

It has a 650 feet conduit. It will be able to benefit 10,000 acres and protect the paddy fields downstream of the Yinnyein Creek from being inundated.

Yangon, 1 May - Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi went to the gas field in Maubin, Ayeyawady Division, yesterday and inspected production of natural gas at the new Well No 1.

At the meeting with officials of Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise under the ministry, the minister called for increasing production of oil and natural gas for domestic consumption. He also urged them to make a detailed assessment of potential for oil and gas in order to continue exploring new wells in the field.

On his tour of inspection, Minister Brig-Gen Lun Thi awarded the employees who participated in exploration and drilling of the new well which is expected to produce 3.2 million cubic feet of natural gas per day.

The new well is located two miles south of Maubin and 18 miles south of Nyaungdon gas field. The Ministry of Energy is making efforts to meet the demands of vehicles, gas-fuelled turbines and factories. Minister Brig-Gen Lun Thi laid down work plans for oil and gas exploration and fulfilled the requirements during his tour.

NLD undermining interest of people and nation after receiving instructions from embassies US embassy officials visit NLD Headquarters 11 times in March

Yangon, 1 May - National League for Democracy (Central) is attempting to push the nation to a life of servitude and to become a minion of the imperialists. The acts of the party have proved that the party relies too much on big western nations.

The NLD (Central) is in contact with the US Embassy in Yangon and the public criticizes and condemns the NLD that they are undermining the interest of the people and the nation after receiving the instructions through the embassy. The public is keeping watch on their contact.

US embassy officials visited the NLD Headquarters on West Shwegondine Road 11 times in March. They met CEC members of the NLD and sent letters and parcels to them.

Yangon, 1 May - Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, accompanied by officials of Public Works, arrived at Dagon Bridge construction site in Dagon Myothit (Seikkan) Township here by car this afternoon.

At the project briefing hall, bridge construction incharge senior engineer U Tint Lwin reported on progress in construction tasks and future tasks. The minister gave instructions on making efforts for earlier completion of the project and simultaneous implementation of work for construction of approach roads, laying of gravel and tarring of road and fulfilled the needs.

Next, the minister and party inspected the pillar (p-11). Senior engineer U Tint Lwin conducted them round the construction site.

Dagon Bridge is of RCD reinforced concrete type. It is 4,540 feet long and 72 feet wide and has 6-foot pedestrian lane on each side. It can withstand 75 tons of loads.

The approach roads to Yangon bank and Thanlyin bank have been completed and the bridge will be opened soon.

Yangon, 1 May - Minister for Immigration and Population Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe together with Director-General of Immigration and National Registration Department U Maung Maung Than arrived at Bago Division Union Solidarity and Development Association Office on an inspection tour on 29 April.

The minister and party inspected issuing of CSCs to town dwellers and gave necessary instructions. Next, the Director-General dealt with management to be made for issuing CSCs as quickly as possible.

Upon arrival at Waw Township, the minister looked into progress in issuing CSCs to the town dwellers. Next, the minister met with local authorities and members of social organizations, and gave instructions on issuing of CSCs to the town dwellers as soon as possible.

Afterwards, the minister oversaw related documents on issuing CSCs in Waw Township INRD. A total of 395 CSCs were issued to the town dwellers in Bago District, Bago Division (East).

Yangon, 1 May - The second Thutaswezon literary award presentation and a ceremony to mark the 25th Anniversary of Thutaswezon publishing house were held at Traders Hotel this afternoon, with an address by Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan.

Also present were heads of enterprises and departments under the Ministry of Information, Chairman of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung), CEC members, literati, members of Thutaswezon literary award selection committee, award winners and guests.

In his address, Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan said he was glad to see literati. Every nation is making efforts to serve their national interest and bring about development. In doing so, emphasis is being placed on development of human resources that contributes towards the national development rather than progress of exhaustible natural resources.

He said in the country priority is given to the development of technology and human resources among the youth.

He said literati play an important role in human resource development. He spoke of the need to make efforts for keeping reading habit. He said 30 million books of different kinds were published in 2006.

He pointed out that attempts to harm cultural heritage and morale of the people are made through the media. Material development has been made in some nations but affluent society cannot be built due to the self and lack of social interest. Cultural heritage and national character are to be preserved in accord with the social objectives.

The minister presented Thutaswezon life time achievement award to U Hla Kyaing (Paragu) and he also presented to other winners of science and applied science category. Chairman of MWJA U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung) presented awards winners of arts, translation and reference literature categories.

Dr Tin Tun Oo and wife Dr Daw Khin Moe Moe presented K 300,000 for literati to U Hla Myaing. Dr Tin Tun Oo presented gifts for members of literary award selection committee to U Thaw Kaung. U Hla Kyaing (Paragu) and Dr Thet Lwin spoke words of thanks.

Next, the minister had documentary photos taken with the literary award winners.

Yangon, 1 May - A new building of Myanma Economic Bank (Branch) was opened in Bilin Township on 29 April. Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen Thet Naing Win unveiled the signboard.

Chairman of Thaton District Peace and Development Council U Tin Aung and Managing Director of Myanma Economic Bank U Myat Maw cut the ribbon to officially open the new building. Minister for Finance and Revenue Maj-Gen Hla Tun sprinkled scented water on the signboard.

After the opening, the commander, the minister and guests viewed around the building.

In the afternoon, the minister inspected Myanma Economic Bank in Hpa-an Township, Kayin State. The managing director of the Myanma Economic Bank reported to the minister on the banking services. On his inspection tour, the minister also inspected the office of State's Pension Department in Mawlamyine Township in Mon State today. At the office, the officials briefed the minister on the tasks of their respective departments.

Afterwards, the minister visited Nos 1 and 2 of Myanma Economic Bank (Branch) and Myanma Small Loans Department in Mawlamyine.

Yangon, 30 April - Central Executive Committee Member of Union Solidarity and Development Association Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein visited Phyo Ayeya Fish Farm No 2 in Wadaw Village in Maubin Township yesterday.

On his tour, the minister inspected fish ponds and called for maintaining them. He also discussed with officials concerned fish breeding tasks of the farm which is being carried out by the USDA.

After hearing reports of officials concerned, the minister gave instructions to them.

Yangon, 30 April - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win inspected condition of rail roads and stations here yesterday.

After hearing reports on extension of railroads around Yangon, the commander fulfilled the requirements.

After his tour of inspection, Commander Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win met with officials of stations on the circular railroad at Yangon Railway Station. At the meeting, he presented awards to officials who kept the stations and their environs clean and pleasant. He also awarded the townselders who contributed to the cleanliness of the stations.

Yangon, 30 April - Yangon Division Smooth and Secure Transport Supervisory Committee held a work coordination meeting at the meeting hall of Yangon Command on 27 April, with an address by Chairman of Yangon Division SSTSC Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win.

First, the commander called on officials concerned to carry out roads repair including No 2 and No 3 Highways without delay and take cooperative measures between bus lines and Division Transport Coordination Committee to ensure that 8 to 12 CNG cylinders are installed at buses that are plying on highways.

Next, officials concerned briefed the minister on management work for ensuring smooth and secure transport.

After hearing the reports, the minister fulfilled the requirements and made concluding remarks.

Nay Pyi Taw, 30 April - The insurgents are committing destructive acts through various ways with the intention of disrupting the stability of the State, community peace and tranquillity and prevalence of law and order and killing the people and making them panic.

Seventeen-year-old Min Thu Tun, son of U Kyaw Soe Naing at Aung Thukha Ward, Kyaukkyi, Bago Division, made his way to pick up vegetables on 26 April and stepped on a mine planted by insurgents and it went off. His right foot was blown off and right eyebrow wounded.

Similarly, twenty-year-old Ye Aung, son of U Tin Aye in MyaungU village, went into the forest and stepped on a mine planted by insurgents on the same day. His left foot was cut off and right thigh wounded.

Injured Min Thu Tun was sent to Kyaukkyi Township People's Hospital and Ye Aung to Mone Station Hospital. Medical treatment and necessary assistance were provided to the victims. The authorities and the local people are making arrangements to expose the insurgents.

Sixth respect-paying ceremony held at Teacher Training College (Kanbe), Yankin Education College

Yangon, 1 May - The sixth respect-paying ceremony was held at Yangon Teacher Training College (Kanbe) and Yankin Education College this morning.

It was attended by sixty-year-old retired teachers who served from 1947 to 2007, guests and old students and families.

The old students paid homage to the retired teachers and donated cash and kind to them. On behalf of the retired teachers, principal U Tin Than (Retd), assistant lecturers Daw Yi Yi and U Aung Thein (Retd) gave advice during the ceremony.

Next, the old students donated ?Soon' to members of the Sangha and the congregation shared merits gained.