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ARCHIVES	Wednesday, 16 April 2008	THE MYANMAR TIMES

Senior General Than Shwe attends opening of Ayeyawady Bridge (Yadanabon) Emergence of one bridge after another highlights robust economy of the State

NAY PYI TAW, 15 April-A ceremony to open the Ayeyawady Bridge (Yadanabon) in Amarapura Township, Mandalay Division, constructed by Public Works under the Ministry of Construction was held at the Mingala Pandal near the bridge on Mandalay bank on 11 April morning, attended by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander- in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe.

Also present on the occasion were member of the SPDC General Thura Shwe Mann, Secretary-1 of the SPDC Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, members of the SPDC Lt-Gen Maung Bo, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and Lt-Gen Tin Aye, Commander- in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Maj- Gen Khin Zaw of the Ministry of Defence, commanders, ministers, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, deputy ministers, the Mandalay Mayor, heads of departments of the SPDC Office and the ministries, those from Public Works, the Deputy Superintending Engineer of Ayeyawady Bridge (Yadanabon) Project and officials, departmental officials from Mandalay and Sagaing Divisions, local authorities of Mandalay District, Sagaing District and townships, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organizations, women’s Affairs organizations, Maternal and Child welfare Associations, war veterans Organizations, Red Cross society and fire Brigades, teachers and students and local people.

He said that the opening of the Ayeyawady Bridge (Yadanabon) has brought auspiciousness to Myanmar people. The Head of State who gave guidance and fulfilled all necessary requirements in the course of the construction of the bridge attended the opening ceremony. The presence of the Head of State on such auspicious occasion reflects his serious attention to the bridge and his goodwill towards the people.

The over 180 feet long facility built by Myanmar technicians in the time of the State Peace and Development Council is the 233rd of its kind and the 8th of Ayeyawady river crossing bridges. It is in parallel with Inwa Bridge built by colonialists when Myanmar was under foreign subjugation.

And the bridge will go down in the annals of Myanmar history. The emergence of one bridge after another highlights the strong economy of the State, the nationalistic spirit and higher technology of the people and the systematic fulfillment of the government in development infrastructures in the interest of the State and the people.

During their rule colonialists built a few infrastructures that were necessary for their economy and administration. With the intention of keeping one national race away from another they created poor transport. It is obvious that the colonialists built only Inwa bridge in the strategic region although many bridges needed to be built during their rule. Likewise, they built main roads in some regions of eastern part of Ayeyawady river in lower Myanmar and of western parts of Ayeyawady river in upper

Myanmar

. Due to poor transport, certain regions lagged behind in development. Therefore, in the time of the State Peace and Development Council a large number of bridges were built in the states and divisions in order to bring about harmonious development the length and breadth of the nation.

The goodwill of the government is to enhance the socio-economic life of the people, to fulfill the food, clothing and shelter needs and bring about secure and smooth transport and to enable the people to engage in trade and commerce in an easy way.

This is the fulfillment of the government for each citizen who wishes to earn his living in the framework of law, to enhance his socioeconomic life, to enjoy better transport and to develop his region and nation to keep pace with changes and developments. Bringing about equitable development across the nation amounts to striving for regional development as well as development of education, health, economic and social sectors of national races.

Located in central Myanmar , the facility is strategically important for better transport in the states and divisions. In the meantime, the bridge is indispensable for tourism industry as it links regions where Theravada Buddhism flourishes as well as where there are historic religious edifices and monuments and cultural heritages.

The Ayeyawady bridge (Yadanabon) contributes a lot to national development as it is located in a region where trade, commerce, industries and information technology flourish.

At present, the government is making all-out efforts in order to be able to cooperate with neighbouring countries, countries in the region and international community in all spheres while striving for bringing about community peace and tranquility, prevalence of law and order and development of health, education, economic and social sectors.

If economic and social sectors of people fully develop along with sound infrastructures it is sure that the country will keep abreast of international community.

The government has built a large number of infrastructures in production, service and trade sectors for development of economy of the State. In the meantime, nine districts greening tasks in arid zone is making progress. Thanks to concerted efforts of the government and the people unprecedented progress has been made in the greening of Sagaing and Mandalay hills.

All in all, carrying out greening tasks with own resources in the interest of the State and the people amounts to engaging practically in a major community task.

With the development of socio-economic life of the people coupled with their scope of knowledge the nation will be able to overcome a series of instigation, obstacles and hindrances and to safeguard the nation for its perpetuation.

He stressed the need for the people to be disciplined and united and to make constant efforts with patriotism and nationalistic fervour.

In conclusion, he said that the SPDC is implementing political, economic and social objectives in order to reach the national goal in a short time.

It is doing so with the aim of enhancing the socio-economic life of the people, of enabling the people to earn their living in the framework of law, of enabling the nation to stand tall among international community, of ensuring the perpetuation of the Union and of safeguarding the nation from falling into foreign subjugation.

The State constitution capable of guaranteeing national interest from generation to generation will soon be approved by the people, he added and spoke of the need for the people to do their bit in the process of approving the State constitution as national duty. And to collectively ward off any wicked acts detrimental to the process of approving the State constitution and to safeguard the bridge for perpetual existence.

In his address, Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Tin Ngwe said that since 1992, the Inwa bridge had no longer been able to cope with any vehicle of above 15 tons. In compliance with the guidance of the Head of State, Ayeyawady Bridge (Yadanabon) was thus constructed.

The Head of State graced the inauguration of Ayeyawady Bridge , the eighth Ayeyawady Rivercrossing facility, he said.

Thanks to the new roads and bridges, the people now can travel in Mandalay Division and from and to Magway and Bago divisions, Kachin State, Shan State (North) and Shan State (South), he said, calling for maintaining the transport facilities for their durability and warding off the threats of internal and external saboteurs with patriotic spirit and nationalistic fervour.

Commander of North West Command Brig-Gen Myint Soe said that the bridge makes significant contribution towards regional development, calling on local people to help maintain the facility for its durability.

Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun also made a speech. A local resident expressed thanks the government for the bridge.

Senior General Than Shwe cordially greeted the attendees. Commander Brig-Gen Tin Ngwe, Commander Brig-Gen Myint Soe, Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun and Mayor Brig-Gen Phone Zaw Han formally opened the bridge.

Senior General Than Shwe and party posed for a documentary photo together with officials.

General Thura Shwe Mann formally unveiled the stone plaque of the bridge and sprinkled scented water onto it, so did Commander Brig-Gen Tin Ngwe, Commander Brig-Gen Myint Soe, and Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun. Senior General Than Shwe inspected the Ayeyawady Bridge (Yadanabon).

The 5614-foot-long bridge lies at a place, about 2000 feet upstream Inwa Bridge .

The main bridge is 3694 feet long, the approach bridge on Mandalay side, 1140 feet long, and the approach bridge on Saging side, 780 feet long.

The bridge has a 49- foot-wide motorway and two six-foot-wide pedestrians lanes.

Its clearance area is 700 feet wide and 40 feet high. At maximum, it can withstand 60 tons of load.

NAY PYI TAW, 15 April-Nay Pyi Taw, the capital of Myanmar, was thronged with revellers, taking part in the Thingyan Festival with lots of fun and joy on 13 and 14 April and today. Pandals all around the capital were packed with fun-loving people and the roads and lanes where pandals were located were also crowded with revellers roaming the city by vehicles. A lot of cars and motorcycles were seen along the Bogyoke Road and other streets in Nay Pyi Taw Pyinmana during the Thingyan Festival.

A large number of revellers gathered at the beach of Paung Laung Creek near the famous Hlekhwin Hsutaung Pyae Pagoda and enjoyed the water festival in groups or individually.

Nga Like Kanthaya Gardens that is seven miles from the city was also packed with visitors. The public park opened on 9 April is located at Nga Like Dam.

In addition to the city dwellers, people from various parts of the country were also taking Thingyan holidays in Nay Pyi Taw, some enjoying swimming at bathing beach, others taking relaxation and many more dining at restaurants from morning to evening.

Over 30,000 people took part in the city water festival on 13 April, over 40,000 the next day and over 50,000 today.

During the said three days, a large number of people visited the Zoological Gardens, some having a picnic at shady places.

NAY PYI TAW, 10 April-The ceremonies to hold meetings between the Commission for Holding Referendum and members of the sub-commissions in Nay Pyi Taw, Kachin State , Mon State , Shan State , Mandalay Division and Yangon Division, and members of the township sub-commissions, and members of the ward/ village-tract subcommissions took place at respective states and divisions this morning.

The commission had a meeting with Nay Pyi Taw Pyinmana District sub-commission, and township and ward subcommissions in Nay Pyi Taw Pyinmana District at Nay Pyi Taw No 5 Basic Education High School this morning, with an address by Chairman of the Commission for Holding Referendum U Aung Toe.

Also present were the secretary and members of the commission, members of sub-commissions of Pyinmana District, Nay Pyi Taw Pyinmana, Nay Pyi Taw Tatkon, Nay Pyi Taw Lewe Townships , and wards and villagetracts, and those in-charge and members of polling booths.

In his speech, U Aung Toe said that it is required to make arrangements for all eligible voters of all the places where referendum will be held to cast votes, and for those eligible voters who are away for various reasons to cast votes in advance in accordance with referendum law and rules; that commissions at all levels are responsible for comfort and convenience of the voters when they vote; that copies of the book ‘State Constitution (Draft)’, book‘Referendum Law and Rules’, the manual for Heads and Members of Polling booths, the book on work guideline for members of ward/villagetract sub-commissions, and the book‘Referendum’ have been distributed nationwide; that clarification on Referendum Law and Rules has been conducted to sub-commissions of districts, townships and ward/village-tracts.

Chairman of Nay Pyi Taw Pyinmana District sub-commission reported on progress of formation of Nay Pyi Taw Pyinmana and township subcommissions, opening of supporting subcommission offices, progress in making the list of eligible voters, arrangements for polling booths, required number of ballot boxes, mobilizing polling booth heads and members, the books, work guideline books, and documents sent by the commission, reception and distribution of ballots in advance and ballots to subcommissions at different levels.

Members of the commission U Aye Maung and Dr Tun Shin hold discussions about the processes.

U Aung Toe made concluding remarks. After the meeting, the chairman and members of the commission cordially greeted the attendees.

They inspected polling booth (1) of Zeya Theiddi Ward of Nay Pyi Taw Pyinmana, lists of voters, and copies of the book on Referendum Law and Rules for approval of State Constitution (2008) of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and Work Guideline Book, and the voting demonstration.

The commission also met sub-commissions of Kachin State , district, township, ward/villagetracts at town hall of Myitkyina at 7 am, with an address by member of the commission Dr Tin Aung Aye. Chairman of Kachin State sub-commission U Maung Maung Win reported on arrangements for polling stations and ballot boxes in Kachin State , and chairmen of district commissions, on processes on the referendum.

Dr Tin Aung Aye and members of the subcommissions inspected voting demonstrations at the polling booth in the Dhammayon in Shansu (North) Ward in Myitkyina.

A similar ceremony was held at Mon State sub-commission at 8 am. Member of the commission U Aung Myo gave a speech.

The chairman of Mon State sub-commission reported on performances of members of the district, township, and ward/ village-tract subcommissions, and heads and members of polling stations; and members of the sub-commission, on relevant tasks and followup programmes.

After the meeting, the commission members and sub-commission members inspected the demonstration on voting at Sitkekon Ward polling station (1) in No 8 BEHS in Mawlamyine Township .

The meeting between commission members and sub-commissions of Shan State (South) district, townships and ward/ village-tracts took place at the city hall of Taunggyi at 9 am. Commission member U Sai Tun Mya made an address.

Chairman of Shan State sub-commission U Khin Maung Gyi reported on work progress.

The commission member gave concluding remarks. They inspected the demonstration at Kyaunggyisu Ward polling station (1) in Taunggyi.

Similarly, commission members had a meeting with Mandalay Division sub-commission at the National Theatre on 66th Street between 20th and 21st streets in A u n g m y e t h a z a n Township, Mandalay, at 8 am, with an address by commission member U Tin Maung.

Likewise, commission members met with sub-commissions of districts, townships and ward/village-tracts in Yangon Division at No 2 BEHS on Myomakyaung Street in Dagon Township , Yangon , this morning.

Yangon Division subcommission Chairman U Hla Soe reported on work progress. U Thaung Nyunt gave concluding remarks.

Since the second week of March 2008, over 465,000 copies of the five books-‘State Constitution Draft (2008)’, ‘Referendum Law’, ‘Referendum Rules’, ‘Manual for Referendum Holding Commission Polling Station Heads’, and‘Work Guideline for Ward/Village-tract Subcommissions have been distributed to related organizations.

The book ‘State Constitution (Draft), can be studied at the libraries of Information and Public Relations Departments across the nation, the libraries under the Ministry of Culture, libraries of universities, colleges and institutes, and copies are available now at the bookshop of the News and Periodicals Enterprise, Sarpei Beikman Book Centre, and private book shops.

YANGON, 15 April-Today, being second Akyat Day of Maha Thingyan, different townships here were packed with revellers who were participating in the water festival while pandals were being crowed water-thowers to the accompaniment of Thingyan music.

Pandals on Shwegondine road, U Chit Maung road, Saya San road and University Avenue in Bahan Township, those on Yankin road, Yanshin road, Kanbe road and Kaba Aye Pagoda road in Yankin Township, those on Bagaya and Bago roads in Sangyoung Township, those on Upper Kyimyindine road, Strand road, Natsin road and Bagaya road in Kyimyindine Township, those on Baho road, Ahlon road and Myoma Kyaung road in Dagon Township, those on University Avenue, Inya road, Yangon-Insein road, Pyay road, Hanthawady road, Nanattaw road and Bayint Naung road in Kamayut Township, those on Yangon-Insein road, Pyay road, Station road and Bayint Naung road in Hline Township were packed with revellers on board the cars.

Specially packed areas were Inya road in Kamayut Township , University Avenue , Kaba Aye Pagoda road, U Chit Maung road and Shwegondine road in Bahan Township and Anawrahta road and Maha Bandoola Road in downtown.

Altogether 74 padals in 14 townships of Yangon East District were also crowded with revellers while actors, actresses and vocalists presented entertainment at the 19th Street ’s Pandal in Latha Township . Among revellers were Secretary of Yangon City Development Committee U Aung Than Win, Col Kyaw Naing Oo of Yangon Command and officials.

NAY PYI TAW, 15 April-The third round events of Nay Pyi Taw Maha Thingyan Tour Gold Cup continued at Nay Pyi Taw Golf Course, Myodaw Golf Course and Yay Pya Golf Course this morning and 156 participants from 26 teams competed in the tournament.

A total of 54 participants from Tatmadaw (Army) team, Air Force Club, Ministry of Home Affairs (B) team, Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs team, Nay Pyi Taw Command (A) team, Magway Division team, Mandalay Division team, Rakhine State team and Shan State (East) team participated in the third round event.

At Yay Pya Golf Course, 48 participants from Ministry of Commerce team, Ministry of Home Affairs (A) team, Kachin State team, Sagaing Division team, Bago Division (East) team, Yangon Division team, Shan State (South) team and Mandalay Shwe Man Taung Club took part in the event. In the third round event at Myodaw Golf Course, 54 participants from Navy Club, Ministry of Forestry team, Nay Pyi Taw Command (B) team, Kayah State team, Kayin State team, Bago Division (West) team, Mon State team, Shan State (North) team and Kaung Myat Club competed.

Mandalay Division team stood first with 297 strokes, Yangon Division team second with 299 strokes, Ministry of Home Affairs (A) team, Bago Division (East) team and Kachin State team third with 305 strokes each, Sagaing Division team fourth with 307 strokes, PBANRDA team, Air Force Club, Mandaly Shwe Man Taung Club and Ministry of Forestry team fifth with 308 strokes respectively in the third round event.

In the event, Thura Kyaw won first with 69 strokes, Soe Kyaw Naing second with 70 strokes, Aung San Win, Zaw Zaw Latt and Hla Myo Aung third with 71 strokes each, Ko Ko Naing and Yan Myo Aye fourth with 72 strokes, Aung Kyaw Thu Aung Tu , Myo Tun, Min Naing and Myo Win Aung fifth with 73 strokes.

The best strokes in the three-day events were Ministry of Forestry that stood first with 894 strokes, Mandalay Division team second with 898 strokes, Navy club team third with 907 strokes, Kaung Myat Club fourth with 908 stokes and PBANRDA fifth with 910 strokes.

Zaw Zaw Latt won first with 213 strokes, Hla Myo second with 217 strokes, Min Naing third with 218 strokes, Zaw Zin Win and Myint Shwe fourth with 219 strokes each, Myo Min Aung and Aung Win fifth with 220 strokes in the three-day events.

The winners will be awarded first, second and third prizes and consolation prizes. The prize presentation ceremony of Nay Pyi Taw Maha Tingyan Tour Gold Cup will be held at Nay Pyi Taw Golf Course here tomorrow.

NAY PYI TAW, 15 April-The State Peace and Development Council has confirmed the appointment of U Htein Lin as Director-General of Myanma Small Loans Enterprise under the Ministry of Finance and Revenue on the expiry of the oneyear probationary period.

The State Peace and Development Council has appointed Dr Aung Myo, Director-General of National Archives Department under the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development, as Director-General of Progress Appraisal and Progress Reporting Department of the same ministry on probation from the date he assumes charge of his duties.

NAY PYI TAW, 15 April-A ceremony to open T-Home Thingyan pandal of Mandalay Maynmar Traditional Maha Thingyan 1369 ME was held on 66th street between 26th street and 27th street in Aungmyathazan Township on 12 April evening.

Mayor of Mandalay Brig-Gen Phone Zaw Han, T-Home Mangaging Director U Wai Lwin and U Myo Thein (Myo Thein electronic) cut the ribbon to open the Thingyan pandal.

YANGON, 15 April - A ceremony to open Valiant Thingyan pandal of the 19th Street family was held at Latha Township, here, on 12 April afternoon. Col Kyaw Naing Oo of Yangon Command, Chairman of Latha Township Peace and Development Council U Thein Tun and Patron of Myanmar Towards Co Agga Maha Thiri-thudhamma Theingi Daw Ni Ni cut the ribbon to open the pandal.

Later, dance and song entertainment programmes began and the water festival was joyfully held.

The pandal is providing different kinds of snacks and entertainment pro-grammes with the participation of flim artistes and well-known musicians from the Eve of Thingyan to the final day.

YANGON, 15 April - Tawya TatU Monastery in Aung San, Insein Township opened its 114th Mogok Vipassana meditation centre at the monastery from 1 to 7 April. Over 1600 laypersons practised meditation there.

The 115th Mogok Vipassana meditation centre was opened at the monastery on 11 April with the participation of over 2200 laypersons. It will last till 20 April.

NAY PYI TAW, 15 April – During the hot day Season, beginning from now to May, as day temperatures rise markedly all over the country, towering clouds are expected to form and occasional strong winds are likely at times in the afternoon/evening over most of the area. Surface wind speed may reach (35) to (40) mph and it may also be accompanied by isolated heavy rain and hails in some places.