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Established in 1914
- Secretary-1 attends opening of Fourth International ICT Exhibition
- Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt enjoys the competitions
- Secretary-1 watches Yamayana drama competition Secretary-1 attends ceremonies to hand over school buildings to Lanmadaw BEPS No 4, Pazundaung BEHS No.
- Billboards bearing Build Modern Developed Nation through Education unveiled Sanitation works carried out at schools in Yangon Division
- Shwehtidaw hoisted atop Pyay Shwehsandaw Pagoda
- Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than inspects development tasks in Pyay
- Regional development tasks inspected in Bago Division
- Seminars on Myanma Industrial Development held
- Minister inspects factories in Magway Division
- USDA membership applications presented
- Yangon Division Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Secure and Smooth Transport meets
- Regional development tasks inspected in Taikkyi, Hmawby
- Sanitation work inspected in Yangon
- Heroin, stimulant tablets and marijuana seized
SPOTLIGHT
Secretary-1 attends opening of Fourth International ICT Exhibition 2002
Yangon, 19 Oct - The opening ceremony of the Fourth International ICT Exhibition 2002, jointly organized by Myanmar Computer Scientists Association and Myanmar Computer Industry Association under the supervision of Myanmar Computer Federation was held at Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U Wisara Road here this morning, attended by Chairman of Myanmar Computer Technology Development Council Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
President of the MCF U Thein Oo delivered a speech, saying that the International ICT Exhibitions have been conducted since 1999 with the aim of advancing the ICT development to the public, ensuring the technology transfer and creating business opportunities based on the ICT. Success has been made significantly in conducting the exhibitions year by year. The exhibition includes ICT field of hardware, software and communication. A total of 56 local and foreign companies will participate in 154 booths. The number of exhibitors increased year after year.
This year, Myanmar National ICT Award will be presented. It was heartening to see that altogether 114 entrants - 86 at student level and 28 at professional level. Out of the 12 categories, five awards and one consolation prize will be presented to the winners.
Then, Chairman of the MCSA U Thaung Tin and Chairman of the MCIA U Aung Zaw Myint formally opened the exhibition.
Next, the prize-distribution for Myanmar National ICT Award followed at the same venue.
The Secretary-1 presented prizes to Ko Lu Aye Oo of the Professional Entertainment Group who won the best entertainment award for Time Travellers (3D Graphic Movie), U Aung Soe Lin of the MCC Mastech who won the best of business application award for Comprehensive Human Resource Solution Project, U Zaw Htut of Myanmars Net who won the best of tourism for Win Myanmar Fonts for Windows Project, Ace Research Team-1 that won Best Communication Application for Banking Application Project, ninth standard schoolgirls of Sangyoung Township BEHS-2 who won best award for Energy: Energy is needed to produce Energy Project, and the consolation prize for Entertainment Application Project to U Pyi Sone of MCC Team X for Yangon City Internet/ Internet Radio Station Project.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 observed the works of the ICT Award winners. The Secretary-1 and party and guests viewed the booths of companies and organizations.
A total of 56 local and foreign companies are on display equipment on information and communication, latest computers and related accessories, services, materials on communication and services, digital electronics, office equipment, educational services on ICT, modern computer accessories and books on computer knowledge.
The exhibition will be open to public from 9 am to 5 pm daily till 21 October. Admission is free.
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt enjoys the competitions
Tenth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continue
Yangon, 19 Oct - The second day programmes of the 10th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continued at the designated venues here this morning.
The singing contest was held at the National Museum on Pyay Road, the dancing contest at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Road, the song-composing contest at the Pantra School of Fine Arts Department on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, and the orchestra contest of instrument playing competition at the Padonma Theatre on Bagara Road, the guitar contest of the instrument playing competition at the Kanbawza Theatre of FAD on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road. Among those who enjoyed the contests were Patron for Organizing the 10th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
The singing contest started at the National Museum on Pyay Road, Chairperson of the Panel of Judges Daw Tin Tin Mya of Myanma Radio and Television, Secretary Daw May Pyon Khine and members made judges on the performances. Aung Lan Than Swe of Yangon Division, U Thein Hlaing of Ayeyawady Division, U Saw Win of Rakhine State, U Min Han of Mon State, U Soe Tint of Mandalay Division, U Thaung Sein of Mandalay Division, U Hla Than of Magway Division, U Tun Aung Kyaw of Bago Division, U Aung Thaung of Kachin State and U Kyaw Lin of Yangon Division took part in the professional level (men) classical song contest. In the afternoon, Ma Hnya Sein Khine of Rakhine State, Ma Hsaung Thazin of Kayin State, Ma Nwe Nwe Oo of Mandalay Division, Ma Ei Ei Hlaing of Yangon Division, Ma San San Wai of Mandalay Division, Ma Hnin Hnin Wai of Kachin State, Ma Kyi Tun Moe of Mon State, Ma Ei Ei Chon of Yangon Division, Ma Htet Htet Tun of Bago Division, Ma Nwe Nwe Thiri Aung of Shan State, Ma May Sanda Win of Sagaing Division and Ma May Thu Win of Mandalay Division took part in the basic education level (aged 15 to 20) (women) classical song contest.
Tomorrow morning, the higher education level (men) religious song contest will be held while the basic education level (aged 15 to 20) (women) classical/modern song contest and the higher education level (men) classical/modern song contest will be held in the afternoon at the same venue. The dancing contest continued at this morning at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Road in Dagon Township. U Sein Aung Min took the chairmanship of the panel of judges for the dancing contest and Secretary Daw Mu Mu Khin and members acted as supervisors.
In the morning, Maung Soe Lin Kyaw of Yangon Division, Maung Win Soe of Ayeyawady Division, Maung Tun Tun Win of Yangon Division, Maung Hein Zaw of Sagaing Division, Maung Aung Ko Latt of Bago Division, Maung Kyaw Swa Myo of Kayin State, Maung Aung Naing Oo of Taninthayi Division, Maung Pyo Wai of Chin State, Maung Tin Latt Yu of Kachin State, Maung Nay Pyo Zay of Mandalay Division, Maung Nyan Win of Kayah State, Maung Pauk Me of Mandalay Division, Maung Sein Win Tun of Mon State and Maung Sai Thiha Naing of Shan State took part in the higher education level (men) dancing contest.
In the afternoon, Ma Han New Nyein of Yangon Division, Ma Pyi Pho Win (a) Pyi Pyi of Mandalay Division, Ma Hsai Dawt Hne of Chin State, Ma Shwe Sin Tun of Mon State, Ma Pyu Pyu Tun of Yangon Division, Ma Nan Thida Oo of Shan State, Ma Khin Moe Moe Aung of Taninthayi Division, Ma Hnaung Wint Wint Naing of Magway Division, Ma Phu Myat Che of Ayeyawady Division, Ma Sita Hsaing of Kachin State, Ma May Sanda Kyaw of Rakhine State, Ma Thiri Hay Mon Oo of Bago Division, Ma May Thu Aung of Sagaing Division, Ma Yamin Ei of Kayah State, Man Nan Wa Wa Win of Kayin State and Ma Pyi Pho Mon of Mandalay Division participated in the basic education level (aged 15 to 20) (women) dancing contest.
Tomorrow morning, the amateur level (men) dancing contest will be held while the basic education level (aged 10 to 15) (women) dancing contest will be held in the afternoon at the same venue. The song-composing contest continued at the Pantra School on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this morning.
Maung Moe Thu of Kachin State, Maung Zeya Tun of Kayin State, Maung Pyo Set Tin Maung of Chin State, Ma Pyu Pyu Su Mon of Rakhine State, Maung Soe Yaza Tun of Sagaing Division, Maung Thet Naing Oo of Taninthayi Division, Soe Yan Naing of Bago Division, Ma Khin Nyein Gyan Soe of Mandalay Division, Ma Yin Myo Thant of Mandalay Division, Ma Thiri Hlaing of Yangon Division, Maung Yan Bo Bo Aung of Yangon Division and Ma Moe Moe Han Min of Ayeyawady Division took part in the basic education level (aged 15 to 20) song-composing contest.
Maung Lin Min Tun of Kayah State, Ma Wut Yi Nanda of Mon State. Ma Khin Mi Mi Moe of Rakhine State, Maung Bo Bo Lin of Sagaing Division, Maung Zaw Tun Thaung of Taninthayi Division, Maung Min Ye Kyaw of Bago Division, Maung Zaw Min Oo and Maung Khin Maung Htay of Mandalay Division, Ma Dali Sein Win and Ma Mu Mu Swe of Yangon Division, Maung Lin Htut of Ayeyawady Division took part in the higher education level song composing contest. The amateur level and professional level song composing contests will be held at the same venue tomorrow.
The instrument playing contest continued at the Padonma Theatre on Bagara Road in Sangyoung Township this morning. Maung Aung Aung and group and Maung Khine Myo Kyaw and group of Mandalay Division, and Maung Myo MinAung and group and Maung Kyaw Zin Aung and group took part in the higher education level (men) orchestra contest and the morning session of the contest went into recess.
In the afternoon, Maung Lin Htet Oo and group of Yangon Division, Maung Myint Lwin and group of Magway Division, Maung Nay Myo Lwin and group and Maung Nyein Chan Pyo and group of Mandalay Division, Maung Pyo Wai Hein and group of Sagaing Division, Maung Than Zaw Ko and group of Ayayawady Division, Maung Kaw Zin Latt and group of Bago Division, Myainggyi Ngu Saw Ba Maung and group of Kayin State and Maung Myo Zaw Hein and group of Yangon Division took part in the basic education level (aged 10 to 15) (men) orchestra contest. On 20 October, the professional level (men) and basic education level (aged 15 to 20) (men) orchestra contests of individual will be held at the same venue. The guitar playing contest continued at Kanbawza Theatre on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this morning.
U Soe Win of Mandalay Division and Guitar U Aung Shein of Yangon Division took part in the professional level guitar playing contest. It was supervised by Chairman of the Panel of Judges Guita Lulin U Ko Ko and members. The amateur level (men) and basic education level (aged 15 to 20) (women) xylophone contests will be held at the same venue tomorrow.
Secretary-1 watches Yamayana drama competition
Yangon, 19 Oct - U Ye Win Naing Drama Troupe of Yangon Division Group-2 took part in Yamayana drama competition at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street in Dagon Township this evening.
Present at the theatre were Patron for organizing the Tenth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt. Leader of the panel of judges for Yamayana drama U Tin Tu Oo and members supervised the competition. Thiri Yama drama troupe of Yangon Division Group-1 will take part in Yamayana drama competition at the same venue tomorrow, it is learnt.
Secretary-1 attends ceremonies to hand over school buildings to Lanmadaw BEPS No 4, Pazundaung BEHS No 3
Yangon, 19 Oct - The opening and handing over ceremonies of school buildings at Lanmadaw Basic Education Primary School No 4 and Pazundaung Basic Education High School No 3 were held at the respective schools this morning, attended by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
The ceremony to open the school building of Lanmadaw BEPS No 4, co-built by the Ministry of Education and Naing Group Construction Co Ltd under the supervision of the Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development was held at the school. Director-General U Tin Win of No 3 BED, Director-General U Arnt Kyaw of DHSHD and Managing Director U Kyaw Naing Oo of Naing Group Construction Co Ltd formally opened the school building. Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the 10-classroom school building.
Headmistress Daw Nwe Nwe Yi and officials conducted the Secretary-1 and party round the school. The Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Pazundaung BEHS No 3. The opening and handing over ceremony of the school building at Pazundaung BEHS No 3, co-built by the Ministry of Education and Lin Brothers Construction Group under the supervision of DHSHD, was held at the school at 10.30 am. The Secretary-1 formally unveiled the signboard of the multimedia teaching centre of the school. Then, Director-General U Tin Win of No 3 BED, Director-General U Arnt Kyaw of DHSHD and Chairman of Lin Brothers Construction Group U Maung Maung opened the new school building.
The Secretary-1 and party inspected the eight-storey building comprising 28 classrooms and one hall. They then saw over the study room, the electric media (video) room, the computer application room, the language lab, the computer aided instruction room and the domestic science room. Headmistress Daw Khin Lay Tint and officials conducted the Secretary-1 and party round the centre. Then, the Secretary-1 and party attended the performance of the students at the music and art room. Next, the ceremony to hand over the new school building was held at the school. Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung reported on the buildings of Lanmadaw BEPS No 4 and Pazundaung BEHS No 4 jointly constructed by the Ministry of Education and construction companies under the supervision of DHSHD.
Afterwards, Lin Brothers Construction Group Chairman U Maung Maung handed over the documents related to the school building of Pazundaung BEHS No 3 and Project Manager retired police Col Soe Naing of Naing Group Construction Co Ltd, the documents related to the school building of Lanmadaw BEPS NO 4 to Director-General U Tin Win of No 3 BED.
Then, the Secretary-1, the commander and the Deputy Minister for Education accepted K 14.6 million donated by wellwishers including K 2,750,000 for the Ministry of Education by U Maung Maung of Shwegabar Maung Maung Construction and Managing Director U San Yi of Lin Brothers Construction Group; K 2.5 million for the Ministry of Education by Director U Thet Naing Oo of Naing Group Construction Co Ltd; K 1 million for No 3 BED by Director U Zaw Naing Oo of Naing Group Construction Co Ltd; three computers, one printer, TV, VCR and teaching aids worth K 2.5 million for Lanmadaw BEPS No 4 by Director U Kyaw Naing Oo of Naing Group Construction Co Ltd; K 500,000 each for the Ministry of Education by Managing Director U Aung Naing of Asia Winner Industrial Ltd; Managing Director U Aung Zaw Win of Shine Construction; and Managing Director U Annawa of Trade Park Co; K 500,000 for Pazundaung BEHS No 3 by Popular Plastic Industry Chairman U Kyin Oo-Daw Chyaw Su Lwin; K 500,00 for the Ministry of Education by Super Seven Star Int'l Trading Co Ltd Director Daw Yi Moe Soe Win; K 200,000 for the Ministry of Education by Managing Director U Tun Min of MTM Construction Group; K 200,000 for Lanmadaw BEPS No 4 by Director U Thein Tun of Naing Group; K 200,000 for the Ministry of Education by U Tin Win of Yangon-Makka Travel Services; K 100,000 each for the Ministry of Education by U Ba Tun of City Shine Construction; and Managing Director U Aye Thein of High Top Construction, K 100,000 each for Pazundaung BEHS No 3 by U Bar Bu-Daw Deffani of Pazundaung and family; U Tin Aye-Daw San Yi of Mingaladon; Director U Khin Maung of Modern City Construction; and Win Family Farming Machinery Trading; Myanma Ahla Trading; K 50,000 each for Pazundaung BEHS No 3 by U Aung Myint-Daw Nang Yi (Aung Bearing Family); U Maung Maung of Machine and Machinery Salesroom; and old student Ma Chan Myay Tharaphi Hlaing.
In his address, the Secretary-1 said new buildings for No 4 Basic Education Primary School in Lanmadaw and No 3 Basic Education High School in Pazundaung were built by construction company under the supervisory of Department for Human Settlement and Housing Development and they were handed over to the Ministry of Education. The Secretary-1 expressed thanks to the wellwishers. He said the newly built buildings are magnificent and students re glad to receive their education happily. The old school buildings have become less durability. That is why the new ones were built in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, DHSHD and construction entrepreneurs.
He said the government hand in hand with social organizations, entrepreneurs and wellwishers and the people are making efforts for development of human resources which plays a vital role in building a modern developed nation. The Secretary-1 urged the teacher to train the students to be clever, to possess sense of preservation of traditional customs, safeguarding the Union Spirit and perpetuation of the State. Students on their part are to try their best to become intellectual and intelligentsia who will serve the interest of the nation with patriotism.
After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 posted for souvenirs together with members of the School Board of Trustees, teachers and students.
Billboards bearing Build Modern Developed Nation through Education unveiled
Yangon, 19 Oct - The Ministry of Education has been implementing the 30- year long-term education project in accordance with Myanma Education Goal Emergence of an education system which can create a constant learning society that can face the challenges of the knowledge.
With the aim of building modern, developed Myanmar Society, ceremonies to unveil the billboards bearing "Build Modern Developed Nation through Education" were held at No 2 Basic Education Primary School in Kamayut Township, Institute of Education Practising High School, and No 2 Basic Education High School in Latha Township yesterday afternoon.
They were attended by Minister for Education U Than Aung. Outstanding students of the schools formally unveiled the billboards and pledged to strive for the realization of the aim expressed in the motto. Ceremonies ended with the words of thanks by the school heads.
Sanitation works carried out at schools in Yangon Division
Yangon, 19 Oct - The students under the supervisions of school heads and teachers carried out sanitation work at basic education schools and their environs in the entire nation on 19 October 2002 designated as the School and its Environs Sanitation Day for 2002-2003 academic year in accord with the long-term plan of the national education promotion.
Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, visited the sanitation tasks being carried out at Bahan BEHS No 1 by the school head, teachers and students in cooperation with departmental personnel and social organizations. Similarly, the sanitation work was carried out at Dagon Basic Education High School No 1. Headmaster U Kyaw Kyaw explained the purpose of marking the day of the school and environment sanitation school and its environs sanitation day.
Then, the headmaster, teachers and students participated in the sanitation work.
Shwehtidaw hoisted atop Pyay Shwehsandaw Pagoda
Yangon, 19 Oct - The Htidaw hoisting of the Layzudatpyaw Shwehsandaw Pagoda in Pyay took place at the pagoda yesterday morning.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of members of the State Ovadacariya and Sayadaws. Ovadacariya Sayadaw of the pagoda board of trustees Vice-Presiding Nayaka of Zawtikayon Pali University, Chairman of Township Sangha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Revata administered the Nine Precepts. Lay persons presented Paritta flowers and water to the Sayadaws. The Ovadacariya Sayadaws recited parittas. The lay persons sprinkled the paritta water on the pagoda.
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and the commander presented the tiers of the Htidaw and offertories to the Sayadaws. The deputy ministers also presented offertories to the Sayadaws. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kundalajoti delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, the commander and the deputy ministers conveyed the tiers of the Htidaw round the pagoda clock-wise three times and then onto the decorated carriage. They sprinkled scented water on them. Next, they hoisted the Htidaw atop the pagoda.
After the ceremony, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than performed rituals of golden and silver showers to mark successful completion of the ceremony. The cash donations presenting ceremony followed at the same venue. Local battalions and units donated K 300,000 to the pagoda; Daw Than Sein and family (Kyapyan Ma Kauk Cheroot Workshop,Pyay), K 3.5 million; Thiha Thudhamma Mani Zawtadara U Ba Oo-Daw Khin Yi and family (Buseingyi tea leaf), K 30.15 million; U Thaw-Daw Aye Phawt and family (Yangon), K 15 million; U Aung Min-Daw U U Aung and family (Yangon), 660,000; Maj Soe Myint-Daw Nwe Ni Win and family, one gold bell; Col Aung Lwin (Retd)-Daw Khin Khin Mu and family (Yangon), different kinds of jewellery; U Wan Chaung-Daw Kin Hmon and family, K 1 million; U Tin Oo-Daw Yin Than and family, K 1 million; U Khin Tun-Daw Nu Nu and family, 720,000; Thayawady Township, K 800,000; Nattalin Township, K 668,515; Shwedaung Township, K 575757; Zigon Township and Letpadan Township, K 300,000 each; Gyobingauk Township, K 273,245; Paungde Township and Thegon Township, K 200,000 each; (U Kyu Bun Tet)-Daw Lan Ma and family (Pyay), K 300,000; U Kyaw Swe Oo-Daw Thet Mar, and family of (U Kyaw Thein), K 250,000 each; and U Phan-Daw Wai In and family, U Soe Thein-Daw Mya Mya Aye and family, Daw Mya Lay (Thee Thant Restaurant) and family, U Htein Lin-Daw Than Than Aye and family (Rainbow Colour Cafe), Daw Nyunt and family, and Lt-Gen Phone Myint (Retd)-Daw Khin Tint and family, K 200,000 each.
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, the commander, the deputy ministers and Col Aung Tun accepted the donations and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers. Today's donations totalled K 31,587,705 and over 500 items of different kinds of jewellery. After the ceremony, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence and party observed the replica of the Shwedagon Pagoda, atop which Htidaw will be hoisted on 21 October.
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than inspects development tasks in Pyay
Yangon, 19 Oct - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, left here by car at 1.30 pm on 16 October.
Then, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party, accompanied by the commander, inspected the condition of Thayawady-Lettpadan-Minhla-Okpo-Gyobingauk-Nattalin-Paungde-Thegon-Shwedaung-Pyay and thriving fields of paddy on both sides of the road and arrived at Pyay at 6 pm. On 17 October morning, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party attended the Mon Htidaw hoisting ceremony of Layhsudatpyaw Shwehsandaw Pagoda held at the Kyarpyan Ma Kauk Dhammayon in the precinct of the pagoda and conveyed the Htidaw atop the pagoda by the decorated carriage.
Then, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party proceeded to No 3 Basic Education High School in Pyay, where Director-General U Tin Nyo of No 1 Basic Education Department, Division Education Officer U Thukha, the headmaster and officials welcomed them. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected the multimedia classrooms of the school. Headmaster U Thein Swe reported on number of students and teachers, educational matters, construction of a two-storey building and requirements at the office of the school.
The commander made a supplementary report. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions on concerted effort of the school board of trustees, parents and local people for the improvement of the school. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than inspected the classrooms and the building under construction and gave necessary instructions. Then, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party went to Nawade Sugar Mill of Myanma Sugarcane Enterprise of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation in Pyay. Manager U Tin Sein of the mill reported on production in 2001-2002 milling season, arrangements for production and repair and installation of machinery for 2002-2003 milling season, purchase of sugarcane in 2001-2002 milling season, target of purchase for 2002-2003 milling season, and transportation arrangements.
The commander and officials made supplementary reports. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected the production section of the mill and arrangements for the milling season and gave necessary instructions. Afterwards, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party arrived at the agriculture and livestock breeding farm of the local battalion near Tetut Village in the township. In-charge of the farm Maj Myint Maung reported on location and area of the farm, growing of Myakyauk mango, lime, Thitseint (Terminalia Belerica) , cashew, banana tree, papaya, water melon, beans and monsoon sesamum and raising of pigs, hens, cows and fish at the training hall of the farm. Brig-Gen Aung Min and Col Aung Tun made supplementary reports.
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions on setting up of 100-to-200-acre pepper plantations by local battalions, commercial scaled cultivation of cashew, drumstick and beans in virgin and fallow lands, extended cultivation of Myakyauk mangoes, and commercial scaled cultivation of beans and pulse. Then Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than inspected the plantations of water melon, cashew, sesamum, green gram, lime and Myakyauk mangoes and nurseries of mango, Thitseint (Terminalia Belerica) , drumstick, cashew, China plum, papaya, lime and tamarind trees and left the farm.
Regional development tasks inspected in Bago Division
Yangon, 19 Oct - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence and party, this morning arrived at the vegetable farm in Wetpok Village, Gyobintha Village-tract, Thegon Township.
At the briefing hall, officials reported on cultivation of long staple cotton, and beans and pulses, cold season crops and kitchen crops in 2002-2003, cultivation of crops each year and arrangements being made for triple cropping including monsoon paddy and summer paddy in over 20,000 acres in Pyay, Paukkhaung and Thegon Townships, double cropping and mixed crop cultivation of monsoon paddy, summer paddy and vegetables, and cultivation of vegetables in addition to paddy in Thegon Township and daily sending the produce to Yangon.
Then, farmers reported on progress in cultivating vegetables, marketing the produce to Yangon and requirements. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than said that Badeegon, Wetpok villages in Thegon Township and the villages in Shwedaung Township in Pyay District were reliable ones for they were growing vegetables most and sending the produce to Yangon. He added that Myanma Cotton and Sericulture Enterprise is doing researches in cultivating long staple cotton among vegetable plantations and there will be triple cropping if success is made in the research. So efforts are to be made to cultivate mixed-crops in addition to vegetables in cooperation with Myanma Agriculture Service. He urged farmers to open vegetables centres and shops in the markets of Yangon in order to deal with the customers. As a result, it will benefit not only the sellers but the customers as there will be no middlemen or brokers.
Then, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party viewed the vegetable plantations. Next, they inspected vegetable markets in Wetpok village on Yangon-Pyay Road. It is learnt that in Bago Division (West), long staple cotton has been successfully cultivated as mixed-crop in 12,000 acres of green gram and groundnut plantations. Thegon Township has put 1,763 acres of land under cold season crops out of 5,174 targeted acres and Wetpok Village, 450 acres of vegetables against 850 targeted acres. Later, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected harvesting and threshing of monsoon paddy in Aungbintha Village-tract in Gyobingauk Township. Officials reported on arrangements being made for extended cultivation of 100,000 acres of beans and pulses in the division this year.
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party called on local farmers to make concerted efforts for triple cropping. Only if the economy of the farmers improves, will that of the nation improve, he noted. After that, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party went to Gamon Dam Construction Project in Waing Village, Okpo Township and inspected the outfall channel and earth work. At the briefing hall, officials reported on location of the project, the objective of construction of the dam, salient facts about the project, major tasks and future plans. The commander gave a supplementary report. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions on ensuring timely completion of construction of right and left canals during this year, assistance to be rendered to local farmers in building the drains, and measures to be taken for completion of the construction of the dam earlier than scheduled time.
The dam is located in Okpo Township, Bago Division, on Gamon Creek. Its watershed area is 37 square miles. Its earthen embankment is 116 feet high and 4,400 feet long. The conduit and the spillway are built of concrete. On completion, the dam will irrigate some 15,000 acres of fields in the township as well as can generate 200 kilo watts. Forty per cent of construction tasks have been completed and efforts are being made might and main to complete by March 2003. They proceeded to Minhla Dam Construction Project in Hse village in the same township. At the briefing hall, officials reported on work being done and future tasks. Thayawady District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Ohn Myint gave a supplementary report.
Then, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave necessary instructions. Then, he inspected the land preparation works with the use of heavy meachines. The dam is situated in Okpo Township, Bago Division. On completion, it can irrigate 15,000 acres of farmlands in Minhla Township, Bago Division. The 35 per cent of the project is completed and efforts are being made to complete the facility in March 2003. While arriving at the 1400 acre-land reclamation project being undertaken by Ohu-Tai company at Singu-Chaunggaung region in Okpo Township, Li-Gen Khin Maung Than and party were reported on the salient points of the land reclamation, the plantations and future tasks by Farm In-Charge U Kyaw Kyaw Myint.
Then, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions on the agricultural and livestock breeding purposes to officials, Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party proceeded to the vegetable transport centre in Wetpok Village, Thegon Township and inspected arrangements being made for transporting vegetables with the use of trucks. Chairman of Pyay District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Khin Win and members reported on the transport of vegetables to meet the demand of Yangonites, future programmes and the requirements to Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than who gave necessary instructions.
Then, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party left the vegetable transport centre and arrived back in Pyay at 7 pm.
Seminars on Myanma Industrial Development held
Yangon, 19 Oct - The Seminars on Myanma Industrial Development sponsored by Leading Committee for holding of the Seminar on Myanma Industrial Development and Industrial Exhibitions were held at the nine venues in industrial zones and the ministries this morning.
Chairman of Work Committee for holding of the Seminar on Myanma Industrial Development and Industrial Exhibitions Deputy Minister for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, Deputy Minister for Industry-2 Lt-Col Khin Maung Kyaw visited the venues. The Seminar on Myanma Industrial Development of South Dagon Industrial Zone was held at No 3 Industrial Zone Management Zone at Ward 64 in Dagon Myothit (South) this morning.
Director-General of Myanma Science and Technological Research Department U Tin Htut presided over the seminar and made a speech. Deputy Director of Myanma Science and Technological Research Department submitted papers on " Standardization and Quality Control conducted in ASEAN member nations", U Ngwe Thein (Company Guidance) on " Well-qualified Management and Preparation for AFTA" and writer Chit San Win on " Present Era and All-round quality control".
Chairman U Tin Htut made a concluding speech. Similarly, the Seminar on Myanma Industrial Development of Dagon Seikkan Industrial Zone was held at No 3 Industrial Zone Management Zone at the office of industrial city project manager in Dagon Myothit (Seikkan) Township this morning. Deputy Director-General of Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development Col Tin Tun presided over the seminar and delivered a speech. Directors U Than Kyaw and U Win Myint submitted papers on " Industrial zone for export", Establishment of Industrial Zones in Myanmar and Importance of Environment Sector" and Scientist (Food Research Unit) of Myanma Science and Technological Research Department Daw Si Si Win on " Pilot production of rural-used supplementary food for children".
A similar seminar was held in Thakayta Industrial Zone. Director-General of Cottage Industries Department Daw Hla Hla Myaing presided over the seminar and delivered a speech. Chairman of Seinnaga Cooperative Society Association U Tun Yi and Chairman of Solar Energy Cooperative Society U Aung Myint submitted papers on industrial development, Deputy Director U Htay Aung of Cottage Industries Department on State-owned and private-owned heavy and medium industries and combination of small industries, U Pe Thein on import substitute and production of electrical appliances and its prospects.
The Seminar on Myanma Industrial Development of South Okkalapa Industrial Zone was held at Ludu Yeiktha Dhammayon in the township. Pro-Rector of Yangon Institute of Economics U Kyaw Min Tun delivered a speech. Professor Daw Sintheingi of Yangon Institute of Economics submitted papers on "Industrial and human resource development", Associate Professor Daw Khin San Yi of Yangon Institute of Economics on " Industrial Development and Market Management" and Professor Daw Khin May Hla of Yangon Institute of Economics on Industrial Development and Arrangements for development of private industrial sector". The Seminar on Myanma Industrial Development was held at the Ministry of Industry-1 this morning.
Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Win acting director-general of Advanced Science and Technology Department U Thein Aung made speeches. Dr Zaw Wai of the Ministry of Science and Technology read the papers on " Investment of human Resource development for industrial development", Dr Khaine Khine Soe on Design and Construction of CNC Drilling Machine" and Dr Sein Le Shwe on PC-based temperature Monitoring and Control".
A similar seminar was held at the Ministry of Industry-2 this morning. Vice-Chairman of Work Committee for holding of the Seminar on Myanma Industrial Development and Industrial Exhibitions Deputy Minister for Industry Lt-Col Khin Maung Kyaw spoke on the occasion. Director of Agricultural Mechanization Department U Tun Tin presided over the seminar. U Ko Ko Maung of Agricultural Mechanization Department submitted papers on pilot production of axles from gearbox of Leya-16 power tiller, U Ye Goung of Myanma Jute Industries production of quality pulp and paper from jute and roselle and U Ko Ko Maung on production of paper from sugarcane pulp. The Seminar on Myanma Industrial Development was held in Shwepyitha this morning.
Head of Electrical Power Engineering Department Dr Khin Aye Win submitted the papers on effective use of electrical energy in industrial zones. Associate professor U Nyunt Htay of Metallurgical Engineering and Elements Department on Study on sand Silicate Binder and Assistant Lecturer Daw Aye Aye Thant of Chemical Engineering Department on production of Amino Acid from dumped fish.
A seminar ceremony was held in Hlinethaya this morning. Professor Dr Nu Nu Yin of Yangon Institute of Economics submitted the papers on human resource management for industrial zone development, Lecturer U Maung Maung of Yangon Institute of Economics on industrial development and the role of infrastructure, Dr Daw Than Toe of Yangon Institute of Economics on Vital Myanmar's human resource development for industrial development. A similar ceremony was held in North Okkalapa Township .
Minister inspects factories in Magway Division
Yangon, 19 Oct - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung , arrived at Pakokku on 16 October and inspected the new Virginia dryer and new building of the Virginia Products Division of Myanma Foodstuff Industries and gave instructions on the use of natural light and systematic use of electricity.
Then, the minister proceeded to No 2 Cigarette Factory and inspected the products and the production process. The minister also inspected the generator and gave instructions on efficient use of electricity in the production sector. At night, the minister met with the managers and officials of Pakokku Textile Factory, Printing and Dyeing Factory, Virginia Products Division and No 2 Cigarette Factory and gave instructions on the use of departmental vehicles on dry days and electricity. The minister inspected the printing and dyeing factory in Pakokku yesterday and urged the staff to produce innovative design clothes and to strive for meeting the production target.
Then, the minister inspected the completion of a finished product warehouse, the main building, and earth work at the factory. Afterwards, the minister went to the Thitseint (Terminalia Belerica) Oil Mill Project of MFI in Seikphyu and inspected the production process of the factory. At 1.30 pm, the minister arrived at the Textile Factory Project and inspected the completion of construction works.
USDA membership applications presented
Yangon, 19 Oct - A ceremony to present USDA membership applications by Yangon Division traditional medicine practitioners and enthusiasts took place at Yangon Division Union Solidarity and Development Association Office in Bahan Township this morning. At the ceremony a total of 450 membership applications were presented to CEC member Col Tin Hlaing.
Yangon Division Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Secure and Smooth Transport meets
Yangon, 19 Oct - The work coordination meeting of Yangon Division Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Secure and Smooth Transport was held at the head-office of All Bus Lines Control Committee (Yangon Division) at 7.30 pm yesterday.
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 spoke of the need of supervision for the convenience of passengers traveling in and out of the division by various means, and enforcement of traffic rules. Members of the supervisory committee, chairmen of bus lines and officials reported on arrangements for the convenience of passengers, sanitation tasks at the surrounding areas of bus, railway, and boat terminals and the airport, the conducting of short-term educative courses for drivers and conductors, and future tasks.
The meeting came to a close with concluding remarks by the commander.
Regional development tasks inspected in Taikkyi, Hmawby
Yangon, 19 Oct - Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, this morning inspected construction of the road linking Tawlati-Kalawthawt villages in Taikkyi Township and wooden bridges on the road.
In Tawlati Village, officials reported on health, social and economic matters of the village and Tawlati-Kalawthawt road section to the minister. The minister and party inspected situation of the 2 miles and one furlong long literate Tawlati-Kalawthawt road section, construction of the earth road from Padawsat Bridge to Kawlawthawt with the use of heavy machinery and performance of proper waterway at Padawsat Creek. The minister gave instructions on construction of the earth road, timely completion of paving laterite road on the 7 miles and 3 furlongs road section and minimizing wastage and loss.
Afterwards, the minister and party saw over construction of Chaungthongwa Bridge near Kataingsein Village, five miles far from Tawlati and Chaung-thongwa-Kawlathawt road section. The minister met with local people in Kataingsein Village and undertook rural development tasks. They then visited Tawlati Station Hospital and fulfilled the requirements. At Hmawby Myoma Market, they inspected installation of power lines and meter boxes in the market and use of electricity at the salesrooms. He made instructions on efficient use of electricity, safety of the switch board and meter boxes and dividing of security lights and salesroom lights.
They also viewed sanitation work being carried out at the Park and Play Grounds in Hmawby and repair of Hsatthadaw-Kyargansu road section. Later, the minister inspected the vegetable patch of the ministry near Kyargansu Village.
Sanitation work inspected in Yangon
Yangon, 19 Oct - Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe. First, the commander and the vice mayor arrived at Kyaikkasan Street in Tamway Township in Yangon East District.
The commander and the vice mayor inspected the unblocking of ditches at Natchaung and Kyaikkasan Street and sanitation tasks. After hearing the reports presented by officials, the commander gave necessary instructions to them. Then, the commander, the vice mayor and party proceeded to Okkyin Station Road in Hline Township. The commander and party then inspected the dredging of ditches and sanitation work at Okkyin Station Road and Padauk creek between Baho Road and Bayin
Heroin, stimulant tablets and marijuana seized
Yangon, 19 Oct - A combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Myitkyina Special Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, searched the house of Ma Myint Kyi at No 494, San Thida Ward-1 in Seikmu Village, Phakant Township, on 15 September and seized seven soap cases of heroin each containing 15 gm, totalling 105 gm, and 2000 stimulant tablets.
Similarly, members of the local intelligence unit and Magway Special Anti-drug Squad searched the pezingon field of U Tun Saw, three miles north of Htaininn Village in Sinbaungwe Township on 29 September and seized 14 marijuana plants grown in the field weighing 1.56 kilo. Action is being taken against them under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by the police station concerned.
Key tourism role for airline exec
MAJOR Selvakumar, the chief operating officer of Air Mandalay, is the new chairman of one of the nation’s most significant marketing bodies charged with increasing the country’s tourism image. By a show of hands the Myanmar Marketing Committee (MMC) of the Myanmar Tourism Promotion Board elected a new nine-member executive committee chaired by Mr Selvakumar, a Malaysian national, when it met at the Traders Hotel last Thursday. According to the press statement released by MMC, the purpose of the meeting was to elect a new committee for one year and adopt a constitution, which would govern the day to day running of MMC in a transparent and equitable manner. "The first meeting of new executive members will be on October 16 to formulate a plan to promote and market Myanmar," said Mr Selvakumar. The new constitution would provide guidelines for the committee to manage the MMC, and is a clear signal that the marketing committee is finally serious on being expertly organised. Mr Selvakumar’s task comes at crucial time with the Minister of Tourism is stating publicly that it was time for earnest work in a bid to capture one million visitors annually. In his first public statement, Mr Selvakumar’s said his role was to ensure greater awareness about Myanmar’s tourist attractions. Promoting year-round travel, even during the monsoon period, was one of the challenges facing the tourism sector. Referring to the appointment of three Myanmar travel agents to the executive committee, Mr Selva-kumar said: "We want everybody to be involved in the committee, we want all people who have experience or expertise in tourism". Mr Brett Melzer from Balloons Over Bagan was elected as vice chairman, Ms Elly Darley from Inle Princess Resort was elected as secretary and Daw Rita Myint of Taw Win Travel was elected as treasurer. The other executive committee members included Inya Lake hotel’s Mr Suki Singh, Mr Jehan. Wickremesooriya from Kadawgyi Palace Hotel, U Aung Myat Kyaw from Orchestra Travel, U Min Din from Columbus travels and tours, and Traders’ hotel’s Mr Raymond Bragg. The executive members were elected to serve on the committee until the end of 2003, the press statement said. An MMC member, Mr Franz Fisher, the country manager at Diethelm Travel Company welcomed the adoption of a new constitution. "Our company would give the maximum support not only for the MMC but also for UMTA (Union of Myanmar Travel Association)," said Mr Fischer. "But the annual membership fees of US$400 is too high for most small local companies. In my opinion, it should be considerably reduced in order to attract more members," he said. Myanmar Marketing Committee has 30 members from all sections of the tourism industry, including the members of UMTA.
Myanmar Times ( Oct.14-20) , 2002-Vol.7, No. 137 )
Tour operators, ecologists agree on need to conserve mangrove forests
TOUR operators and ecologists rarely find themselves sitting on the same side of the fence. But as Myanmar prepares for the tourist high season – which accounts for most the 200,000 foreigners who visit each year – ecologists are happy to discover that the tourism sector is among their most vocal supporters, at least on the issue of conserving mangrove forests. Mangrove forests are among the world’s most important ecosystems. They provide a habitat for a diverse range of creatures, act as a filter which helps to keep the sea clean and protect coastal areas from the effects of bad weather. They are also important for the survival of offshore coral reefs. Mangroves are under threat throughout the world and more than half of the forests have been depleted. Myanmar is fortunate to have vast mangrove forests but they are being rapidly thinned. For example, more than 82 per cent of the mangrove forests in Ayeyarwaddy Division were depleted between 1924 and 1999, according to figures from the highly-regarded non-government organisa-tion, the Forest Resource Environment Development and Conservation Association, FREDA. Even in areas where they receive government protection, mangrove forests are being destroyed. As a recent report by FREDA noted: "Forest law (can) not over-rule the social and economic needs of the people." Mangrove trees are cut down for fuel and to produce charcoal. Mangroves forests are cleared to make way for paddy fields and, increasingly, shrimp farms. The growth of the shrimp farming industry is a concern for ecologists. They cite Fisheries Department figures which show that the value of shrimp exports for the five months to August 31 rose from almost US$40 million in 2001 to $42.5 million this year. Tourism experts are more worried about the effect of deforestation on the natural beauty and wildlife diversity of coastal areas. Fewer mangrove forests mean fewer dolphins, fewer crocodiles, and fewer birds. Fewer animals means fewer ecotourists. Dr Thomas Bauer, assistant professor at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, stressed the importance of protecting mangroves during a telephone interview withMyanmar Times last week. "In a world where nature is being pushed back more and more to make way for development and ‘progress’, mangroves, together with their associated ecosystems such as rainforests, must be protected," Dr Bauer said.
He referred to one of Hong Kong’s most successful ecotourism sites, the Mai Po Nature Reserve, where the "migratory birds that make the reserve famous in turn feed on the marine life" sustained by its mangrove forests. Mr Oliver Soe Thet believes that there is enormous potential for developing ecotourism sites along the coast of Rakhine State, an area with which he is familiar through his involvement in the tourism sector. Now with the Treasure Hotel at Ngwe Saung beach, Mr Soe That has also worked at the Bayview Hotel at Ngapoli Beach, further to the west. He said other hotel owners at Ngwe Saung had told him that they had been asked by the government to conserve as many mangrove and coconut trees as possible when developing their projects. "This is an excellent step from the Myanmar government [in terms of] fostering ecotourism of an international standard," he said. Mr Edwin Briels, the marketing and incentive manager at the Exotissimo tour company’s Yangon office, eschews the term ‘ecotourism’. Mr Briels says he prefers the term ‘sustainable tourism’, which he defines as tourism that supports both the environment and traditional ways of life and is the tourist experience that Exotissimo strives to provide. All three echo the advice of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Myanmar Program, which has achieved remarkable success in cooperation with the government in efforts to conserve the forests in the north of the country. The program’s motto is: ‘Protect first and develop later.’ It is a sound principle for ecologists and the tourism industry alike.
Myanmar Times ( Oct.14-20) , 2002-Vol.7, No. 137 )
Strong Myanmar presence for ‘first ever’ ASEAN trade fair
By Aung Kyaw Tha
AN unprecedented Asean Trade Fair in Bangkok this week will be a first for Myanmar, a Thai embassy official said last week. "This is the first such fair to involve all 10 Asean nations, the first to be hosted by Thailand and the first to include participation by Myanmar," the commercial counsellor at the Thai embassy, Mr Matyawongse Amatyakul, toldMyanmar Times. Nearly 30 Myanmar companies have exhibits at the week-long Asean Trade Fair 2002, which opened on October 14 at the Impact Exhibition Centre at the Muang Thong Thani housing estate in Bangkok’s northern suburbs Most of the companies are involved in the gems, jewellery, furniture and home decoration businesses, Mr Matyawongse said. The aims of the event include promoting Asean products and services on the world market and providing a platform for partnerships among industries in the 10 countries, he said. As well as business exhibits, each Asean country will be represented by a national pavilion, with Myanmar’s featuring a model of a traditional palace. Mr Matyawongse said nearly 800 booths would be featured at the fair, which is being organised by the Thai Commerce Ministry with assistance from the counterpart ministries in the other Asean countries. The fair – a biennual event – will be opened by the Thai Prime Minister, Mr Thaksin Shina-watra, at a ceremony to be attended by Asean commerce ministers. The Myanmar companies taking part in the event include the Ayawaddy (Mandalay), Khine Mingalar, Thurine Ne and Shwe Ingyin gems and jewellery cooperatives, the Than Swe wooden ware and furniture cooperative and the Sun Myanmar (Elephant House) handicrafts company. U Tun Hla Aung from Ayawaddy (Mandalay) Gems and Jewellery cooperative toldMyanmar Timesin telephone interview that 80 Myanmar nationals from the government and private sector would be in Bangkok for the trade fair.
Myanmar Times ( Oct.14-20) , 2002-Vol.7, No. 137 )
Conserving the nation’s resources WASTE not, want not: This was a lesson that was instilled in me as a child by my mother and as teenager by my monk and mentor at the monastery when I was preparing to enter the monkhood as a novice, which all Myanmar boys of the Buddhist faith are required to do on coming of age. As a child my five siblings and I the eldest, had our meals together on a small round low lacquer table known as adaung-lan which also served as a large dish. Each child had his own portion of food and I remember how as a child we would dig into it boisterously. It was also a strict household rule that the one who finished last was responsible for cleaning up, washing and drying the dish-cum-table. I was the oldest but also the slowest eater, and every time, it fell upon me to wash up. My mother seeing this used to be very irritated and knock me on the head saying I was always the last because "I was wasting time unnecessarily".
When I had to live in the monastery to prepare for my novitiation ceremony, it was the same. All the other boys finished their meal first and here again I was left to wash all the dishes. I used to pile the dishes one on top of the other to take them to the tap for washing. On seeing this one day, my mentor, the monk U Dhamma gave me a good caning and I still remember his admonishment, "The bottom of the dishes have now been smeared with oil and food, so that means you have to use more soap and more water to clean them, and it takes longer which is therefore an unnecessary waste of soap and water". Later as an adult, I realised that in my native village in the dry, hot and water sparse Shwebo District, water and soap were precious items. But most precious of all to both my mother and my mentor was the waste of time. In addition to time, which is irretrievable, we should use wisely and not waste money, property wealth and of course our nations resources. Since the time of our parents and forefathers this lesson in thrift has been passed down to us but how many of us adhere to this maxim. If we did, it would benefit each person, each family and the whole nation as well.
As Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe has exhorted us, we are today in the midst of building and reconstructing a new, modernised and developed nation. So especially with regard to the use of electrical power and fuel he has instructed all heads of departments at all levels to economise in its use. Government departments should be the first to set a good example. To economise on the use of electrical power, we should use the natural light of which we have on inexhaustible supply in our country of sunshine and use artificial light only when necessary. In the production and services sector also we should try to use the absolute minimum. In this way we can then fully meet the needs of our industrial and economic zones. The increased supply and distribution would lead to increased production and this would mean open up job opportunities and also bring down cost of living for the people. More electricity generated would further lessen the need to use diesel oil to run machinery and engines.
Among the countries in Southeast Asia, Myanmar was the first to use hydroelectric power. We were able to build the Lawpita Hydroelectric Power Plant and I still remember how filled with joy and pride we were. Our slogan then was: "We shall build a paradise on earth with electrical power." Electrical energy plays a vital role in the State’s economy, especially in commodity production and the social sector. The expansion of production in the economic sector on the one hand and the rise of the standard of living with better health care and educational facilities on the other, all require a greater supply and distribution of electrical power. To meet these necessary demands, the Government, after 1988, has implemented 26 hydro electrical power projects, and 6 projects for the use of natural gas turbines and recycled waste energy.
So 32 new power plants are now supplying much needed electrical energy. Compared to former figure of the supply of electricity has increased three-fold. But, due to the progress made in industry with new factories and plants in the industrial zones, the expansion in the service sector and the population growth that has led to the setting up of new townships with residential buildings, the supply of electrical power cannot yet fully meet demand. The Government is at present implementing short-term plans for enhancing the economy and it is at work on its Third Five-Year Plan covering the period from 2001-2002 to 2005-2006. It is undertaking development of many aspects of the economy, in agriculture, industry, energy, livestock breeding and fisheries to education and health - right down to the rural areas. In an address made at the opening ceremony of a training and refresher course of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, held at the Pyidaungsu Hall of the People’s Public Relations Unit of Hmawbi, Senior General Than Shwe stated, "In order to meet the demands for electrical power of the various sectors, we have made plans for an additional generation of 2000 megawatts of electricity. This together with the electrical power that is being generated now will bring the total amount of electricity generated to 3000 megawatts."
In accordance with the guidance given by the Head of State, the Ministry of Electrical Power, beginning from 2001-2002 up to the present period of the Third Short-Term Plan, has been implementing medium and large electrical power projects in order to produce a further 2000 megawatts. The ministry is working on 21 projects including hydroelectric plants, natural gas turbines, recycled waste heat turbines, diesel turbines, steam and coal burning turbines. Of the many hydroelectric power plants, the Thahpanseik Dam Hydroelectric Power Plant, near the village of die same name in Kyunhla Township, Shwebo District in Sagaing Division was put into commission on 18th June 2002. It has a generating capacity of 30 megawatts. This protect was undertaken at a cost of 1155 million kyats and 20 million dollars approximately. It took four years to complete construction. There are also other hydroelectric power projects underway such as the Paunglaung (capacity 250 megawatts), Monchaung (75 megawatts), Ye Ywa (780 megawatts), Kyunchaung (60 megawatts), Shweli (400 megawatts), and the Sittaung valley hydroelectric power projects such as the Shwe Kyin, Ye Nwe, Hpyu and Khabaung.
Then a coal burning electrical power plant is being constructed with a capacity of 120 megawatts near Pyinthar village in the Teekyit region of Pinlaung Township in Southern Shall State. It is expected to begin operating about September 2003. The target year of completion of all these numerous projects is 2006, by which time over 3000 megawatts will be generated which will more than meet the electrical power needs of the entire country. The State has indeed invested a large amount of capital to fulfill our needs for electrical power. So it is up to us to use this valuable electrical power supply systematically and economically and this will reap the greatest benefit for people and the State. The cost of these projects come from the public treasury but we also owe a debt of gratitude to the government, which despite limited resources has given priority to the needs of the people. The onus is therefore on us to prevent wasteful use of electrical power not only in government offices and private offices but also in our homes. And if we, the public, see any such wastage, it is up to us to take action to stop it. We should also follow to the letter, the rules and regulations regarding the use of electrical power issued by the authorities concerned. Each citizen should therefore cultivate the habit of economizing on electrical power usage with full awareness that this is the right attitude that will benefit all. We should avoid the selfish attitude which maintains, "so long as we can pay our electrical utility bills why shouldn’t we use electrical power whenever we want" without thought for the greater good. Having said that, there is one other point to take note of.
Some of us are apt to go to the other extreme and misinterpret "systematic and thrifty use" to mean not to use electricity at all. If people are prevented from using electric lights for example, when it is already dark then it would surely have adverse effect on our work. And worst of all it would create misunderstanding and resentment among the people. "Economise on the use of electrical power where possible; let there not be wanton waste" is the motto. In this way each of us will be doing our duty and making valuable contributions to the development of a developed and modernised state.Translator: K.K.H
Myanmar Times ( Oct.14-20) , 2002-Vol.7, No. 137 )
For further information, inqueries may kindly be made to the nearest Myanmar Embassies or Consulates (or ) email tomission.myanmar@ties.itu.int
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