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Headline
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than inspects regional development in Bago Division (West)
Culture
10th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continues for third day
International Relations Health
Sanitation equipment and cash donated to TB Hospital in Insein Township Region
Commander inspects successful cultivation of long staple cotton in Wundwin
Sport
Yangon women, Mandalay men emerge champions in ISD volleyball tourney
SPOTLIGHT
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than inspects regional development in Bago Division (West)
Yangon, 20 Oct - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, arrived at Pyay University in Pyay on 19 October morning.
First, Rector U Mya Win reported on the location and area of the university, the background history, the subjects taught, the number of students, the courses conducted, the subjects taught for Yangon Distance University (Pyay Branch) and the number of students, the e-learning centres, the activities in 2002-2003 academic year and staff welfare. Then, the director-general reported on measures being undertaken for the staff welfare.
Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than said that the Government has laid down plans and is making efforts for bringing about proportional development in all parts of the nation, adding the 24 development zones have been established in the states and divisions across the nation, and the infrastructures such as the 200-bed specialist hospitals, universities and colleges were constructed in those regions to bring about equitable development in health and education sectors. For the national development, the intellectuals and intelligentsia are required. So also the universities and colleges were constructed with a view to bringing about development in human resources, he noted. In addition, the basic education schools were opened in all parts of the nation and the multimedia classrooms were added to those facilities to promote the education standard of the State and to take measures for enrolment of the school age children, he pointed out. He called on the teachers to produce the intellectuals and intelligentsia out of pure goodwill for development of the State and urged officials concerned to make efforts for the staff welfare in accord with rules and regulations in cooperation with the local authorities.
Afterwards, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected the e-education resource centre, the computer training centre, the botany laboratory, and the lecture theatre of the university. At the briefing hall of the university, Engineer In Charge U Ye Min Thein reported on construction of the four-storey lecture hall to Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions on timely completion, meeting the set standard and durability. Later, they proceeded to 200-bed General Hospital (Pyay) where they were welcomed by Head of Bago Division Health Department U Zaw Win, Medical Superintendent U Tin Htut, the specialists, doctors and nurses.
Then, they inspected the ENT centre, the dental centre, the X-ray centre, the pathology centre, the paediatric ward, the medical ward, the surgical ward, the OG ward and construction of two-storey extended building. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions on effective medical treatment, setting up medical funds for needy patients, sanitation, beautifying and greening the environs and efficient use of electric power. On arrival at Government Technological College, they were welcomed by Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Nyi Hla Nge, Principal Daw Win May, faculty members and staff. At the meeting hall of the college, Principal Daw May Win reported to Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party on the background history of the collage, the location and area, strength of the faculty members and staff, number of the students, courses conducted, staff welfare and work being carried out for development of the college. The deputy minister gave a supplementary report.
In response to the reports, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than said that they were there to fulfil the requirements for development of the college, citing the Government has been striving day in, day out for all round development in health, education, agriculture, livestock breeding, economic and social sectors. The qualified youths are of paramount importance for the emergence of a modern and developed nation. Plans have been laid down and measures are being taken to enable every citizen to be educated and become graduates when they came of age, he stressed and urged faculty members to teach their students with goodwill. Then, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected the E-library rooms, the knowledge development centre, the language laboratory and the information technology classrooms, the electronic lab rooms and basic lab rooms. They then proceeded to Letkhoppin Village in Pyay Township and met with farmers.
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions on regional development. Before the meeting, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected instant cultivation of Matpe in the paddy field of Farmer Daw Aye Aye Myint in Letkhoppin Village and instant thrashing in the paddy field of Farmer U Babu in Gyoyattha Village. At the briefing hall, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than met with farmers and local people and gave instructions on regional development. First, the Chairman of Pyay District Peace and Development Council reported on production of crops year-wise in the district and cultivation of monsoon paddy, edible oil crops, pulses and beans, sugarcane, cotton, jute and vegetables.In response to the report, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than said that they were there to fulfil the needs for regional development in Bago Division (West), adding the Bago Division plays a key role in development of agriculture sector of the State; the soil of Bago Division is in favour of growing paddy, cotton, sugarcane, pulses and beans including vegetables. The majority of people in the nation are rural people who are engaged in agriculture, and only when their economic life is improved, will the national development be achieved, he noted. The rural people also will have to engage in double or triple cropping to ensure development in agriculture sector, thus further contributing to national development. In addition, the local people are to engage in livestock breeding on a commercial scale, he said and urged the local people and farmers to make earnest efforts for development of agriculture sector.
After the ceremony, they cordially greeted the farmers. On arrival at Inngakwa Reproduction Farm of Myanma Sugarcane Enterprise in Inngakwa Village, Paukkhaung Township, Deputy General Manager of MSE U Bo Yi reported on nurseries of the sugarcane in Bago Division (West), research work, distribution of the quality strain of sugarcane and others. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions on distribution of quality strain of sugarcane to farmers, full purchase of sugarcane, cooperation with local authorities and departments concerned in transport of sugarcane and full operation of the project.
Then, they inspected sample of the quality strain of sugarcane and the sugar mill. They then viewed round the plantations of quality strain sugarcane by car. Next, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party left the sugar mill and arrived in Pyay in the evening.
Soondawgyi and light offered to Maha Wizaya Pagoda
Yangon, 20 Oct - Tenth Soondawgyi and Light offering ceremony on the eve of Thadingyut Fullmoon Day of Maha Wizaya Pagoda was held at the Ghandakuti Taik of the pagoda at 3 pm today, attended by Chairman of Construction Committee of the pagoda Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and wife Daw Khin Thet Htay. Meritorious deeds of offering fruits, food and light, and reciting religious verses by wut associations are being held on a grand scale up to 1st Waning of Thadingyut.
Yangon, 20 Oct - Thirirama Drama Troupe representing Yangon Division Group-1 took part in the Ramayana Drama Contest which continued for the second day at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street this evening.
Present on the occasion were Chairman of the Leading Committee for Organizing the 10th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and wife Daw Khin Thet Htay. Leader of the panel of judges U Tin Tun Oo and members supervised the contest. On 22 October evening, the Rama Drama Troupe of U Aung Ko Min of Mandalay will participate in the contest.
10th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continues for third day
Yangon, 20 Oct - The 10th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continued for the third day at the designated places today.
The singing, dance, composing and music contests were attended by member of the Panel of Patrons for Organizing the Performing Arts Competitions Chairman of the Leading Committee for Organizing the Performing Arts Competitions Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.
In the evening, the Ramayana Drama Contest continued at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street in Dagon Township. The singing contest was held at the National Museum on Pyay Road at 9 am today. Chairperson Daw Tin Tin Mya of Myanma Radio and Television, Secretary Daw May Pyone Khaing and members of the panel of judges supervised the contest.
Altogether 10 contestants of States and Divisions took part in the higher education level men's religious song contest and 15 contestants at the basic education (15-20 age) level women's old/modern song contest. Similarly, altogether nine persons of States and Divisions participated in the higher education level (men's) old/modern song contest. The dancing contest continued at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street this morning. Chairman of the Panel of Judges U Sein Aung Min, Secretary Daw Mu Mu Khin and members supervised the contest.
A total of 14 competitors of States and Divisions took part in the amateur level (men's) dancing contest. In the afternoon, 16 contestants participated in the basic education level (aged 10-15) girls' dancing contest. The song composing contest continued at the State School of Fine Arts of the Fine Arts Department, supervised by Chairman of the Panel of Judges Bogale U Tint Aung and members. At the contest, 13 persons of States and Divisions participated in the professional level song composing contest and 15 persons in amateur level contest. Similarly, the music contest, supervised by leader of the panel of judges U Sein Hla Myaing and members, was held at Padonma Theatre on Bagaya Road in Sangyoung Township. Altogether 12 competitors took part in the professional level (men's) solo Myanmar orchestra contest.
In the afternoon, eight students of States and Divisions participated in the basic education level (aged 15-20) boys' solo orchestra contest. The xylophone event of the music contest was held at Kanbawza Theatre on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road. Altogether 13 persons of States and Divisions took part in the amateur level (men's) xylophone contest. In the afternoon, four contestants participated in the basic education level (aged 15-20) girls' xylophone contest. The contest was supervised by Chairman of the Panel of Judges Gitalulin U Ko Ko and leader of the panel of judges in the xylophone event U Yi Nwe. The programmes of the Performing Arts Competitions will be adjourned for a day on Fullmoon Day of Thadingyut, 21-10-2002 (Monday) and will continue for the fourth day on 22-10-2002, Tuesday.
On 22 October, the higher education level (men's) Maha Gita song contest and the basic education level (10-15 aged) girls' Maha Gita song contest will be held at the National Museum; the professional level (men's) dancing contest and the higher education level (women's) dancing contest will be held at the National Theatre; the competitors of the basic education level (10-15 aged) song composing contest will practice the song composed on 18 October and contestants of the basic education level (5-10 aged) song composing contest will practice the song composed on 18 October at the State School of Fine Arts; the higher education level (men's and women's) harp contest, the basic education level (15-20 aged) boys' harp contest and the basic education level (10-15 aged) girls' harp contest will be held at Padomma Theatre; and the basic education level (10-15 age) boys' and girls' mandolin contest and the higher education level (men's and women's) mandolin contest will be held at Kanbawza Theatre.
Deputy Minister arrives back from 7th AMRI Conference
Yangon, 20 Oct - After attending the Seventh Conference of ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information held in Bander Seri Begawan, Brunei, the Myanmar delegation headed by Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein arrived back here by air this evening.
The delegation members MRTV Deputy Director-General Lt-Col Thein Aung, Director (TV/English) U Win Kyi and Assistant Director of IPRD U Ya Khant also arrived back on the same flight.
Yangon, 20 Oct - A total of 101 Chinese Buddhist pilgrims comprising monks, nuns and lay persons led by Sayadaw U Kusala (Hsinthauk Sayadaw), under the supervision of the Ministry of Hotels & Tourism and arrangements of Hein Si International Tourism Co, arrived at Yangon International Airport by Mandarin Airlines this afternoon.
The pilgrims were welcomed at the airport by officials of the Ministry of Hotels & Tourism and Hein Si International Tourism Co and the cultural dance troupe of Myanma Hotels & Tourism Service. Prior to today's arrival, 33 and 13 visitors arrived here on 18 and 19 October respectively. While in Myanmar, altogether 147 Chinese visitors will visit Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Sagaing and Inlay regions. On 28 October, they will leave here by Mandarin Airlines.
Sanitation equipment and cash donated to TB Hospital in Insein Township
Yangon, 20 Oct - A ceremony to present sanitation equipment and cash, donated by the townships in Yangon North District and wellwishers, to the tuberculosis hospital in Aung San, Insein Township, Yangon North District, was held at the hospital this morning. Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein attended the ceremony and accepted the donations.
First, the commander made a speech on sanitation work being carried out at offices, schools and wards, and donation of sanitation equipment to the hospitals in Yangon. Then, the commander presented K 131,000 worth sanitation equipment for the TB hospital to the minister who presented certificates of honour to him.
Next, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein and Deputy Minister Prof Dr Mya Oo accepted K 8.41 million donated by 62 wellwishers including K one million by Europe Continent Co Ltd, K 500,000 by Con Cordia Co Ltd, K 300,000 each by AMT Co Ltd, Ayar Myay Co Ltd and Max Soft drink Enterprise, K 250,000 by PMG Co Ltd, and K 200,000 each by U Tin Win and Daw San San Win KN Co Ltd, Yum Yum Co, Green Land Co Ltd, Stroun Manufacturing Co Ltd, AA Medical Product Co Ltd, Mega Product Co Ltd, Die Melm Co Ltd and Thet Paing Soe Co Ltd, and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers.
Medical Superintendent of the hospital Dr Myint Thein Tun spoke words of thanks. Then, the commander, the minister and party inspected the wards of the hospital and gave encouragement to the patients. Afterwards, the commander and party arrived at the junction of Pyidaungsu Road and Bohmu Ba Htoo Road in Dagon Myothit (North) Township, Yangon East District, where they were welcomed by Chairman of Yangon East District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Pyi and officials. Dagon Myothit (North) Township Peace and Development Council Chairman U Tint Hlaing reported on proper drainage, unblocking of ditches and repair of sluice gates in the townships.
The commander gave instructions on tasks to be carried out to prevent flooding in the wards and sanitation works to be carried out in the township.
Minister inspects construction of GTC, ITS in Mandalay
Yangon, 20 Oct - Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin went to the industrial training school of the Ministry of Industry-2 in Aungmyethazan Township, Mandalay, yesterday and inspected the practical training of advanced welding course No 2. Principal U Tint Shwe reported on conducting theoretical and practical courses.
The minister gave instructions on observance of disciplines by the trainees and systematic use of electricity. The minister inspected the construction work of the school and gave instructions on timely completion of the buildings meeting the set standards. Later, the minister, together with Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, inspected the arrangement for holding Myanma industrial development seminars and industrial exhibition organized by Myanma Industrial Development Committee in Hsinphyukan grounds in Mandalay.
Secretary of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tin Ohn and Chairman of Mandalay District Peace and Development Council Chairman of Mandalay Industrial Zone Supervisory Committee Lt-Col Tin Tun reported on arrangements for the exhibition booths of state-owned, cooperative, and private industries and the planned display of vehicles manufactured by the industrial zones. The minister gave necessary instructions.
Then, the minister and the commander proceeded to the project site of the Government Technical College (Mandalay) constructed by Myanma Industrial Construction Services near Aungchantha Village in Patheingyi Township, where Managing Director U Ye Tun of MICS reported on completion of construction work. The minister gave instructions on timely completion of the project and systematic use of fuel.
Yangon, 20 Oct - Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, inspected NyaungU-Chauk road section, Anawrahta (Bridge) and Seik Phyu-Salin-Minbu road section by car yesterday morning and gave instructions on sewage system and repair of shoulders of the road.
In the afternoon, the minister and party inspected the construction site of Ayeyawady Bridge (Magway) at Minbu Bank and heard reports presented by Chief Engineer (Bridge) U Han Zaw on progress of approach way and approach structures. Then, the minister inspected tarring and finishing touches on the main bridge. At the briefing hall at Magway Bank, Chief Engineer U Han Zaw reported on future tasks, and strength of staff, use of fuel and machinery.
Next, the minister gave instructions on making efforts for timely completion of the bridge, meeting set standard and safety and minimizing of loss and wastage and attended to the needs.
Construction of Heho, Lashio, Magway airports inspected
Yangon, 20 Oct - Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe yesterday heard reports on progress in upgrading the runway of Heho Airport, tasks to be undertaken and use of heavy machinery presented by officials of Asia World Co at Heho Airport.
The minister inspected extension of the runway and earth work carried out with the use of heavy machinery. He called for extension of the runway with momentum for the landing of Fokker F-28 planes in the open season. He then inspected the Tarmac mixers.
At Lashio Airport, Commander of North-East Command Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing and Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe heard reports on the plan to extend the 3,250-foot long runway into 5,250-foot one and completion of the airport building. Officials of the Department of Civil Aviation gave supplementary reports. The commander and the minister gave necessary instructions. The commander and the minister then inspected extension of the airport building and the runway.
The minister flew to the new Magway Airport in the afternoon and fulfilled the requirement. He then inspected the work site and land preparations for building the passenger lounge. This morning, the minister inspected construction of the runway of new Magway Airport.
Commander inspects successful cultivation of long staple cotton in Wundwin
Yangon, 20 Oct - Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint and officials inspected successful cultivation of long staple cotton at the farm of farmer U Hla Htwe in Kaing Village in Wundwin Township and cultivation of paddy at the farm of farmer U Chit Tin on 15 October.
Altogether 44,553 acres of monsoon paddy have been cultivated for 2002-2003 in Wundwin Township and paddy cultivation exceeded the target. The commander went to the pilot plantation of groundnut in Myetaingkan Village and inspected the thriving groundnut and gave instructions. The commander inspected progress of work at Mandalay-Meiktila road section, a part of Yangon-Mandalay Highway Project. The road section is being undertaken by Hongpan Construction Co. Managing Director of the company U Khin Maung Myint reported on earth work at the section and future tasks.
The commander fulfilled the requirements. On 16 October, the commander inspected extension of two-lane Pyinmana-Pinlaung Road. The commander inspected extension of the embankment, digging of the drains along the road and earth work. The commander and party inspected extension of two-lane Pyinmana-Taungnyo-Taungdwingyi Road. They also inspected construction of Medical Research Department (Central Myanmar) project site in Pyinmana. Managing Director of Construction Project U Than Aye reported on the project and tasks to be undertaken.
The commander inspected construction of the main building, library, bio-medical research buildings and other structures. The commander also inspected construction site of 300-bed hospital near Thabyegon Village.
Commander inspects regional development tasks in Putao
Yangon, 20 Oct - Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe, arrived at the 500-acre land reclamation work site in Nantale Village, Putao Station, on 14 October morning.
The commander met with local farmers and explained the implementation of five rural development tasks. Officials reported on completion of land reclamation, thriving of paddy, boosting of per-acre yield, water supply and availability of clean water in rural areas. After hearing requirements of the local farmers, the commander attended to their needs and inspected paddy and pigeon pea plantations in Nantale Village. Afterwards, the commander inspected the thriving 50 acres of Hsinshwewa and Hsin-ekari paddy strains cultivated by 16 local farmers and organizations at Natpinchaung Farm in Putao.
Then, the commander met with local farmers of five wards and village-tracts in Putao Township. He gave instructions on extended paddy cultivation and boosting of per-acre yield.
Commander attends opening of language labs in Monywa
Yangon, 20 Oct - The concluding ceremony of the physical culture training course, organized by Sagaing Division Women's Sports Committee, was held at the city hall of Monywa on 18 October morning. Present at the ceremony were Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Brig-Gen Soe Naing, Patron of Sagaing Division Women's Sports Committee Daw Tin Tin Latt, wife of the commander.
Daw Tin Tin Latt presented gifts to the two course instructors and completion certificates and cash awards to the trainees. In the afternoon, the commander attended the opening of the language lab of Pyinnya Alin modern library at No 1 Basic Education High School in Monywa and made a speech. The commander donated K 500,000 towards the funds for the education promotion programmes of the schools in Monywa and Ahlon Station.
Then the commander and wife paid homage and presented offertories to Presiding Sayadaw of Maha Bawdhi Tahtaung Monastery Agga Maha Saddhama Jotika Dhaja Bhaddanta Narada.
Yangon women, Mandalay men emerge champions in ISD volleyball tourney
Yangon, 20 Oct - Final matches of the 32nd Inter-State / Division Volleyball Tournament took place at Aung San Stadium this afternoon.
Among the spectators were Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, officials and sports fans.
Yangon Division beat Mandalay Division 3-0 in women's division and Mandalay Division beat Taninthayi Division 3-0 in men's division. At the prize-presentation ceremony, Daw Aye Aye, member of the panel of patrons of Myanmar Women's Sports Federation presented third prizes to Taninthayi Division women's team and Yangon Division men's team; second prizes to Mandalay Division women's team and Taninthayi Division men's team and first prizes to Yangon Division women's team and Mandalay Division men's team.
Sports and Physical Education Department Director-General U Thaung Htaik gave away the best player awards to Zaw Win of Mandalay Division and Ma Sanda Lwin of Yangon Division. The minister presented championship shields to the winners.
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 to mission.myanmar@ties.itu.int
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