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Headlines
Region
- State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Algerian President
- State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Head of Government of Algeria
- Lt-Gen Ye Myint meets departmental officials in Mandalay
- Organizations opposing government sent letter bombs to Myanmar embassies in Tokyo, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to destroy peace and stability
International Relations
- Lt-Gen Ye Myint attends opening of new blood bank building in Mandalay
- Lt-Gen Maung Bo inspects development tasks in Mon, Kayin States
- Lt-Gen Maung Bo meets departmental officials, attends harvesting ceremonies in Mon State
- Minister inspects paddy harvesting
- Rehearsal for UN Poster Exhibition inspected
- Measures for ensuring cleanliness of Yangon City Port and buildings in Yangon coordinated
- Commander inspects tax-free markets in Yangon
- Tailoring Course concludes
- Departmental work inspected in Sagaing, Magway, Mandalay Divisions
- Health Ministry achieving success in controlling AIDS/HIV & VD
- Remnants of armed groups exchange arms for peace
Economic
Culture Drug
SPOTLIGHT
Headlines
State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Algerian President
Yangon, 1 Nov - On the occasion of the National Day of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, which falls on 1 November 2002, Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Abdelaziz Bouteflika, President of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria.
State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Head of Government of Algeria
Yangon, 1 Nov - On the occasion of the National Day of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, which falls on 1 November 2002, Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Ali Benflis, Head of the Government of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria.
Lt-Gen Ye Myint meets departmental officials in Mandalay
Yangon, 31 Oct - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence on 29 October morning met with division level departmental officials in Mandalay Division at the meeting hall of Central Command and gave instructions on regional development tasks.
At the meeting, Brig-Gen Ye Myint reported on regional development tasks and five rural development tasks being undertaken in Mandalay Division. Then, Lt-Col Tin Ohn and departmental heads reported on implementation of the objectives of the respective departments and rural development tasks. Afterwards, Lt-Gen Ye Myint gave an address. He said five rural development tasks have been laid down and township level departments are to make efforts to implement the tasks successfully. Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has given guidance on the development of the State. To implement the guidance of the Head of State, efforts of the staff as well as supervision of the responsible officials are needed, he said.
Lt-Gen Ye Myint also gave instructions on use of farmlands, land reclamation, cultivation of quality strains, frugal use of electricity and fuel, improvement of trade and industries. In conclusion, he said that all citizens are to undertake the development tasks dutifully. Later, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party went to Mahagandayon Monastery in Amarapura Township. They paid obeisance to Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Maha Dhammakathika Bahujanahitadhara Bhaddanta Kondabhivansa at the monastery and presented offertories.
There, Lt-Gen Ye Myint viewed the Kahtina robes and offertories donated by families of the Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Unit.
Organizations opposing government sent letter bombs to Myanmar embassies in Tokyo, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur to destroy peace and stability
Due to success of New Destiny Project, there will be 70 per cent decrease in poppy cultivation, opium production in 2002-2003 cultivation season
Yodayas randomly killing Myanmars at borderYangon, 31 Oct - Sending of letter bombs to Myanmar embassies in Tokyo, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, killing of Myanmar citizens by Yodaya citizens at the border and the New Destiny Project were explained at a regular press conference held at Tatmadaw Guest House here at 10.30 am today.
Concerning the letter bombs, General Staff Officer (Grade-1) of the Ministry of Defence Lt-Col Nyan Lin said a deep-blue envelop measuring 18-cm by 13-cm arrived at the Myanmar Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, at about 3 pm on 28 October 2002. The envelop was dated 24 October 2002. After scanning the envelop, the embassy staff felt suspicious and informed Shinagawa Township Police Station about it at 5.50 pm. They kept the envelop outside the embassy building. When police of the station checked the envelop, they found out that it could be an explosive, in which a battery was connected with wires. The police made contact with Tokyo Police Headquarters, asking it to send bomb experts to the embassy. The expert team arrived at the embassy in two cars at 7.35 pm. When the experts checked the envelop, they found that it really was dangerous. So they defused the letter bomb at the north-east corner of the compound.
Inside the envelop was a birthday greeting card, bearing a picture of an apple, attached with a 1.5 inches long powerful explosive, connected to two 1.5 V batteries, the size of a small button, with wires. If the card is opened, the battery will generate current to ignite the bomb, powerful enough to kill and injure everybody within ten feet diameter of the explosion. Chief of Shinagawa Station Mr Ushigasaki Yasukatsu told the Myanmar Ambassador that the letter was sent from Thailand as they found a Thai post stamp sealed with official Thai registration mark and the address printed on the card. Moreover, the embossed number 8888 was found on the interior surface of the envelop and ex-chairman of ABSDF Moe Thee Zon arrived Japan from the United States on 28 October 2002. Thus, his arrival coincided with the arrival of the bomb to the embassy. An assessment was made that it was the act of an organization opposing the government.
Similarly, a red envelop, the size of a postcard, arrived at the Myanmar Embassy in Singapore through the post office at 2.15 pm on 30 October 2002. On it was a hand-written address of the embassy. Four post stamps bearing the portrait of the Thai King were pasted on the upper right side of the envelop, and the word "postcard" was written on its surface at the lower right side. The embassy informed about the letter to the Criminal Investigation Branch of the Bukit Timah Police Department and Explosive Ordinance Department of the Singapore Army. When the officials of the two bodies arrived and scanned the envelop under x-ray, they found explosives inside it. The Singapore police are making an investigation.
A regular postman, delivered an envelop with a postcard inside it together with other letters to the Myanmar Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 29 October 2002 afternoon. Thai post stamps and seals were found on it. When the staff opened it for inspection, the music of the Happy Birthday song came out and birthday wishing were found written inside the card. On the other side of the card was the numbers "8888" made with red wires. When the staff made necessary inspections, they found that no harmful equipment were attached to the card. The card was distributed by Thailand Cordial Greetings Corp, and the numbers "8888" were made by the anti-government organization itself. The embassy had already informed the Malaysia Police Force and Embassies Security Department about the matter. The events were exposed at the press conference for the public to know the acts of the anti-government bodies to destroy peace and stability in Myanmar.
Concerning the border killings, Lt-Col Nyan Lin said that Tin Tun Naing, 18, son of U Myo, of No 1 Palyan Ward, Tachilek, found a bag in Maesai Creek at a jetty in No 2 Palyan Ward at about 9 am on 27 October 2002.
While trying to salvage the bag a young man wearing civilian cloths near a farm on Yodaya side of the bank fired two shots at him with a light weapon. Tin Tun Naing was wounded by a bullet at the left leg under the knee. He is being warded at Tachilek Hospital.
At 12.45 pm on 29 October 2002, 15 Yodayas wearing Yodaya police uniforms and another seven wearing civilian cloths captured Myanmar lapidaries, Kyaw Min, 23, son of U Hla Myint, and Paw Lon, 27, son of U Lon Phaw, and took them to a place near a rabbit farm in Hsanhsai Phahi Ward, Maesai. The Yodayas shot and killed the two with guns. The place of the incident was opposite the jetty of No 1 Palyan Ward, Haunglek Village-tract, in Tachilek, Paw Lon died on the spot. The bullets also hit and killed Aung Ko Latt, 20, son of U Khin Maung Latt, of No 1 Palyan Ward, Tachilek, who was fishing at Palyan jetty. Kyaw Min was wounded at his right chin, right thumb, right shoulder blade and near the left thumb. But he was able to jump into the creek and escaped death. Officials found him at the jetty at No 1 Palyan Ward, and warded him at Tachilek Township People's Hospital.
Two Myanmars died during the incident, and the body of Paw Lon who was killed on Yodaya side was taken by Yodaya police. Kyaw Min is undergoing medical treatment at the hospital. The body of Aung Ko Latt was sent to the hospital. The incidents were explained at the press conference to enable the people to know the Yodayas' acts to bully and kill Myanmars lawlessly with weapons at the border.
Concerning the case, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Ambassador of Thailand to Myanmar and presented him the letter of protest. The Myanmar MOFA also presented a letter of protest to the Thai MOFA, demanding immediate and effective inquiry and action into the matter.
Director of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control Police Col Tin Maung Htay explained the New Destiny Project, saying that Myanmar has been implementing the 15-year narcotics elimination plan since 1999-2000. Launching of the New Destiny Project under the arrangement of the CCDAC started in April 2002, with total elimination of poppy cultivation as the aim. The project has been launched in five states which used to be the largest poppy growing regions in the nation. The poppy cultivation elimination strategies are legal control, administrative control, distribution of substitute crop seeds, distribution of livestock, designation of priority zones, education and fulfilling the requirements of the farmers.
The project is being launched in Shan State (South), Shan State (North), Shan State (East), Kachin State and Kayah State with the CCDAC funds alone.
Region-wise task forces have been formed under the project. As the task forces are making field tours to educate and organize the local people, the poppy growers are handing over the seeds, which they had stored for next year's cultivation season, to the authorities on their own volition. Seized drugs and chemicals were destroyed two times in Lashio in Shan State (North), one time in Laukkai, one time in Kengtung in Shan State (East), one time in Pinlaung in Shan State (South), and one time in Loikaw, Kayah State, totalling six. Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt attended the destruction ceremony of drugs and chemicals which was held in Lashio.
At the ceremony held in Lashio on 25 October this year, 18,823 kilos of poppy seeds - 4,429 kilos of poppy seeds and 14,393 kilos from dried poppy pods, 45 kilos of heroin, 383 kilos of raw opium, 115 kilos of ephedrine and various kinds of liquid chemicals were destroyed. The seeds destroyed at the ceremony can grow poppy plants on 11,526 acres, which can produce opium that is enough to refine five tons of heroin.
Up to now poppy farmers have handed over 724 kilos of seeds in Shan State (East), 8,205 kilos in Shan State (South) and 193 kilos in Kachin State. Arrangements are under way to torch the seeds region-wise. The poppy seeds that have been entrusted to the authorities in seven states and seven divisions starting from 24 April 2002 to 28 October 2002 are 139 kilos in Kachin State, 38 kilos in Kayah State, 3,287 kilos in Mandalay Division, 9,063 kilos in Rakhine State, 1,416 kilos in Shan State (East), 16,488 kilos in Shan State (South), 134,206 kilos in Shan State (North), totaling 164,691 kilos which can be grown on 100,852 acres yielding 443,747 kilos (443.7 tons) of opium enough to refine 44.37 tons of heroin. Due to the success of the New Destiny Project, poppy cultivation and opium production will be down to 70 per cent in the 2002-2003 cultivation season.
Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, heads of department of the Ministry of Defence Brig-Gen Than Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Thein replied to queries raised by the journalists.
Journalists then viewed the photos on the sending of a letter bomb to Myanmar Embassy in Tokyo, killing of Myanmars by Yodayas and the drug destruction ceremony which was held in Lashio.
Region
Lt-Gen Ye Myint attends opening of new blood bank building in Mandalay
Yangon, 31 Oct - The ceremony to open the new three-storey blood bank building of the Mandalay General Hospital in Mandalay was held at the hospital on 29 October morning.
State Peace and Development Council member Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence attended the ceremony and formally opened the stone plaque of the building. Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint, Deputy Minister Prof Dr Kyaw Myint and wellwishers U Kyaw Nyunt formally opened the new building. Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence formally opened the stone inscription of the building and made a speech. He explained the brief history of the old blood bank building.
In 1948-49, it was used as Woman's Out-patient Department and Child Out-Patient Department. In 2000, the whole building was renovated and used as the National Blood Bank. Wellwishers U Kyaw Nyunt- Daw Hmi family of Tammawady Ward, Mandalay, spent K 45 million to construct the building. With the wellwishers" accord, the staff from the Public Works of the Ministry of Construction built the building.
The estimated cost was K 45 million, but it actual cost K 65 million K 20 million more than the estimated cost. He then thanked the wellwishers for their generous donation and urged the officials concerned to strive for long-term use of the building. Then, Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint and Deputy Minister Prof Dr Kyaw Myint made speeches. The documents related to the building were handed to the deputy minister who then presented the certificate of honour to the wellwisher. Wellwisher U Kyaw Nyunt explained the purposes of his donation.
Then the ceremony came to a close and Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected the new building.
On 30 October morning, Lt-Gen Ye Myint attended the stake-driving ceremony of U Hla Tun Hospice Centre of Myitta Yeikmon (Cancer) Foundation in Patheingyi in Mandalay Division and drove a stake.
At the auspicious time, Lt-Gen Ye Myint, the deputy commander, the tactical operations commander, the division Peace and Development Council secretary, the division commissioner, the division police force director, Human Settlement and Housing Development Department Director-General U Arnt Kyaw and Wellwisher U Hla Tun drove stakes at designated places.The 78 ft x 34 ft building is the main building of U Hla Tun Hospice Centre, Mandalay, donated by the foundation.
Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party left Mandalay for Yangon by air and arrived back here at 10 am.
Lt-Gen Maung Bo inspects development tasks in Mon, Kayin States
Yangon, 31 Oct - State Peace and Development Council member Lt-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence inspected construction tasks for Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine) on the Yangon-Mawlamyine-Myeik-Kawthoung road and construction of roads and bridges and regional development tasks in Mon and Kayin States on 29 October.
First, Lt-Gen Maung Bo, arrived at the office of Thanlwin Bridge (Mawla-myine) construction project on Mawlamyine bank where Deputy Minister for Rail Transportation U Pe Than and officials welcomed them. At the briefing hall there, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party were reported by Deputy Superintending Engineers U Myo Chit and U Ohn Han of the Public Works (Bridge Construction) on progress of construction tasks.
Next, Lt-Gen Maung Bo gave necessary instructions and inspected construction tasks. The bridge is 11,575 feet long and the railway is 26,466 feet long. The main structure of the bridge is 7,699 feet long. The length of the approach motor road is 1,624 feet on Mawlamyine bank and 2,252 feet on Mottama bank and that of railroad is 8,716 feet on Mawlamyine bank and 10,051 feet on Mottama bank. It has 28 feet wide motor road and 14 feet wide railway. It also has 6 feet wide pedestrian walkways on both sides. One railway and two motor-ways are built parallel on the bridge and the upper structure is constructed with steel frames and the lower structure with concrete piles. The bridge can bear 60-ton loads.
At present, the approach bridges on both banks are under construction. Staff of Public Works are making efforts for timely completion of the bridge. After that, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party inspected construction of retaining wall on Strand Road in Mawlamyine and beautifying tasks. They arrived at Mebaung-Naunglonchan region in Hpa-an Township, Kayin State, and inspected digging of the drainage to prevent the region from flooding. They also looked into construction of Kawkyaik-Kawpayan-Zathapyin straight road in Kayin State, repairing of road section of Mawlamyine-Hpa-an road which was destroyed by erosion, and thriving of monsoon paddy in the state. On completion of the Kawkyaik-Kawpayan-Zathapyin straight road, transportation between Kayin and Mon States will be better.
Then, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party arrived at No 2 BEHS in Thaton, Mon State, where Schoolhead Daw Khin San Myint and teachers welcomed them. In-charge U Hla Myint reported to Lt-Gen Maung Bo on progress of construction tasks for new two-storey school building. After giving necessary instructions, Lt-Gen Maung Bo inspected the completion of the school building. Lt-Gen Maung Bo inspected multimedia classrooms of No 1 BEHS in Thaton. The multimedia classrooms were opened with the donation of members of the School Board of Trustees, the Parent-Teacher Association and wellwishers.
Afterwards, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party proceeded to Bilin in Mon State and arrived at mile post No 126/5 there. Thaton District Chief Engineer U San Wai of Public Works reported to Lt-Gen Maung Bo on repair of road section between mile post Nos 86/5 and 188/5 and future tasks. Lt-Gen Maung Bo gave instructions on matters related to repairing of road sections in open season with added momentum and meeting the set standard. He also inspected repair of road sections of Shwewayaung Road Nos 1, 2, 3 and 4 and thriving of paddy along the road. Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party arrived at Bamboo Charcoal Factory (Sittoung) of Advanced Commercial Business Co that is a branch of SPA/FMI Co Ltd in Ywalay Village in Thein-zayat Village-tract in Kyaikto Township.
There Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party inspected structure of the factory, types of charcoal, bamboo vinegar, charcoal dust and briquettes for export, bamboo cutting machine, bamboo grinding machine and the kiln. At the briefing hall, Lt-Gen Maung Bo was reported by CEO Mr Martin Peng on establishing of the factory, strength of the staff, obtaining of raw materials, production and marketing. Lt-Gen Maung Bo gave necessary instructions. The test run of the factory was conducted in February 2001 and it can produce 10 tons of charcoal and 120 to 135 gallons of bamboo vinegar that can be used as pesticide per month. The products are exported to Japan.
Afterwards, Lt-Gen Maung Bo arrived at the Sittoung Bridge on Kyaikto bank and gave instructions on extension of the approach bridge, tasks for the bridge to be able to bear heavy vehicles carried out by Myanma Railways. He left there and arrived back here at night.
Lt-Gen Maung Bo meets departmental officials, attends harvesting ceremonies in Mon State
Yangon, 31 Oct - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence, arrived at Thanbyuzayet, Mon State, by car on 28 October morning.
Lt-Gen Maung Bo met with state/district/township level departmental officials of Thanbyuzayet and Mudon townships in Mon State at the meeting hall of Thanbyuzayet Township Peace and Development Council Office and gave instructions on regional development tasks. Officials reported on cultivation and production and harvesting of monsoon and summer paddy and cultivation of rubber and pepper plants. Lt-Gen Maung Bo gave instructions on extended cultivation, rice sufficiency in the region, disadvantages of going abroad for work and cooperative efforts for the benefits of the region and the State. Then, the meeting came to an end.
Next, Lt-Gen Maung Bo inspected road and bridge construction work being carried out in the road section between Thanbyuzayet and Mudon townships and the thriving of perennial rubber plants. Then, Lt-Gen Maung Bo, the commander and party attended harvesting ceremonies at the paddy fields of farmer Daw Aye Thein of Tawku Village and U Thein Myint's and encouraged them. Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party inspected crop sample seeds displayed by Myanma Agriculture Service, farming equipment displayed by the Water Resources Utilization Department and machinery manufactured by the Agricultural Mechanization Department. Later, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party watched the winnowing work at model paddy fields (1) and (2) and met with local farmers cordially.
After the ceremony, Lt-Gen Maung Bo gave instructions on giving demonstrations on winnowing work with the use of machines. A total of 539 power-tillers manufactured by AMD, winnowing machines and harvesting machines were sold in Mon State. This year a total of 102 power-tillers have also been sold.
Afterwards, Lt-Gen Maung Bo, the commander and party inspected repair of roads and bridges and perennial rubber plants in Mudon Township by car. They arrived at Mawlamyine in the evening.
Minister inspects paddy harvesting
Yangon, 31 Oct - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, inspected the harvesting of paddy with the use of Combine Harvester-C-H-1200 innovated by the engineers of the Agricultural Mechanization Department at Thaiktukan Model Industrial Village in Thongwa Township, Yangon South District, yesterday.
Director-General of the AMD U Win Maw presented facts about the harvester. Then, the director-general and managing directors gave suggestions on the harvester. The minister gave instructions on innovative measures to be taken for betterment, minimizing loss and wastage, ensuring cleanliness of paddy and obtaining straw for cattle, sufficient distribution of threshers and giving demonstrations of the harvester. The minister and party, farmers and officials of township organizations watched the harvesting demonstration with the use of the Combine Harvester-C-H-1200.
Then, the minister saw over the production process at Farm Equipment Factory No 1 in Mayangon Township. He gave instructions on innovative measures to be taken for production of better harvesters and farm equipment.
Rehearsal for UN Poster Exhibition inspected
Yangon, 31 Oct - Chairman of the committee for holding the United Nations Poster Exhibition Vice-Chief of Military Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win inspected the rehearsal for the opening ceremony of the exhibition at Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U Wisara Road in Dagon Township this morning.
Measures for ensuring cleanliness of Yangon City Port and buildings in Yangon coordinated
Yangon, 31 Oct - A meeting to coordinate measures for ensuring cleanliness of the Yangon City Port and buildings in Yangon City was held at the Head Office of Myanma Port Authority on Pansodan Street here this afternoon, with an address by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.
In his address, the commander said that authorities of YCDC, Yangon Division and respective Peace and Development Councils, ministries and departments and Yangonites were to make collective efforts in building a garden city. He added that officials are to organize the people to possess a sense for cleanliness. Measures are to be taken to supervise the people travelling by boat in throwing rubbish and systematic installation of rubbish bins for ensuring cleanliness along the bank of Yangon River. Organizing measures are also to be taken in order to give up the bad habit of throwing garbage on alleys and into the drains, to throw litter systematically and to possess a sense for cleanliness. Efforts are to be made all the year round for proper drainage and proper flow of the creeks. Untidy and unseemly jetties and buildings are to be renovated. In conclusion, he called for organizing the people in order to live in accordance with the city rules in building a modern garden city.
The vice-mayor reported on sanitation tasks being carried out all day round and work being done for proper drainage by the YCDC; Lt-Col Kyaw Tint, on rules and regulations for cleanliness along the port of Yangon City and ensuring safety of vessels moving in the river; MPA Managing Director U Thein Htay, on the creeks to be dredged for proper water flow and tasks being carried out for cleanliness of the port and ensuring safety of the vessels: and those present, on assistance to be rendered by respective departments sector-wise in building a modern garden city. The meeting came to a close with concluding remarks by the commander.
Commander inspects tax-free markets in Yangon
Yangon, 31 Oct - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe arrived at the tax-free markets in Yangon this morning and fulfilled the requirements after inspecting the sale of the market.
First, the commander this morning went to the tax-free market in Dagon Township. Then, the commander and party inspected the tax-free market in Dagon Township and Hanthawady Tax-Free Market in Kamayut Township. Next, the commander and party inspected Konmyinttha Tax-Free Market in Mayangon Township. Nawaday Tax-Free Market on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road and left necessary instructions there. Afterwards, the commander and party inspected Yankin Tax-Free Market near the office of Ministry of Industry-2 in Yankin Township.The commander and party went to Tamway Tax-Free Market on Kyaikkasan Road. The commander inspected sale of the market and gave instructions there.
Rice, vegetable, meat, fish and egg and consumer goods shops of the ministries, Yangon City Development Committee, stations, battalions and units of the Yangon Command, producers, Myanmar Rice Wholesalers Association and the Ministry of Industry-1 are kept open daily at tax-free market in Yangon.
Yangon, 31 Oct - A ceremony to conclude Tailoring Course No 24/2002 and to open Tailoring Course No 25/2002 of the Vocational Training Centre, organized by Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, was held at the Early-childhood Development Centre of the MMCWA at the corner of Thanthumar Road and Parami Road in South Okkalapa Township this morning.
The chairperson made a speech on the occasion. Then, the chairperson and the vice-chairperson presented certificates to 42 trainees. Afterwards, the vice-chairperson presented prizes to the outstanding trainees. The trainees then paid respects to the chairperson, the vice-chairperson, the CEC members and members of the Supervisory Committee. The two-month course is opened bimonthly.
Departmental work inspected in Sagaing, Magway, Mandalay Divisions
Yangon, 31 Oct - Member of the Central Executive Committee of the Union Solidarity and development Association Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan attended a ceremony to open a billboard "Build a modem, developed nation through education" at the basic education high school of Pa1e on 28 October morning.
Outstanding students unveiled the billboard and the headmaster of the school spoke words of thanks.Then, the ceremony ended with the song "Myanma School" sung by students.
Next, the minister inspected Pyinnya Alin modem library of the Information and Public Relations Department in Pale and gave instructions to officia1s.
At 9 am at Pa1e Yadana Hall, the minister presented prizes to two three-distinction winners, four two-distinction winners and 64 one-distinction winners from the BEHSs of Pa1e and Mintaingpin, and K 50,000 to teachers.
The minister also donated K 1.07 million and 100 cement bags for the construction of a two-storey school building at Mintaingpin BEHS, and 50 cement bags to Taunggyee Village BEMS. He a1so donated exercise books to the primaly schoo1s in Pale Township, and gifts to the Township USDA. Later, Organizers from the USDAs of Pa1e Township, and Ywahtin, Ywatha and Leinkon Vi1lages, presented a1together 1112 UDSA membership applications to CEC member Brig- Gen Kyaw Hsan. Managing Director of Ayar Min Thein Construction Co U Thein Myint presented cash awards to students who won two distinctions and those who won more. On the occasion, wellwishers made cash donations of K 4 million for the construction of Buddha Vihara Dhammayon.
Then, the CEC member heard reports on the town- ship' s development tasks and gave instructions on promotion of education, implementation of five rural development tasks, and frugal practice in the use of electricity and fuel.
On arrival at Kyatet Village in Salingyi Township at midday,d1e minister met with members of the school board of trustees, the headmaster, students, and members of USDA at the hall of the village school and presented a computer for multimedia teaching aids and exercise books.
Next, the CEC member arrived at Kyunpopin Village, where he presented gifts to the villagers and accepted 245 USDA membership applications. He also attended a ceremony to inaugurate a tube- well in the vil1age and inspected the measures taken for the supply of clean water. Then, he gave instructions on maintenance work.
At 1.30 pm, the minister arrived at the office of IPRD in Salingyi Township and gave instructions on future tasks.The CEC member attended a ceremony to unveil a billboard "Build a modern, developed nation through education" and a stone plaque of Myanma education goal at the BEHS of Salingyi Township. Outstanding students fonnally unveiled the billboard and the stone plaque. Then, the schoolmistress spoke words of thanks and the ceremony came to an end with the song "Myanma School" sung by students.
At a prize-presentation ceremony at the hall of Salingyi BEHS, the minister gave away prizes to distinction-winning students, and K 50,000 to teachers. He also provided primary schools with exercise books, and members of the USDA with blankets and clothes.
Managing Director U Thein Myint of Ayar Min Thein Construction Co also presented cash awards to 40- 60- time blood-donors and students who won two distinctions and those who won more. Then, the minister gave instructions. on cooperative efforts for development tasks and education promotion tasks.
On arrival at Hsahtongyi Village at 3.30 pm, the minister presented gifts to vil1age people and gave instructions. He also donated books and periodicals to Chindwin Aya library in the village. In the evening, the minister paid homage to taungpaw Kyaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhammaj otikadhaj a Bhaddanta Adiccavamsa and Chairman ofTownship Sangha Nayaka Committee Dhammikayama Sayadaw Bhaddanta Obhasa and presented offertories to them.
On 29 October at 11 am, the minister arrived Pakokku, where he inspected the IPRD of Pakokku District and gave ins1IUctions. At the hall of the IPRD, the minister met with officials of the IPRDs from five townships in Pakokku District and Magway District and gave instructions.
Later, the minister anived at NyaungU at 3 pm, where he met with officials of retransmission stations from NyaungU Township, five townships in Myingyan District and four townships in Meiktila District and gave instructions on efforts to accelerate the information work.
Health Ministry achieving success in controlling AIDS/HIV & VD
Yangon, 31 Oct - HIV/ AIDS Control and Elimination Work Committee held a meeting at Health Department this morning, with an address by Chairman of the committee Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Kyaw Myint.
The deputy minister said in launching the AIDS project, the Ministry of Health is extending its antivenereal disease drive year after year. Combined fight against AIDS and VD has enabled the ministry to control the spread of HIV and VD to a certain degree. It is also the result of the cooperative efforts of the related ministries, foreign humanitarian organizations and religious associations. ViceChairman of the committee Director-General of Health Planning Department Dr Kyi Soe explained the minutes of the ninth meeting of the HIV/AIDS Control and Elimination Central Committee and Secretary Deputy Director-General Dr Soe Aung the accomplishments in implementing the HIV/ AIDS and VD Control and Elimination Project.
The participants then took part in the discussions.
Remnants of armed groups exchange arms for peace
Yangon, 31 Oct - The State Peace and Development Council is striving with might and main in turning the nation into a peaceful, modern and developed one with genuine goodwill.
Realizing it, remaining armed groups, with the conviction that their subversive acts did not benefit the State and the people in any way and their regions did lag behind development, have been exchanging arms for peace in groups or individually.
During the period from 1 to 30 September 2002, Sgt Than Gaw Li (a) Nyan Tun of No 2 DO Battalion of No 1 Brigade of KNU armed group together with one grenade, tax in-charge Saw Win Naing of No 4 Brigade together with one pistol, one magazine, ten rounds of ammunition and privates Min Min, Kyaw Thu and Tun Lwin of No 6 Brigade together with one M-16 automatic rifle, exchanged arms for peace in South East Command region.
In Coastal Region Command, region in-charge Saw Kalu Wa of No 2 Company of No 7 DO Battalion of KNU armed group, together with one pistol, one magazine, Dawei Region organizers Phado Mann Thein Pe and Saw Chu Hta, section leader Than Aung of No 11 Battalion, Company Commander Than Aye of No 3 Company, Region in-charge Ko Aye and Kyi Soe together with one M-22 automatic rifle, one hand-made gun, 10 assorted rounds of ammunition and five grenades, exchanged arms for peace.
Privates Van La Dein and Hlay Mana of CNA armed group, together with one M-16 automatic rifle, one pistol, three assorted magazines, 121 assorted rounds of ammunition, exchanged arms for peace in North West Command region. Officials of the respective military camps warmly welcomed the 14 persons who exchanged arms for peace and fulfilled their requirements. There are still more members of armed groups to exchange arms for peace.
International Relations
Foreign Affairs Minister U Win Aung sends felicitations to Algeria
Yangon, 1 Nov - On the occasion of the National Day of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, which falls on 1 November 2002, U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Abdelaziz Belkhadem, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria.
Yangon, 31 Oct - Under the supervision of the Ministry of Hotels & Tourism, assistance of the Ministry of Transport and arrangements of Myanmar Lotus Asia Tours Ltd, 44 tourists from Italy arrived here by chartered flight this morning.
The Tourists in two groups will visit Yangon, Bagan, Popa, Mandalay, Pindaya and Inlay and leave here on 7 November. Another tourists group which arrived here on 24 October left by air this afternoon for Phuket.
Economic
Minister views Myanma Gems Emporium
Yangon, 31 Oct - Patron of the Central Committee for Myanma Gem Emporium Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint viewed the sale of jade lots through competitive bidding at Myanma Gems Hall on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this evening.
28 lots of jade fetch over US$ 2.1 million
Yangon, 31 Oct - Mid-Year Myanma Gems Emporium, 2002, continued for the third day today and jade lots were being sold this morning through competitive bidding. Altogether 28 lots of jade worth US$ 2,155,067 were purchased by the local and foreign gems merchants today. Merchants purchased 11 lots of jade worth US$ 1,293,994 from 5 pm to 8 pm yesterday. Yesterday alone, a total of 153 lots of jade worth US$ 2,598,850 were sold. The jade sales continued in this evening and competitive bidding of jade lots will continue tomorrow.
Yangon, 31 Oct - Shwe Ayeya Co and Asia World Co jointly founded the Shukhintha sea prawn breeding camp in Kyauktan Township, Yangon Division, from the beginning of this year and the netting was made today.
A total of 2.8 million sea prawns were bred in the eight breeding ponds at the camp and the produce was about 43.32 tons. Of them, the best pond produced 7.67 tons. The camp will breed sea prawns in 24 ponds in the open season, and arrangements are being made for extending sea prawn breeding in 74 ponds on 630 acres. Prawn fry were obtained from Shwe Nadi Co and they were bred successfully at the camp, it is learnt.
Culture10th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions goes on for 13th day
Yangon, 31 Oct - The 10th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continued for the thirteenth day at designated places today.
The singing contest continued at the National Museum on Pyay Road in Dagon Township. Chairperson of the Panel of Judges Assistant Director (music) of Myanma Radio and Television Daw Tin Tin Mya, Secretary Assistant Engineer Daw May Pyone Khaing and members supervised the contest. Altogether 16 competitors participated in the amateur level (women's) classical song contest; and 15 boys in the basic education level (aged 10-15 boy's) classical song contest. The professional level (Women's) old/ modern song contest and the basic education level (aged 5-10 boy's) religious song contest will be held tomorrow at the same venue. Altogether 12 contestants participated in the professional level song composing contest with their created songs. Chairman of the Panel of Judges Bogale U Tint Aung and members supervised the contests held at the Kanbawza Theater of the Fine Arts Department. The amateur level, the basic education level (aged 15-20) and (aged 5-10) clarinet contests will be held at the same venue tomorrow.
Altogether 6 teams from states and divisions participated in the higher education level Ozi contest and 6 teams in the basic education level (aged 10-15) Ozi contest held at the National Theater on Myoma Kyaung Road today. Leader of the Panel of Judges U Sein Ba Maw supervised the contests. On 1 November, the amateur level and the basic education level (aged 5-10) Ozi contests will be held at the same venue. At the Padonma Theater, six competitors participated in the basic education level (aged 5-10 boy's) harp contest; five in the basic education level (aged 5-10 girl's) harp contest, nine in the amateur level (men' s) harp contest and five in the amateur level (women's) harp contest.
The harp contests were supervised by Leader of the Panel of Judges Pyapon U Thein Han Gyi. The rofessional level (women's), the basic education level (aged 10-15) and (aged 5-10) girl's orchestra contests will be held tomorrow.
Drug
Yangon, 31 Oct - A combined team comprising local Tatmadawmen and members of local intelligence unit, acting on information, searched the house of Ma Nan Maing, daughter of U Aung Saing of Ward-2, Hmawshan Village, Seikmu Village-tract, Phakant Township, Kachin State, on 14 October and arrested her together with 19 packages of morphine weighing 30.78 kilos, 6,403 stimulant tablets, and 1.244 kilos of heroin.
After questioning on her, the team also arrested owner of the drugs Khun Aung Tun (a) La Tun of No-13, Hmawshan Ward-1, Seikmu Village, Phakant Township, together with a DT motorcycle with number plates 1Ya/13577 and K 2,796,975 realizing from the sales of drugs. On further investigation, their accomplices Thant Zin Myint of Sunbragone Ward, Seikmu Ward-1, Phakant Township, and his wife Ma Kawt Bu and Tun Yi of Nanhu Village, Taunggyi Township, were arrested together with 29 packages of morphine weighing 47.405 kilos.
In this process, a total of five culprits were arrested together with 48 packages of morphine weighing 78.185 kilos, 1.244 kilos of heroin, 6,403 stimulant tablets, K 2,796,975 realizing from the sales of drugs and one DT motorcycle. Action is being taken against them under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by the police stations 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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