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(1) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Brunei
YANGON, 23 Feb - On the occasion of the National Day of Brunei Darussalam which falls on 23 February 1998, 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 Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
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(2) Effective implementation of projects stressed to benefit people sooner
YANGON, 22 Feb - Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye inspected construction projects in Sagaing Division yesterday.
Accompanied by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo, Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint, members of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Nyunt Thein and Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Kyaw Than, Minister for Military Affairs Lt-Gen Tin Hla, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Military Appointment-General Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe and officials, General Maung Aye flew from Yangon to Monywa yesterday morning.
General Maung Aye and party were welcomed at Monywa Airport by Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Brig-Gen Soe Win and officials.
They next helicoptered to Thaphanseik Multi-Purpose Dam Project being undertaken by the Irrigation Department in Kyunhla Township, Shwebo District.
At the project hall, Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin briefed the General and party on progress of work in the project to build the dam stretching 22,587 feet.
Next, Director of Construction Group 4 U Maung Maung Tin and Acting Director-General of Irrigation Department U Myo Myint presented reports on construction of the main dam, the main spillway and emergency spillway and completion of other structures.
Commander Brig-Gen Soe Win also briefed them on maintenance of Kaboe Dam's irrigation canals and the project to build Kindat Dam's irrigation canals.
General Maung Aye gave suggestions on implementation of the projects to meet the standard of durability and also spoke of the need to strive for completion of the projects earlier than scheduled so as to enjoy the benefits sooner.
Afterwards, he presented gifts to the officials and inspected the project.
Thaphanseik Multi-Purpose Dam, the longest among those under construction, is a type of earth embankment with a height of 108 feet.
On completion, it will irrigate 500,000 acres and generate 30 mega-watt.
To prevent the percolation, a diaphragm wall is to be built.
On their way to Myaydu Village in Kanbalu Township by helicopter, the General and party inspected the completed Kindat Diversion Dam.
At Myaydu Village, they were welcomed by departmental officials of Shwebo District and Kanbalu Township and villagers.
They paid homage to Shwegumyint Buddha Image built in the village by King Narapatisithu in 540 ME. The Buddha image carved in Saga wood is 21.5 feet high.
After paying homage, General Maung Aye left necessary instructions on renovation.
The General and party later visited Phayagyi Kyaungtaik, paid respects to Phayagyi Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kayonna and Shayphya Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Nandiya and offered alms to them.
They also visited Thettawya Datpaung Zedi in the village before proceeding to Shwebo.
At Shwebo, they were welcomed by Minister for Culture U Win Sein and officials.
They went to Shwebon Yadana Mingala Palace Construction Project.
At the project site, Chairman of Shwebo District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Oo Zun and Assistant Engineer U Zaw Win of Public Works briefed them on progress of work in reconstruction of the palace.
The General and party later inspected Nanma Pyatthat and the palace which are nearly completed.
They next proceeded to Sinphyushin Bridge Project in ChaungU Township where they were welcomed by Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung and officials.
At the project hall, Minister U Pan Aung and Superintending Engineer (Project) U Win Tin of Public Works briefed them on construction of the main bridge structure, approach roads and other roads.
General Maung Aye said construction projects are being implemented all over the country including border areas for all-round national development.
He stressed the need for effective implementation of tasks for early completion of the projects so that the projects will benefit the people early.
He said it is also essential to implement the projects to meet the standard of durability, prevent loss and wastage, work with goodwill and keep proper accounts.
He said the Government will fulfil the requirements at its utmost and the authorities and service personnel need to make innovations in the projects.
Afterwards, General Maung Aye and party inspected the main bridge structure and approach road of Sinphyushin Bridge that will link ChaungU Township with Yezagyo and Pakokku Townships.
The bridge with both railroad and motor road spans Chindwin River.
On completion, the total length of the bridge will be 4,956 feet.
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(3) Secretary-1 inspects construction projects
YANGON, 22 Feb - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected Maha Bandoola Bridge Project across Pazundaung Creek, Ngamoeyeik Bridge (Thingangyun) Project, all-round renovation of MyoU Pagoda in Dagon Myothit and Construction of the world class swimming pool this morning.
Accompanied by officials of the Office of the State Peace and Development Council, the Secretary-1 arrived Maha Bandoola Bridge Project in Pazundaung Township this morning.
They were welcomed by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Minister for Commerce Maj-Gen Kyaw Than, Minister for Transport Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, Deputy Minister for Rail Transportation Thura U Thaung Lwin, Vice-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, department heads, military region commanders, district and township authorities and officials.
The Secretary-1 heard reports by General Manager U Shwe Win and officials of Public Works on salient points of the project, finding of the axis for the approach road, arrangements for construction of the approach road and progress of work of the project, and gave instructions.
Then, the Secretary-1 inspected the project site.
Later, the Secretary-1 proceeded to Dawbon Shipyard, and inspected progress of work of Maha Bandoola Bridge Project.
Six-lane Maha Bandoola Bridge is a 3,312-feet suspension bridge with the 787 foot-long main bridge and the 2,525-feet approach structure.
Spanning Pazundaung Creek, the bridge will link downtown Yangon with Dawbon and Thakayta Townships, and contribute to the development of the townships.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 went to Ngamoeyeik Bridge (Thingangyun) Project.
He was briefed by General Manager U Hla Win and Senior Engineer U Myint Lwin of Public Works on salient points of the project and progress of work.
The Secretary-1 gave instructions, and inspected the project.
Ngamoeyeik Bridge (Thingangyun), 700 feet long, is a six-lane reinforced concrete bridge.
On completion of the project, the people will have easy access to other cities in a short time.
The bridge, which lies on the road to the entrance of Yangon, will contribute to the speedy flow of commodity and be great benefit to the State and the people.
Then, the Secretary-1 proceeded to Dhammayon of MyoU Pagoda in Dagon Myothit.
He donated Buddha images for the public homage.
The Secretary-1 was briefed by No 2 Military Region Commander Col Hsan Hsint and officials on all-round renovation of the pagoda.
The Secretary-1 gave instructions, and inspected the renovation work.
Later, The Secretary-1 went to World Class Sports Grounds and Gymnasium Project.
He was welcomed by Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Sein Win and officials.
Brig-Gen Sein Win and officials reported on training of swimmers at the world class swimming pool. arrangements for organizing contests, water purification, power supply and arrangements for earthwork to build sports grounds and gymnasiums.
The Secretary-1 spoke of the purpose of the construction of the world class swimming pool, and urged officials to maintain the required standard of the swimming pool.
Then, the Secretary-1 observed the training of swimmers of Myanmar Swimming Federation and Sports and Physical Education Institute, and inspected renovation of the swimming pool. The Secretary-1 cordially conversed with new generation swimmers.
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(4) Singapore Association in Myanmar donates K one million to Myanmar education development fund
YANGON, 22 Feb - The prize-distribution ceremony of SAM Golf '98, sponsored by Singapore Association in Myanmar at City Golf Resort, was held and dinner hosted at the Summit Parkview Hotel at 7.30 pm today.
Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony, and accepted one million kyats for Myanmar education development fund donated by SAM.
Present also were ministers, Yangon Mayor, deputy ministers, department heads, ambassadors of foreign embassies, officials of SAM, golfers and guests.
Patron of SAM Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore Brig-Gen Patrick Chov Choong Tow extended greetings.
The ambassador handed the donations to the Secretary-1.
The Secretary-1 said: It is a great pleasure for me to accept this generous donation from Singapore Association in Myanmar as Chairman of the Myanmar Education Committee and I wish to express our sincere appreciation and thanks for this gesture of generosity.
As you all will be aware, uplifting the educational standards of our people is one of the social objectives of our Government. The donation received today will therefore be used to maximum benefit for students and young people.
The warm gesture by SAM also underlines the close ties of friendship, understanding and cooperation that exists between Myanmar and Singapore. We are happy to note that the traditional friendly relations between our two nations have gained added momentum in recent years. One special feature is the frequent exchange of visits at all levels, including the highest level. We still recall the visit of His Excellency Prime Minister Mr Goh Chok Tong in 1994 which in many ways opened a new era in our relations. Our Chairman Senior General Than Shwe was able to reciprocate the visit the next year and since then our two leaders have been in close contacts with each other. Myanmar membership of ASEAN has opened new avenues for the enhancement of the mutually beneficial friendship and cooperation. I wish to take this opportunity to convey our gratitude for all the assistance provided by Singapore in political, economic and technical fields.
The shared sentiments of goodwill have been supported by the firm foundation of growing economic and trade ties. Our two economies are complementary and although we can derive satisfaction from the progress made, I believe that there still remains a great potential that is yet to be exploited. Here I would also like to congratulate SAM for its efforts for further strengthening of our bilateral ties.
The annual SAM Golf Tournament and Dinner is a great occasion not only for the Singapore community in Myanmar but also for the friends of Singapore.
Allow me to conclude by wishing the Singapore Association in Myanmar further successes in the years ahead and again express our sincere appreciation to Honorary Patron Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore Brig-Gen Patrick Choy Choong Tow and the members of SAM for this generous gift for the promotion of education in Myanmar.
The ambassador of Singapore gave away prizes to winners of SAM Golf 98.
Then, dinner was served to the guests.
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(5) Commander meets UNDR students
YANGON, 22 Feb - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than met with the 247 students of the 29th Regular Course of the University for Development of National Races at Basic Education High School 1, Lanmadaw, this afternoon.
The UDNR students led by Rector U Aye Thwin are being accommodated at the school.
Accompanied by Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board U Maung Maung Gyi, Commander of No 4 Military Region Commandant of Defence Services Records Office Col Myo Myint and members of the Management Committee, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than greeted the students.
At night, the students were entertained to the film show sponsored by Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise.
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(6) Minister for Energy inspects research division of MOGE
YANGON, 22 Feb - Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, accompanied by Managing Director U Kyaw Nyein of Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise, arrived Research Division of the Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise in Htaukkyant this afternoon.
They were welcomed by officials of the division. U Kyaw Nyein, Chief Research Officer U Thit Wei and officials briefed the minister on the set-up of the Research Division, work being done and geological laboratory experiments.
The minister toured the division and attended to staff welfare.
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(7) Minister for PBANRDA tours Taikkyi, Hmawby
YANGON, 22 Feb - Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, accompanied by officials of the Development Affairs Department, inspected Taikkyi Market in Taikkyi this afternoon.
At the office of the Township Development Affairs Department, the minister heard a report presented by the executive officer on financial matters and the present and future tasks.
The minister urged officials to give priority to the construction of roads, and gave necessary instructions.
Later, the minister inspected the market, water supply plant, warehouses, office of the Township Development Affairs Department and sites chosen for the parks, and gave instructions.
The minister also inspected Myoma Market, park, warehouses in Hmawby, and left instructions.
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(8) Families of Ministry of Cooperatives offer alms to Sayadaws of Pariyatti Sasana Tekkatho (Yangon)
YANGON, 22 Feb - A ceremony to donate cash for offering soon for one day to Rector Sayadaw, faculty member Sayadaws and 450 members of the Sangha of State Pariyatti Sasana Tekkatho (Yangon) was held at Mogoke Soonsarkyaung of the Tekkatho at 10 am today.
It was attended by Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San, Director-General U Maung Hti of Cooperatives Department, Director-General Dr Than Htaik of Cottage Industries Department, Director-General U Sann Lwin of Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana and staff families of the Ministry of Cooperatives.
The congregation received the Five Precepts from Rector Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Panditabhivamsa.
Minister U Aung San presented offertories and alms to the Rector Sayadaw and cash to U Sann Lwin.
Then, the Rector Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits.
Later, the minister and officials offered alms to members of the Sangha.
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(9) Power supply improved in Hlegu, Indaing, Yemon
YANGON, 22 Feb - Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, accompanied by officials of Myanma Electric Power Enterprise, inspected distribution of power at the Central Institute of Civil Service, Phaunggyi, Hlegu Township, this morning.
Meeting the Rector of CICS and officials, he coordinated proper use of electricity and the measures to be taken for not occurring power cuts.
He later fulfilled the requirements for installation of one 300-KV transformer at CICS.
He inspected power supply at Indaing Footwear Factory and Indaing Station and Yemon Station and coordinated tasks for expansion of power supply in Hlegu Township and Indaing and Yemon Stations.
Meeting township and ward authorities and towns-elders at Hlegu Township Peace and Development Council Office, the minister spoke of the ministry's power supply and the tasks to be carried out in cooperation with the public.
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(10) Film stars, vocalists to entertain Tatmadawmen building roads in Kengtung
YANGON, 22 Feb - The second group of 34 film stars and vocalists led by Capt Zaw Win Naing of the Ministry of Defence left here by special Tatmadaw flight for Kengtung this morning to entertain Tatmadawmen building Kengtung-Mongphyat-Tachilek Road for ensuring secure and smooth transportation in east Thanlwin region, Shan State, and local people.
They were seen off at the Yangon International Airport by Director of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare Col Khin Aung Myint and officials of Directorate of Defence Services Intelligence.
The second group included administrators U Lin Aung, U San Paw and Academy U Kyaw Thu and members Sai Hti Sai, Hnin Nu Nu Naing, Haemar Nay Win, Mi Mi Win Pe, Lay Lay Wah, Academy Yan Aung, Lwin Moe, Dway, Tint Tint Tun, Academy Htet Htet Moe Oo, Min Oo, Tun Eindra Bo, May Thinza Oo and Myo Thanda Tun.
The artistes were welcomed at the Kengtung Airport by Officiating Tactical Operations Commander Lt-Col Win Kyi and General Staff Officer Grade-l Lt-Col Khin Zaw Win of Triangle Region Command, Secretary of Shan State (East) Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Win Han and members, chairmen and members of Kengtung District and Township Peace and Development Councils, military officers of Kengtung Station, Chairman of Myanmar Music Asiayon U Ohn Kyaw, Vice-Chairman Hinthada U Myint Ngwe and officials, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, trainees of Kengtung Nursing Training School, departmental personnel and cultural troupes with traditional dances.
The artistes group and the previous group, which arrived there yesterday, entertained to local people at Myoma sports ground in Kengtung this evening.
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