( 1 )  There is ample evidence that even strong and powerful Unions collapsed due to disintegration of national solidarity
Secretary-1 calls on all national people to nurture Union Spirit and to be united

Yangon, 11 Aug - Chairman of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, ministers, the Chief of Staff (Navy), deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads, left Loilem by helicopter yesterday morning and arrived at Kehsi.

The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed there by Tactical Operations Commander Col Hsan Tun and officials. The Secretary-1 and party met with Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council and members, departmental officials, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, social organizations and townselders at Kehsi Township Hall. Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Myint Aung reported on matters related to the township. Next, departmental officials and townselders reported on the work being undertaken for the development of the township and requirements.
The commander, the ministers and the deputy ministers gave suppli-mentary reports. The Secretary-1 then fulfilled the requirements for the development of the education and health sectors of the township, Kehsi-Hanngaing motor road, Mongnaung-Kehsi motor road and the township. The Secretary-1 said that he and the ministers came to the region to fulfil the requirements for the development of the township, economic progress and uplift of living standard of local people. He said he visited small towns south of Loilem District the other day. During his tour of inspection, he fulfilled basic requirements of transport, education, health and social sectors.

In accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, Loilem District was designated as a development special region, he said. Arrangements are being made to narrow the development gap between Loilem District and other regions of the Union, he added. With the hope of turning out brilliant intellectuals and intelligentsia, Panglong University and Panglong Technological College and Panglong Computer College are being built, and the local students can pursue their higher education, he said. He said officials concerned made tours of inspection in the townships and arrangements to provide modern teaching aids in the basic education sector, to enable schools to have typical characteristics, to appoint teachers and to upgrade basic education schools in the regions. He said the government laid emphasis on regional development.

He spoke of the need for local people to undertake the tasks and to cooperate with local authorities in ensuring prevalence of law and order and community peace and tranquillity in the region. He pointed out that attempts to disrupt community peace and tranquillity hinder the development of the region. He said it is necessary for national brethren who have been living in unity in the Union for thousands of years to maintain national solidarity among the national races. He said there is ample evidence that even strong and powerful Unions collapsed due to disintegration of national solidarity. He also spoke of the need for all national people to make efforts for consolidation of national solidarity among the national races living in the various regions in the Union. Only when national solidarity is strong and there is stability, peace and tranquillity, will the Union exist for ever and can it be built into a modern developed one, he said.

The Secretary-1 called on all national people to nurture Union Spirit and to be united under the leadership of the government. The Secretary-1 next cordially greeted those present at the ceremony. Then, Chairman of the National Health Committee Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party proceeded to Kehsi Township People's Hospital, where Township Surgeon Dr Moe Tun and staff of the Health Department welcomed and conducted them round the hospital and the operation theatre. The Secretary-1 spoke words of encouragement to the patients at the hospital and gave necessary instructions to the officials. Afterwards, Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party proceeded to the Basic Education High School in Kehsi, where the headmistress and teachers welcomed the Secretary-1 and party. Students of the school also welcomed them singing the song "Myanma School." Later, the Secretary-1 and party attended a ceremony to donate teaching aids to the school.

The Secretary-1 donated teaching aids including a computer set, a television set, a video cassette player and a cassette player to the school through Headmistress Daw Nan Shwe Hnit and 400 dozen exercise books and wall clocks to basic education schools in the township through assistant township education officer U Yal Maung. The headmistress reported on a brief account of the school, academic matters and requirements of the school. The Secretary-1 attended to the needs. Then, the Secretary-1 and party looked round the domestic science room, the computer skill room, the audio-visual room and the language lab. Next, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Satuditha Maha Vihaya 2-mile Wutpaung monastery. The Secretary-1 and party paid homage to members of the Sangha led by 99-year-old Ovadacariya Sayadaw of Shan State Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Bhanddanta Javana and donated offertories to members of the Sangha. The Secretary-1 handed over K 1 million donated by the State to the fund of the renovation of the monastery. Eastern Command donated K 500,000 and those who accompanied the Secretary-1 donated K 1,150,000 to the fund of the renovation of the monastery. Total amount of the donation reached K 2,650,000. Cash donations were also made to the sundry needs of members of the Sangha.

 Then, the Secretary-1 and party viewed round Kehsi by car. Later, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Mongkai by helicopter and they were welcomed there by Officiating Tactical Operations Commander Lt-Col Tha Aung and officials. First, the Secretary-1 and party inspected No 1 Basic Education Primary School, Mongkai and gave necessary instructions and viewed round Mongkai by car.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party met with chairman of Mongkai Township Peace and Development Council and members, departmental officials, USDA members, members of the social organizations, and towns-elders. At the meeting, Township Peace and Development Council Chairman U Than Oo reported on area of the township, cultivation of rice and other crops, local rice sufficiency, and conditions of education, health and transport of the township and needs to be fulfilled for the development of the township. Next, departmental officials reported on efforts being made and requirements for the development of the township.

Then, the commander, minister and deputy minister gave supplementary reports. After hearing reports, the Secretary-1 attended to the needs of improvement of Mongkai-Hsipaw-Panketu-Tonlaw-Hsipaw Road and education and health matters and made a speech. The Secretary-1 said that the purpose of their visit to the region is to attend to the requirements of the whole Loilem District including Mongkai Township. Mongkai Township is a township based on agriculture. Therefore, more efforts are to be exerted to develop the regional economy and agriculture.

The government is fulfilling the requirements for the development of the agriculture sector. Departmental officials, social organizations and local people need to join hands in striving for the development of the region. In the region, Panglong University, Panglong Technological University and Panglong Computer College have emerged. Making best use of that opportunity, all are to work hard for the development of human resources who are capable of developing the region. If the people work harder, the regional economy will improve more and more.

With economic development, other sectors will also develop. In addition, all the national races are to safeguard the Union based on national solidarity with the family spirit and Union Spirit. Only then, will the Union, independence and sovereignty be able to exist for ever. Non-governmental organizations and social organizations need to cooperate with the people in striving to ensure national solidarity and the perpetual existence and development of the Union.

Therefore, the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Working Committee for Women's Affairs, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigade and other social organizations are to be extended, and they need to be organized into reserve forces for peace and development of the State. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 called on local authorities, departments, social organizations, townselders and local people to make concerted efforts for the further development of national solidarity and the region and community peace and tranquillity. Then, the Secretary-1 had a cordial meeting with those present.

Chairman of the National Health Committee Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party went to the township hospital. They were welcomed by Township Medical Superintendent Dr Khin Maung Tin and medical staff. The Secretary-1 inspected the operation theatre and medical store, and inquired after the patients. The Secretary-1 inspected construction of new buildings for the hospital, and gave instructions. Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party attended the opening ceremony of multimedia classrooms at the basic education high school in Mongkai. Also present were township level departmental officials, the headmaster and teachers, members of the school board of trustees, wellwishers, townselders and students.

The Secretary-1 formally unveiled the signboard of the multimedia classrooms. Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the language lab, the computer skills room, the computer-aided room, the audio-visual room, the domestic science room, the shrine room, the printed media room. A ceremony to donate teaching aids took place in the hall of the school. The Secretary-1 presented a computer set, TV set, video cassette player and cassette player to Headmaster U Chit Swe, and 400 dozen exercise books and wall clocks for basic education schools in Mongkai to township education officer U Hla Myint. Vice-Chairman of Asia Wealth Bank Ltd U Aik Tun donated K 247.5 million to the fund for construction of buildings concerning education, health and social affairs of Mongkai Township. Townselder U Aung Ba donated K 500,000 to the educational fund of the township.

 Later, the Secretary-1 and party paid homage to Shwemyinhtin Pagoda in Mongkai. The Secretary-1 and party paid respects and offered alms to member of the Central Working Committee of Sangha Sayadaw of Hona Monastery Bhaddanta Vicintasara and the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha from monasteries in Mongkai.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party went round the pagoda clockwise. Then, the Secretary-1 and party paid respects to an ancient Buddha image which was found while Lonsaingtein Stupa within the precincts of the pagoda was undergoing renovation. Then, the Secretary-1 and party paid obeisance to ancient images of bronze, marble, lead and wooden, votive tablet and minted images found in the reliquary of the ancient image. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt then presented cash for the trust fund of Shwemyinhtin Pagoda to members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees.

In the afternoon, the Secretary-1 and party flew from Mongkai to Leikha by helicopter. At 2.30 pm, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at Leikha where Tactical Operations Commander Col Lwin Oo, Township Peace and Development Council Chairman U Aung Thu and officials welcomed them. Myanmar Education Committee Chairman Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party graced the opening of multimedia teaching centre of Leikha Basic Education School by attending it at the school. Also present on the occasion were township level departmental officials, the headmistress, teachers, members of the School Board of Trustees, wellwishers, townselders and students. Headmistress Daw Nan Sai Hum and School Board of Trustees Chairman U Sai Tun Aung formally opened the multimedia teaching centre.

Then, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt formally opened the signboard of the multimedia teaching centre. The Secretary-1 and party inspected the altar, the computer skills room, the computer aided room, the language lab, the audio-visual room, the printed media room and the domestic science room of the school. Then, a ceremony to donate teaching/learning aids was held at the hall of the school. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt presented a set of computer, a satellite dish, a video deck and a cassette for Leikha BEHS to Headmistress Daw Nan Sai Hum, and 400 dozens of exercise books and clocks to Township Education Officer U Salai Ba Shwe for basic education schools in Leikha.

 Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt explained assistance to be rendered for regional development to departmental officials, members of social organizations and townselders. He made a speech. In his speech, he said in accordance with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, Loilem District has been designated as a special development region and to ensure development of the whole district, requirements for development of each township have been fulfilled. The State is striving for balanced development in economic, social and all sectors of the whole nation.

 For rapid development of border areas where peace prevails, the Border Areas and National Races Development Projects have been laid down and implemented and success has been achieved in implementing the projects. For development of inland regions, 24 development regions have been designated and plans for development have been implemented. Moreover, for development of the whole country, Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has given guidance on development of rural areas, and the five rural area development tasks for rural areas have been laid down and implemented.

As success have been achieved in implementing the border area development projects, the development regions projects and the rural area development tasks, the whole country will develop to keep abreast of the regional countries and world countries. Loilem District including Lecha is a special development zone and authorities, departmental officials, members of social organizations and the people are to actively take part in respective sectors of the border area development tasks, the development regions projects and the rural area development tasks.

In conclusion, he urged them all to cooperate hand in hand for flourishing of national spirit and Union Spirit which is the foundation for regional development and perpetuation of the Union. After visiting Maha Myatmuni Pagoda in Leikha, the Secretary-1 and party paid respects to Leikha Township Sangha Nayaka Committee Chairman PhaungdawU Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kovidha and Sayadaws and members of the Sangha in the township and presented offertories at PhaungdawU Kyaungtaik.

In the evening, the Secretary-1 and party went to the construction project of Panglong University under construction in Loilem Township, Panglong Region, for the development of human resources. At the briefing hall, Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party heard reports presented by Managing Director of Adin Group Co Ltd U Chit Khaing on construction of the main building of the university and lecture halls, efforts for timely completion of the construction of the university, availability of construction materials and requirements. Then, Minister for Education U Than Aung reported on the education programmes.

Afterwards, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt and Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung reported on arrangements to supply water for Panglong University and the Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions. Then, Managing Director U Chit Khaing donated K 2.5 million towards the fund of the Panglong Hospital to Head of Shan State Health Department Dr Khin Aung Cho. The Secretary-1 and party inspected construction of Panglong University and proceeded to Loilem Township by car. The Secretary-1 and party, after inspecting the construction tasks of the Government Technological College (Panglong) and Government Computer College (Panglong) in Loilem Township this morning, arrived back here this evening through Kunhing. Central Executive Committee Member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, who accompanied the Secretary-1 on tour of inspection in Loilem District, met with the secretaries and executives of Loilem District and Township USDAs at the district USDA office yesterday. The CEC member called upon them to safeguard Our Three Main National Causes, lead the public in preventing destructive acts and participate in implementation of the regional development tasks. 

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( 2 ) New Basic Education High School building in Dagon Myothit (South) Township handed over

Yangon, 11 Aug - The opening and handing over ceremony of new Basic Education High School building of No 1 Agriculture and Livestock Breeding Village in Dagon Myothit (South) Township here was held at the building this morning.

 Chairman of Central Organizing Committee of Myanmar War Veterans Organization Member of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein formally unveiled the signboard of the new school building.

 First, Chairman of the work committee for the development of the No 1 Agriculture and Livestock Breeding Village (Laydaunkkan) Vice Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo and Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung formally opened the new school building. Then, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein formally unveiled the signboard. Then, Maj-Gen Thein Sein and party inspected the new school building. Headmistress Daw Yi Yi Tun conducted them round the teaching aids, computer room, booths on communication art studio.

 Later, Vice Chairman of the work committee for the development No 1 Agriculture and Livestock Breeding Village (Laydaunkkan) Brig-Gen Aung Thein reported on the purpose of the construction of the new school building. Next, Brig-Gen Maung Nyo and Managing Director U Htay Lwin of Gandawin Nandaw Construction Co Ltd, handed over the documents relating to the new school building to Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Thein Sein made an address. Next, Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung and officials accepted the donations and presented the certificates of honour to the wellwishers. Today's donation amounted to over K 15.2 million. Then, Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung spoke words of thanks and the ceremony came to an end.

( 3 ) Upgraded indoor tennis court opened

Yangon, 11 Aug -A ceremony to open an upgraded indoor tennis court was held at Theinbyu Tennis Plaza, Yangon, yesterday morning.

 First, Patron of MTF Maj-Gen Kyaw Win made a speech. He said the Ministry of Sports is making earnest efforts together with the Myanmar Tennis Federation to promote the standard of tennis sports starting from the previous year. In this connection, all the tennis courts had been renovated to meet the set standard. In doing so, priority was given to upgrading of ventilation systems of indoor tennis court. Selected Myanmar tennis players

 were sent to the People's Republic of China to play against their counterparts resulting in gaining experiences. Thus, they fetched Bronze Medal in the 21st ASEAN Sports Tournament and they started winning victory, which has been far away for years. Four selected Myanmar tennis athlete were also sent to Malaysia and Singapore to be trained there in 2002 with the assistance of Max Myanmar Co.

Myanmar had had a contract with an instructor from Singapore to be able to teach Myanmar athletes tennis techniques. Myanmar tennis athletes would play against their Chinese counterparts in the very near future as three modern tennis courts are being constructed in Muse. He also thanked those who provided assistance in an effort to flourish Myanmar tennis sport. Minister Brig-Gen Aye Myint formally opened the ceremony, and the chairman of MTF spoke words of thanks. General Secretary of MOC Director-General of the Sport and Physical Education Department accepted the documents related to wellwishers. A gift to mark the opening ceremony was delivered by Managing Director of Lin Thitsar Co.

 Then, Patron of MTF Maj-Gen Kyaw Win accepted cash donated to the fund of MTF including K 2.5 million donated by U Aung Ko Win ( Kanbawza Bank Ltd) and K 2 million by Managing Director U Khin Maung of Shwe Myanmar Investment and Trading Co Ltd. Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint accepted K 1.7 million donated by U Zaw Lin (Lin Thitsar Co), K 1 million by U Tun Myint Naing (Asia World Co Ltd), K 500,000 each by Ko Pauk (Golden Eagle shipping Co Ltd) and by Top Star Tennis Club. Director-General U Thaung Htaik accepted K 500,000 donated by U Tun Myint ( Kyet Hlya Son Birani) and K 200,000 each by U Chit Ko Ko (Mingalar Hotel) and by U Tun Min (MTM Construction). President U Chit Swe of MTF accepted K 100,000 donated each by Ever Top Tennis Club, by Ko Thet Naing Oo (111 Textile Trading) and by Baby Lon Beer Garden. Total amount of today's donation was K 8.4 million. Then, Patron of MTF Maj-Gen Kyaw Win presented commemorative pennants to the companies that assisted in renovation of tennis courts including Max Myanmar Co, Asia World Co, Golden Flower Construction, Dagon International Construction and U Zaw Lin (Lin Thitsar Co). President of MTF U Chit Swe presented awards to dual of Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint and U Zaw Zaw of Max Myanmar Co and dual of Deputy Head of Department of the Ministry of Defence Col Tin Hla and Director-General U Thaung Htaik who played a commemorative friendly tennis match.

( 4 )   Self-reliant new tarred road put into service

 Yangon, 11 Aug -Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe attended a ceremony to inaugurate the 42nd street (Upper) in Ward 8, Botahtaung Township, Yangon (East) District, newly constructed and tarred on self-reliance this morning.

First, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa and Chairman U Myo Thant of the Road Construction Committee formally opened the road. Then, the commander made a speech. He said he was proud of the concerted effort of the people living in the street and YCDC that led to the emergence of a high standard new tarred road. The government has been implementing the tasks to make Yangon City a modern garden city. Yangon City would become a modern garden city sooner in accordance with the guidance of the Head of State and officials due to the concerted efforts of people and department concerned. Yangon Division Peace and Development Council would also render assistance to the tasks.

The vice-mayor explained the arrangements made for the emergence of the modern garden city. The road, 24 feet wide and 850 feet long, was constructed at a cost of K 10.4 million including K 2.6 million contributed by YCDC and K 7.8 million by the people. YCDC has put 1746 self-reliant roads up to now spending K 3,000 million including K 1,800 million contributed by the people and K 1,200 million by YCDC.

( 5 ) Families of Tatmadaw and wellwishers donate provisions to Sarthintaiks

 Yangon, 11 Aug-The families of the Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and wellwishers donated rice, edible oil, salt, medicine, gram and cash to Ywama Pariyatti Sarthintaik, Mangalarama Sarthintaik and Thaddhamma Jotikayon Sarthintaik in Dagon Myothit (South) Township, Yangon East District, at a ceremony held at Ywama Pariyatti Sarthintaik on Pyidaungsu Road, Ward 26, Dagon Myothit (South) Township, this morning.

Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of Ywama Pariyatti Sarthintaik Bhaddanta Jatila administered the Five Precepts. Then, the senior officers of the Tatmadaw and officials donated alms to the Sayadaw and members of the Sangha. Afterwards, Col Ye Htut, Cmdr Zaw Oo (Navy) and Col Ye Chit Pe (Air) presented 50 bags of rice, 20 viss of edible oil and 40 viss of gram donated by the families of the Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha.

Next, Yangon East District and Dagon Myothit (South) Township Peace and Development Council, departmental officials and Ward Peace and Development Councils donated 50 bags of rice and 55 viss of edible oil; Myanma Salt and Marine Chemicals Enterprise and Yangon Division Salt Millers Association, 200 viss of iodized salt  20 boxes of soft salt; the Traditional Medicine Department, 50 boxes of traditional medicine; Htet Lin Medical House and Hman Cho Medical House, 300 boxes of traditional medicine each; Dagon Myothit (South) Township Myanma Electric Power Enterprise, Township Planning Office, the township court, Township USDA, U Zaw Oo-Daw Khin Lon Si and family of Ward-19, Township Maternal and Child Welfare Association and Township Development Committee, rice.

The families of the Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) donated K 30,000 to the trust fund of three Sarthintaiks; Yangon Division Peace and Development Council, K 3,000; the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd, K 30,000; Yangon East District and Dagon Myothit (South) Township Peace and Development Council, K 6,000; Ayeya Myay Production Company, K 30,000. The wellwishers and religious associations in the township also made cash donations. Lt-Col Ko Ko Hlaing of the Ministry of Defence supplicated on the purpose of the donation. Presiding Sayadaw of Saddhamma Jotikayon Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Naginda delivered a sermon, followed by the sharing of merits.

The donations included 100 bags of rice, 75 viss of edible oil, 200 viss of salt, 20 viss of soft salt, 650 boxes of traditional medicine, 40 viss of gram and K 384,900. Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) members and wellwishers presented provisions to seven monasteries in Dagon Myothit (North) Township, Yangon East District this morning. The donation ceremony was held at Pyigyi Chantha Maha Zedi Dhammayon at 9 am today. The congregation received the Five Precepts from Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of Aungchantha Pariyatti Sarthintaik. Senior military officers presented offertories to members of the Sangha. Col Ye Htut, Commander Zaw Oo (Navy) and Col Ye Chit Pe of the Ministry of Defence presented 144 bags of rice, 58 viss of edible oil and 115 viss of gram.

Next, wellwishers and departments donated 22 bags of rice, 600 viss of iodized salt and 60 tubes of tooth paste, 360 boxes of traditional medicine. Afterwards, Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) members donated K 70,000, the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd and merchants K 70,000, Yangon East District and Dagon Myothit (North) Township Peace and Development Council K 20,000, U Myo Aung-Daw Khin Yi Mon of Hsan Myanmar family K 30,000, Ayeya Myay Co and group K 70,000, Myint Myat Rice Trading K 35,000, Chairman of Township Rice and Edible Oil Merchants Association U Nay Win and wellwishers K 60,000 and Ward Peace and Development Councils and wellwishers from 25 wards K 25,000 to officials concerned.

Lt-Col Ko Ko Hlaing of the Ministry of Defence supplicated on the purpose of the donation and merits gained were shared. Altogether 176 bags of rice, 58 viss of edible oil, 600 viss of salt, 60 tubes of tooth paste, 360 boxes of traditional medicine, 115 viss of gram and K 565,950 were donated to seven monasteries.

Yangon, 11 Aug - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, accompanied by departmental officials, arrived at Toungoo on 9 August.

Together with Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Brig-Gen Aung Min, the minister inspected the site chosen for construction of Thaukyekhat Dam to be built 26 miles from Toungoo by the Irrigation Department.

Director of the Irrigation Department U Khin Maung Nyunt and Director-General U Kyaw San Win reported on the work done. Then, the commander explained matters related to participation of Southern Command in the construction work. Afterwards, the minister discussed the type of the main embankment and transport of construction materials, and inspected surrounding areas of Thaukyekhat Creek and the designated site. In the afternoon, the minister and party went to Sugar Mill No 6 in Yedashe, and gave instructions on cultivation of sugarcane on the targeted acres of land, the boosting of per-acre yield and production of sugar. Later, the minister inspected the storage of sugar bags, machinery spare-parts warehouse and maintenance of machines.

Minister inspects hospitals in Mandalay Division

Yangon, 11 August - Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, accompanied by Director General of the Health Department Dr Wan Maung, inspected the 25-bed hospital in Taungtha Township, Mandalay Division, yesterday morning.

Head of Township Health Department Dr Win Ko Ko reported on the works being undertaken in the hospital. The Minister and party comforted the patients, inspected the operation theatre, X-ray room, and medicine storage and fulfilled the needs. Then, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein and party attended the opening ceremony of the extended Obstetric and Gynaecological Ward of Myingyan District Hospital. After inspecting the extended ward, operation theatre, delivery room and mwdical wards, they attended to the requirements. At the ceremony, Head of Myingyan District Health Department Dr Aye Ko Ko explained the purpose of the construction of the extended ward.

 Then, wellwishers U Shein-Daw Pu Lay family (Myingyan Thukitar Cheroots) handed over the ward to the minister who presented the certificate of honour. The extended ward was constructed at a cost of K 9 million. In the afternoon, the commander, the minister and party inspected the construction of 200-bed Kyaukse District Hospital where Head of District Health Department Dr Min Ko and an engineer of Asia Wealth Construction Co conducted them round the site. The minister gave instructions on completion of the construction ahead of schedule. The commander, the minister and party also inspected Eye Care Training Centre in Singaing, construction of the Institute of Dental Medicine (Mandalay), and Institute of Nursing (Mandalay).