THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
( Tuesday,  16 November 1999)

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  1. Senior General Than Shwe joins over 40,000 people at opening of Bo Myat Tun Bridge
  2. Maestros of performing arts honored for contributions to success of Performing Arts Competition
  3. Works coordinated to maintain Shitthaung Pahtodawgyi at MraukU
  4. Secretary-1 inspects Maha Bandoola Statue at University of Culture
  5. Secretary-1 attends coord meeting on development of MAI
  6. Myanmar International Insurance Corp opens Monywa branch
  7. Myanmar Mayflower Bank opens Yuzana Plaza branch
  8. Minister attends ground breaking for BEMS, opening of station hospital
  9. Workshop held on Radiation Protection in Radiotherapy, Radiodiagnostics,  N-Medicine
  10. 77 members resign from Launglon Township NLD
  11. WEATHER
(1)Senior General Than Shwe joins over 40,000 people at opening of Bo Myat Tun Bridge

Bo Myat Tun Bridge stretches 8544-ft bridge across Ayeyawady built at a cost of over K 5565 million with $ 8.6 million Longest bridge in the country completed by Myanmar engineers in three years five months strive to strengthen economy to build more roads, bridges, All must strive to strengthen economy to build more roads, bridges, factories, schools, hospitals

YANGON, 15 Nov- A ceremony to inaugurate Bo Myat Tun Bridge spanning the Ayeyawady River between Thaungdan Village in Nyaungdon Township on the eastern bank and Kyeinbinse Village in Nyaungdon Town,ship on thc western bank was held at the pandal near the bridge in Thaungdan village, Nyaungdon Township, on the eastern bank, this morning, addressed by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe. First, Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo made a speech.

In his speech, the Secretary-2 said the ground-breaking ceremony for construction of this bridge was held on 15 June 1996; at that time, a plan was made to complete the construction of the bridge within two years and eight months.

But, the bridge is the longest one out of the hitherto already built bridges; as special care was taken to make sure that the bridge was strong, it took three years and five months to complete the construction of the bridge.

On 15 March 1996, the Senior General personally went out on a field tour and designated the site for the bridge, and gave guidance that the bridge was the main entrance to Ayeyawady Division and efforts were to be made to complete the bridge as soon as possible and to make sure that the bridge was strong. While the bridge was under construction, the Senior General visited the site and fulfilled the requirements not less than five times.

Normally, it would take seven or eight years to complete the bridge; but, the construction work was completed within over three years. Nawadae Bridge (Pyay) was inaugurated in September 1997, Maubin Bridge in February 1998, Bala Minhtin Bridge ( Myitkyina) in November 1998; there have been four Ayeyawady River crossing bridges including Bo Myat Tun Bridge; Anawrahta Bridge (Chauk) will soon be opened; plans are being made to build Ayeyawady Bridge (Daedaye), Ayeyawady Bridge Magway) and Ayeyawady Bridge (Mandalay)

Only last September, Hsinbyushin Bridge across Chindwin River was inaugurated in Anya region; moreover, Ta-kaw-ek Bridge, Tahsan Bridge and Hpa-an Bridge across the Thanlwin River have been already built.  Bridges across the Ayeyawady River; the Chindwin River and the Thanlwin River were built with the ability of Myanmar engineers on self-reliance without any foreign assistance; it can be said that the abilities of Myanmar could be shown to the world.

The bridges are living proof that Myanmar is a people with abilities to build and safeguard the nation; they are not only transport infrastructures but also symbols reflecting the national strength and pride.

As Ayeyawady Division is teeming with rivers and streams, waterway is the main mode of transport; after 1988, due to active cooperation of the Government and people from Ayeyawady Division, a network of motor roads and bridges has emerged in the division; once, motor roads were about 463 miles long in all, and now, the motor roads have stretched up to about 1,300 miles in all; as a result, the transport sector is improving and over the last ten years, the economic and social conditions of Ayeyawady Division are improving significantly.

The Government has built bridges with a view to overcoming transport barriers such as rivers and streams; the emergence of the network of motor roads and bridges in Ayeyawady Division can be attributed to harmonious cooperation of the Government and the people; since the Government assumed duties, the Government and the people have been sharing duties and cooperating in nation-building endeavours and development works.

Unity, perseverance, a sense of discipline and goodwill of the national people are the deciding factors of national development and the perpetual existence of the Union. All are to work hard, nurturing patriotism and love for the Union and to safeguard national interests.

The emergence of bridges, roads, dams, reservoirs and factories can be ascribed to interest, goodwill and farsighted guidance of the Head of State.

Due to the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, peace and tranquillity and stability are prevailing the length and breadth of the Union; the Union is also on the right path of development; if unity, perseverance and a sense of discipline of the national people are combined more and more, a peaceful, modern, developed and democratic nation to which the entire national people are aspiring, will take shape in so short a time.

The Secretary-2 then lauded efforts of officials of the ministries including the Ministry of Construction, superintending engineers of Public Works, technicians and construction workers, and thanked regional authorities at all levels and local people.

In conclusion, the Secretary-2 urged all to maintain the bridge for long-term use and existence. Bo Myat Tun Bridge, 8,544 feet long, has a 6,164 foot-1Ong main bridge, a 1,000-foot-long approach structure on the eastern bank of the river, a 1,380-foot-long approach structure on the western bank, a 28-foot-wide motorway and two 6-foot-wide pedestrian lanes on either side.The waterway under the bridge is 360 feet wide and the clearance, 57 feet high.The upper structure of the bridge is the iron framework and the lower structure is built of reinforced concrete.The bridge can bear 60 ton loads.Bo Myat Tun Bridge Project began on 15 June 1996 and was completed on 30 October 1999.

(2)Maestros of performing arts honored for contributions to success of Performing Arts Competition

YANGON, 15 Nov-A ceremony to honour doyen artistes and judges who rendered assistance in the Seventh Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competition was held at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Road this evening.

Patron of the Seventh Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competition Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt delivered an address and presented certificates of honour to doyen artistes.

The Secretary-1 expressed thanks for artistes and members of panel of judges from States and Divisions who rendered assistance for success of the competition and taught their arts to to new generation youths.

The Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competition has become more and more successful and year after year due to active cooperation of doyen artistes.

This year the competition became more successful than expected because of Ramayana Drama and competitors participated in the drama significantly. They performed the best for bringing about Ramayana Drama of the State, he added.

The Secretary-1 expressed his pleasure that the drama would be prominent in the future without extinction of the drama. He spoke on achievements of good results for marionette, brilliant performance of new generation youths and assistance of artistes.

He said genuine Myanmar traditional cultural arts was effectively presented with the assistance of arts talents of doyen artistes and handing down of arts heritage, encouragement of arts loving people and new generation youths' interest in traditional culture and their performance. Therefore the competition became successful in Myanmar history.

He spoke at length on growing number of new generation youths who exhibited Myanmar traditional cultural arts in various parts of the world and achievements of significant results, genuine Myanmar traditional cultural arts praised by tourists and diplomats, holding of the competition yearly with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe.

He urged doyen artistes to hand down arts preserved for years by the thousand to new generation youths and the youth to strive to propagate sense and responsibility of preserving own culture among youths.

The Secretary-1 presented certificates of honour to senior artistes and member artistes of panel of judges.

Member of panel of judges of the song composing U Aung Shein of Kayah State spoke words of thanks.

Then, a series of entertainment programmes followed. Afterwards, dinner was served to the guests.

(3)Works coordinated to maintain Shitthaung Pahtodawgyi at MraukU

YANGON, 15 Nov-A Coordination meeting on maintenance of Shitthaung Pahtodawgyi in MraukU in Rakhine State was held at the National Museum this morning, attended by Patron of Shitthaung Pahtodawgyi Maintenance Committee Secretary- I of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Present on the occasion were the ministers, the Deputy Minister for Culture, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental officials, Myanmar historians, engineers, members of Management Committee for Maintenance of Shitthaung Pahtodawgyi, scholar group and work committee and guests.

The Secretary-l said he met officials of related ministries to carry out the maintenance tasks for perpetuation of Shitthaung Pahtodawgyi, an ancient cultural heritage Sasanika building in Rakhine State.

Shitthaung Pahtodawgyi is an invaluable Sasanika building according to Buddhist tradition and a cultural heritage of Rakhine State and it was built of stone 400 years ago.

He said arrangements for maintenance are under way by the Department of Archaeology and Board of Trustees. He spoke of the need to renovate the building for perpetuation according to its ancient style with the use of modern equipment and techniques and in cooperation with technicians and departments concerned under the leadership of the government. Therefore, committees at different levels are to be formed with high-ranking officials of the State, departments, technicians and local authorities, he added.

Technicians led by Rector of Yangon Technological University U Nyi Hla Nge carried out feasibility study for maintenance of Shitthaung Pahtodawgyi. The Secretary-l called for suggestions on the study. The Secretary-l then took part in the discussions.

(4)Secretary-1 inspects Maha Bandoola Statue at University of Culture

YANGON, 15 Nov-Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by Minister for Culture U Win Sein, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief  and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, Deputy Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at University of Culture in Dagon Myothit (South), Yangon Division, at 11 am today.

At the sculpture department of the university, the Secretary-l inspected the first step sculpture of General Maha Bandoola Statue to be cast in bronze. The Maha Bandoola Statue will be kept in Danubyu.  The Secretary-l then gave necessary instructions.

(5)Secretary-1 attends coord meeting on development of MAI

YANGON, 15 Nov-The coordination meeting 4/99 on development of Myanmar Airways International of the Ministry of Transport was held at the meeting hall of the Ministry on Merchant Street, here, at 1.30 pm today, attended by Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. First, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe reported on hours of flight, passengers and tonnes of cargo handled and income and expenditure of MAI within three months, August, September and November 1999, and work being carried out for the development of MAI.

Afterwards, Chairman of the Board of Directors U Maung Maung Ohn reported on conditions of implementing decisions passed at the previous meeting.This was followed by a general round of discussions.Speaking on the occasion,

Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt said more passengers and tonnes of cargo can now be handled as necessary arrangements have been made for the development of MAI, adding it is needed to make continued efforts in keeping with current arrangements.He urged the staff to provide services with full cetana with a view to satisfying passengers and those who send goods.

(6)Myanmar International Insurance Corp opens Monywa branch

YANGON, 15 Nov-A ceremony to open Monywa branch of Myanmar International Insurance Corporation was held at the branch office yesterday morning.

Commander Maj-Gen Soe Win and Vice-Quartermaster General Brig-Gen Kyaw Win formally opened the branch office. Then, Commander Maj-Gen Soe Win unveiled the signboard of the branch.Afterwards, Maj-Gen Soe Win and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win gave speeches.Adviser U Kyaw Myint then explained matters relating to the insurance
works.Later, the commander and party inspected the new office of the corporation.

(7)Myanmar Mayflower Bank opens Yuzana Plaza branch

YANGON, 15 Nov-A ceremony to open Yuzana Plaza branch of Myanmar Mayflower Bank Ltd was held at Mingala Hal1 of the plaza on Banyadala Road this morning.

Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein gave an opening speech and Chairman of MMB Ltd U Kyaw Win spoke words of thanks. Minister U Khin Maung Thein unveiled the sign-board of the branch. Then, Minister U Khin Maung Thein, Minister Brig-Gen Win Tin, Chairman of MMB Ltd U Kyaw Win and member of Board of Directors U Win Naing formally opened the branch.

Afterwards, ministers, deputy ministers and officials inspected the building.It is the 15th branch of MMB Ltd and the seventh in Yangon. The MMB Ltd will open Monywa and Muse branches this month and Kengtung, Myingyan, Meiktila and Hlinethaya branches before the end of the year.

(8)Minister attends ground breaking for BEMS, opening of station hospital

YANGON, 15 Nov-The stake driving ceremony of Basic Education Middle School was held at the southern plot of Kaing Village in Pakokku Township yesterday. Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein drove in a stake of the school.

Then, a ceremony to open Kaing Station Hospital was held in Kaing Village, with opening addresses by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein and Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Brig-Gen Thein Zaw. Medical Superintendent Dr Kyaw San Win of Pakokku General Hospital presented commemorative pennants to Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and the directors -general.

Then, Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein presented medicines and medical equipment to Dr Kyaw San Win. U Bo Gyi of Kaing Village, on behalf of the well-wishers, presented donations for the station hospital to the ministers. Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and Col Ye Myint opened the hospital. Then, the minister, the chairman and officials inspected the hospital.

Afterwards, the minister, the chairman and party offered robes and provisions to Sayadaws. Next, the minister and party inspected NyaungU District Hospital. The minister met Chairman of NyaungU District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Khin Maung Oo, Acting Head of District Health Department Dr Naw Lay Phaw and officials and attended to their needs.

(9)Workshop held on Radiation Protection in Radiotherapy, Radiodiagnostics,  N-Medicine

YANGON, 15 Nov-The National Workshop on Radiation Protection in Radiotherapy, Radio-diagnostics and Nuclear  Medicine, organized by Ministry of Health, IAEA and Minister of Science and Technology, was opened at the meeting hall of Medical Research Department on Ziwaka Road in Dagon Township this morning.Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein gave an opening speech.

Then, the minister, deputy ministers and officials inspected the equipment for radiation protection. Afterwards, Deputy Director-General Dr Tin Hlaing of Atomic Power Department extended greetings.

The workshop will be attended by 90 trainees and held at Medical Research Department and Yangon General Hospital up to 19 November.

(10)77 members resign from Launglon Township NLD

YANGON, 15 Nov-Seventy-seven members resigned from the National League for Democracy of Launglon Township, Taninthayi Division.Seventy-seven members of Launglon Township NLD, Taninthayi Division, of their own volition, resigned by sending letters of resignation to Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Sub-commission and the party concerned on 29 August 1999 as they no longer wished to participate in party politics of NLD.

(11)WEATHER

Maximum temperature on Nov14  was 34.5 C (94 F)
Minimum temperature on Nov15 was 23.2 C (74F)
 
 


 
 
 
 
 

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