N980412

THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
( Friday, 17 March 2000)

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Zeedaw Dam inaugurated in Mandalay Division 106 dams already built, 24 under construction
Government endeavouring for sufficient power supply Zawgyi Hydel Power Station launched
Secretary-2 inspects agricultural work of Toungoo and Meiktila Stations
Minister inspects booth of Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development
Ministers view 37th Myanma Gems Emporium Year 2000
Minister for Home Affairs meets Sri Lankan ambassador
Minister meets Ambassador of Japan
Minister meets Ambassador of Japan
Work coordinated to host 35th Meeting of ASEAN COCI
62,216 eligible voters of Magway submit petitions expressing no confidence in NLD representative elect U Kyaw Myint
10 Shwebo Township NLD members resigned of own accord
WEATHER

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(1) Zeedaw Dam inaugurated in Mandalay Division 106 dams already built, 24 under construction
YANGON, 16 March - A ceremony to inaugurate Zeedaw Dam was held at the pandal near the dam in Natogyi Township, Mandalay Division, this morning, addressed by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo. The Secretary-2 said Zeedaw Dam will irrigate about 4,000 acres of agricultural land between Natogyi and Wundwin Townships in Mandalay Division, thereby contributing towards the greening of the region.
In central Myanmar, some regions have an aver age annual rainfall of 20 inches while some have an average annual rainfall of below 10 inches. That is to say, the central Myanmar is short of water and does not have sufficient rainfall.
Therefore, local residents have to suffer the consequences of scarcity of water.
As Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe has already known the conditions of these regions, guidance has been given to implement dams and reservoirs projects for the greening of Anya region and availability of water.
The good results of the guidance have manifested themselves in Anya region today. It is found that some regions are green and lush with forests and plants and fields are teeming with water.
If Anya region greening I project was not implemented in time, next three generations could not live in Anya region and do agricultural work.
Due to farsightedness of the Head of State and his guidance, dams, reservoirs, river water pumping projects and underground water tap- ping projects have emerged one after another.
In Mandalay Division from 1988 up to date, there are 28 dams and reservoirs in total.
As a result of conservation of forests and trees, cultivation of new plants every year, the establishing of village wood plantations and the use of briquette, Anya region has become lush and green. Weather conditions are also improving. Therefore, everybody needs to cherish, protect and nurture forests and trees with the aim of leaving good heritage for generations to come.
The Government is giving priority to the projects for availability of water with a view to developing the agriculture sector of the State, and making efforts to improve conventional farming methods of farmers. The use of modern agricultural methods and machinery is being encouraged.
National private entrepreneurs are engaged in reclaiming fallow and virgin lands in Ayeyawady, Magway, Yangon, Bago and Taninthayi Divisions and Shan State. In the near future, modern private fields will emerge.
Seeking encouragement, assistance and instructions of the Government, conventional farmers and private entrepreneurs are to cooperate in turning the agricultural sector of Myanmar into a modern mechanized one.
Mandalay Division produces four main crops as well as oil crops and other kitchen crops. Local farmers need to make efforts to grow crops on every patch of land and to boost per-acre yield. Only when agricultural production
I increases, the nation will achieve development.
If the Government, the people and the Tatmadaw work in unity and harmony, Myanmar will stand tall in the world as a peaceful, modern and developed nation.
Efforts are to be made on self-reliance to strengthen and develop the nation. All are to be aware of the fact that expectation of foreign assistance leads to the life of a vassal. Therefore, everybody needs to work for development of the State with patriotism and Union Spirit which safeguard and perpetuate the Union.
The reactionary group overwhelmingly relying on external elements and having no regards for the future of the nation and the people, is still breathing with difficulty for their existence in the country. They are deviating farther and farther away from the political course as a result of their incorrect stand. They are also being neglected by the people for their having attempted to disrupt development, stability and peace and tranquillity of the nation.
Today, in the State, the entire national people, in co-operation with the Government and the Tatmadaw, are making their livelihood and working for development of the State in a secure and peaceful atmosphere. It can be said that there are many favourable conditions for the future of the State.
In conclusion, the Secretary-2 urged all to safeguard and maintain dams and reservoirs, to use water from the dams in a most beneficial way and to make efforts for the boosting of production.
Then, Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint made a speech.
Next, Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin spoke of assistance of the government for the agriculture sector and efforts of the ministry for the boosting of per-acre yield.
He added that after the Tatmadaw Government assumed the duties of the State, a total of 106 dams have been built, and 24 dam projects are under way. On completion of the projects, over 1.6 million acres of land can be irrigated.
Afterwards, Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa and Deputy Minister Col Thaik Tun extended greetings.
Member of Natogyi Township Union .Solidarity and Development Association Daw Than Than Htain thanked the officials.
Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin presented cash awards to employees of the project through officials.
The minister also presented commemorative gifts to the Secretary-2 and the ministers .
Then, Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin formally unveiled the plaque of Zeedaw Dam.
Deputy Director of Construction-7 of the Irrigation Department U Myo Myint formally inaugurated the dam.
Then, the Secretary-2 and party inspected the dam.
Zeedaw Dam is built with an earthen embankment, 4,750 feet long and 65 feet high, on NyaungOak Creek near Hsataung Village, Natogyi Township. The water storage capacity of the dam is 30,370 acre feet.
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(2) Government endeavouring for sufficient power supply Zawgyi Hydel Power Station launched
YANGON, 16 March - Zawgyi Hydel Power Station in Yaksauk Township, Shan State, was commissioned into service this morning, with an address by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo.
Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary-2 said the hydel power station was built in combination with Zawgyi Dam located 28 miles north of Yaksauk. Now there are three hydel power stations on Zawgyi Creek.
Located five miles north-east of Yaksauk, the first hydel power station, Tatkyi Hydel Power Station, has the capacity to generate about one mega-watt of electricity. The second is No 1 Zawgyi Hydel Power Station in Yaksauk Township, generating about 18 megawatt of power. The power generated from these stations are supplied to surrounding areas of Taunggyi through the national power grid.
Power generation of the present station will depend on the amount of water to be released for irrigation. The project gives priority to agriculture:
Since King Anawrahta's time, dams have been built on Zawgyi Creek, which originates in Shan State and flows through Kyaukse District before joining Ayeyawady River. for irrigation. Through the diversion weirs, Zawgyi Dam will supply water for cultivation of crops year round, affecting 11,000 acres. If the acres of mixed crops are counted, a total of the irrigated areas will be 170,000 acres. The dam can irrigate more 8,000 acres and supply power, benefiting the people of Shan State and Mandalay Division.
Like Lawpita, Kinda, Sedawgyi dams and No 1 Zawgyi Hydel Power Station, the present facility will contribute towards development the nation.
The Ministry of Electric Power is extending power stations in accord with the guide- lines of the State. In addition to Zaungtu Hydel Power Dam, which will be opened soon, efforts are being made in implementing Paunglaung Hydel Power Dam Project which will generate 2F0 megawatts of electricity, Mone Creek Hydel Power Dam Project with 75-megawatt generating capacity and 30-megawatt Thaphanseik Hydel Power Dam Project. Plans are under way to implement many more such projects in the future.
The government is endeavouring for supply of power required for the modern nation in accord with the schedule.
Large sum of capital is needed in implementing hydel power plants, gas-fired power plants, diesel engine power plants, coal-burn power plants or combined recycle power plants. People from all sectors of occupations should strive for year-by-year progress of the national economy. With the combined efforts of the government, the people and the Tatmadaw, the goal a modern and developed nation can be reached in a short period. g All should strive to maintain the dam for it durability and to boost production region-wise. Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Maj Gen Maung Bo said the present hydel power station and the operating other two stations on Zawgyi Creek will help fulfil the energy needs of the nation.
Emergence of the dam is the result of the joint efforts of the government, the local people and the Tatmadaw.
Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut said it is the 14th power station built in Shan State.
Intake structure, filter, sluices, pressurized steel pipes and other related facilities were brought from Yunnan Machinery and Equipment Import and Export Corporation (YMEC), turbines, generators and other machines from China Shanghai Cooperation for Foreign Economic and Technological Cooperation (SFECO) of the People' s Republic of China under contracts.
As the entire project was completed in October 1998, test run could begin on 13th of that month.
Installed with two six megawatt turbines, the station can generate 30 kilowatt-hours of electricity. Power generated from Zawgyi Hydel Power Station will be supplied to national grid together with that generated from No Zawgyi Hydel Power Plant through the 17-mile 66 KV line.
The earthen dam is 2.550 feet long and 145 feet high.
The estimated cost of the project was US $ 18 million plus K 493.3 million. But the actual cost was US $ 10.1 million plus K 51.41 million less than the target amount.
Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun extended greetings.
Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo presented fruit baskets to officials of YMEC and SFECO.
Minister Maj-Gen Tin Htut presented gifts to the Secretary-2 and party.
Commander Maj-Gen Maung Bo, Minister Maj- Gen Tin Htut and Chairman of SFECO Mr Li Shun Shan formally launched the power station.
The Secretary-2 unveiled the stone plaque.
Also present were local authorities, divisional officials, Commander of Bahtoo Station Commandant of Army Combat Training School Col Htin Aung Kyaw, departmental personnel, teachers and pupils, members of various organizations and others.

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(3) Secretary-2 inspects agricultural work of Toungoo and Meiktila Stations
YANGON, 16 March - Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Bureau of Special Operations and Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo inspected agricultural work of Toungoo and Meiktila Stations yesterday Accompanied by ministers, deputy ministers, senior Tatmadaw officers and officials, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo arrived at Toungoo in Bago Division at 3 pm yesterday.
He inspected cultivation of perennial and seasonal crops there.
Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Maj-Gen Tin Aye reported to the Secretary-2 on cultivation of crops by Toungoo Station.
Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo gave necessary instructions to officials. Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Bureau of Special Operations and Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo and party left Toungoo by Tatmadaw aircraft for Meiktila at 3.30 pm yesterday and arrived at Meiktila.
Chief of Bureau of Special Operations Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo inspected papaya, onion, cucumber, corn and mango plantations of Flying Training Base in Meiktila.
Acting Commandant of the Base Col Thura Khin Maung Win and officials explained about the farms.
Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo attended to their needs.
Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo and party also inspected cultivation of summer paddy at local battalion.
Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo met local farmers from Meiktila at the battalion.
Then, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo presented gifts to tran-splanters of local battalions.
Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo and party inspected Briquette Factory in Meiktila Station.
Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo and party met chairmen and members of Meiktila District and four Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental officials, service personnel and officials at Kandawmingala Hall in Meiktila at 5:30 pm yesterday.
Chairman of Meiktila District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myo Myint and officials presented reports on the completion of monsoon paddy cultivation, cultivation of summer paddy, purchasing of monsoon paddy and cotton, cultivation of perennial crops, peas and beans, edible oil crops, kitchen crops and trees, and education and health sectors in the district.
Chairman of Meiktila Township Peace and Development Council U Khin Maung Kyaw, Chairman of Mahlaing Township Peace and Development Council U Wai Lin, Chairman of Wundwin Township Peace and Development Council U Tin Nu and Secretary of Thazi District Peace and Development Council U Tin Maung Aye explained about the condition of townships agricultural works and land for construction of the dam.
Then, member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint presented supplementary reports on agriculture work in Mandalay Division.
Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported on the growing and harvesting of monsoon paddy in the entire nation, and spoke of the need for farmers to take advice of the ministry for cultivation of crops suitable to the region.
Then, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa explained tasks carried out by the ministry.
Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun reported on measures being taken for the greening of the arid zone. Afterwards, the Secretary-2 gave instructions on co-operation of departments and local people in striving for achieving sufficiency in rice, extension of sown acreage, boosting of per-acre yield, minimizing of loss and wastage and arrangements to turn the farm lands into fields.
In conclusion, the Secretary-2 said that emphasis is to be placed on cultivation of four-pillar crops as well as kitchen crops and urged all to effectively and successfully carry out the tasks for the greening of the arid zone.

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(4) Minister inspects booth of Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development

YANGON, 16 March - Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Zaw Tun, directors-general of departments and organizations under the ministry arrived at the Defence Services Museum on Shwedagon Pagoda Road this.afternoon .
The Minister and party inspected the booth of Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development to be opened at the ministries exhibitions at the Exhibition of the 55th Anniversary Armed Forces Day.
The Minister gave necessary instructions to the responsible officials.

(5) Ministers view 37th Myanma Gems Emporium Year 2000
YANGON, 16 March - Patron of the Central Committee for the 37th Myanma Gems Emporium Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, accompanied by Minister for Immigration and Population U Saw Tun and Chairman of the Central Committee Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein. arrived at the 37th Myanma Gems Emporium at Myanmar Gems Museum on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this afternoon.
They were welcomed at the emporium by Secretary of the Central Committee Managing Director of Myanma Gems Enterprise U Khin Oo and committee members.
The ministers and party viewed the third-day sale of jade lots through competitive bidding and left there in the evening.
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(6) Minister for Home Affairs meets Sri Lankan ambassador
YANGON, 16 March - Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing met Sri Lanka Ambassador to the Union of Myanmar Mr Ubhayasekara Mapa at his office at 4 pm today.

(7) Minister meets Ambassador of Japan
YANGON, 16March - Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt met Japanese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Kazuo Asakai who has completed his tour of duty at his office at 2 pm today.
The Minister and the Ambassador discussed the matters of extending the cultivation of buckwheat as poppy substitute crops. boosting food production in border areas and developing border areas.

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(8) Minister meets Singaporian and French visitors
YANGON, 16 March - Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein met Singaporian Ambassador to the Union of Myanmar Mr Simon Tensing de Cruz and party, and Chairman of Setraco International Ltd of French Mr Jean Pichon and party at his office, at 1 pm and 1.30 pm, respectively.

(9) Work coordinated to host 35th Meeting of ASEAN COCI
YANGON, 16 March - A work coordination meeting on hosting in Myanmar the 35th Meeting of ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information was held in the multipurpose hall of the National Museum on Pyay Road this afternoon, ad dressed by Patron of the Central Committee for Organizing the 35th Meeting of ASEAN COCI Minister for Culture U Win Sein.
Minister U Win Sein made a speech.
Chairman of the National Committee of ASEAN COCI Director-General of Fine Arts Department U Myint Thein Swe reported on matters related to holding the 35th meeting.
The chairmen and secretaries of respective sub-committees reported on preparations for the meeting.
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win contributed to the meeting.
The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the minister.

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(10) 62,216 eligible voters of Magway submit petitions expressing no confidence in NLD representative elect U Kyaw Myint
YANGON, 16 March - A total of 62,216 eligible voters of Magway Township Constituency-1, Magway Division, submitted signed declarations expressing no confidence in U Kyaw Myint elected as Pyithu Hluttaw Representative of National League for Democracy in the 1990 Multiparty Democracy General Election from Magway Township Constituency-l and no support for him at the rallies held in District Sports Ground in Magway and Nyaungkanaye Village-tract on 21 January morning.
A total of 6,200 local people of 14 wards and 14 village tracts rallied at Magway District Sports Ground.
Merchant U Myo from Myintha Ward, on behalf of the voters, expressed no confidence in U Kyaw Myint of National League tor Democracy and no support for him. Then, merchant U Tin Hla from Myohaung Ward presented declarations expressing no confidence in U Kyaw Myint and no support for him signed by voters to Chairman of Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Sub-commission U Mya Than.
Altogether 5,600 local people of nine village-tracts rallied in Nyaungkan Village tract.
Battery Services Owner U Kyaw Win from Nyaungkan Village, on behalf of the voters, expressed no confidence in U Kyaw Myint of National League for Democracy and no support for him. Then, farmer U Aung Kyaing presented declarations expressing no confidence in U Kyaw Myint and no support for him signed by voters to member of Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Sub-commision U Saw Devis.

(11) 10 Shwebo Township NLD members resigned of own accord
YANGON, 16 March - Ten members resigned from the National League for Democracy of Shwebo Township, Sagaing Division.
Ten members of Shwebo Township NLD, Sagaing Division, of their own accord, resigned by sending letters of resignation to Shwebo Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Sub-commission Office and the party concerned on 13 December 1999 as they no longer wished to participate in party politics of NLD.

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(12) WEATHER
Maximum temperature on 15-3-2000 was 36.9°C (98°F)
Minimum temperature on 16-3-2000 was 21.5 °C (70°F)

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