( 1 ) Secretary-1 attends opening of new school buildings at BEPS Nos 11, 12 and Day-care School in Hlinethaya

Yangon, 17 Feb- The opening ceremonies of new school buildings of Basic Education Primary School Nos 11 and 12 in Hlinethaya Township and the Day-care School of Hlinethaya Industrial Zone were held at the respective schools this morning, attended by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present on the occasions were the ministers, the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, local authorities, departmental personnel, the director-general of No 3 Basic Education Department and officials, wellwishers, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, social organizations, members of the School Boards of Trustees, Parent-Teacher Associations, school heads, teachers, students, the band and dance troupes. First, a ceremony to open the new school building of Hlinethaya BEPS No 11, donated by Wa Wa Win Construction, was held at the school building at 9 am today.

Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, Director-General U Arnt Kyaw of Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development and Chairman U Shwe Kyaing of Wa Wa Win Construction formally opened the building. Then, the handing over of the new school buildings of BEPS No 11 and BEPS No 12 to No 3 BED was held at the school hall. Director-General U Arnt Kyaw of Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development reported on construction of the school buildings. Then, Managing Director U Shwe Hlaing of Wa Wa Win Construction reported on the purpose of donation of the new building of BEPS No 11.

Deputy Director-General Col Tin Tun of DHSHD handed over the documents related to the plots and the buildings of BEPS No 11 and No 12 to Director-General U Tin Win of No 3 BED. Next, Headmistress Daw Si Si Aye of BEPS No 11 accepted K 900,000 for the funds of the school and K 900,000 for the fund of staff welfare donated by Chairman U Shwe Kyaing and Managing Director U Shwe Hlaing of Wa Wa Win Construction, K 200,000 each by film star Academy Myo Thanda Tun, film star Myo Sandi Kyaw and Managing Director U Way Soe-Daw Nang Leik of Phyu Sin Ma Co. Similarly, Headmaster U Kyaw Zeya of BEPS No 12 accepted K 900,000 for the funds of the school and K 450,000 for the staff welfare donated by Deputy Director-General Col Tin Tun of DHSHD. Headmaster U Kyaw Zeya spoke words of thanks. Then, the Secretary-1 met with the teachers and said that efforts are to be made for achieving success in implementation of the education promotion programme laid down by the State; the teachers who are primary ones should teach their pupils to become outstanding and clever students and the Secretary-1 called on the teachers to observe directives of the Ministry of Education.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the new school building and visited students learning at the classrooms of the school building. Afterwards, the opening ceremony of the new school building of BEPS No 12 was held at the school in Apyin Padan Village, Hlinethaya Township at 10 am today. Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe and Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung formally opened the school building. Then, the Secretary-1 and party viewed the new school building and students learning at the school building. Next, a ceremony to open the new building of the Day-care School, constructed by DHSHD, was held at the school in Hlinethaya Industrial Zone at 11 am. Also present were the Secretary-1 and party, local authorities, the chairperson of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association and executives, social organizations, members of the School Management Committee, wellwishers and guests. Director-General U Sit Myaing of Social Welfare Department, Director-General U Arnt Kyaw of DHSHD and Chairperson Prof Daw Kyu Kyu Swe formally opened the school building.

The Secretary-1 and party visited the building. Then, the opening of the school building followed. Director-General U Arnt Kyaw reported on the purpose of the donation for construction of the building. Next, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa and Chairperson Prof Daw Kyu Kyu Swe accepted K 1 million for the day-care school donated by U Soe Myint-Daw Nanda Win, K 500,000 each by FMI Garden Development Co Ltd, Chinsu Myanmar Co Ltd, U Than Myint (Aye Yeik Mon Construction), U Htay Myint (Yuzana Construction) and U Shwe Kyaing (Wa Wa Win Construction), K 350,000 by U Thein Han (Tokyo Pipe Factory, Hlinethaya Industrial Zone), K 300,00 each by U Kyaw Aung (Benhur Trading Co Ltd), U Maung Maung and Brothers (Great Wall Medicine), Dr Khin Maung Lwin-Dr Daw Khin Khin Htay (Fame Pharmaceutical Co Ltd), U Myat Thin Aung-Thudhamma Theingi Daw Khin Myint Myint and U Maung Maung (Shwe Gabar Construction), K 200,000 Daw Hsaing Nyunt (Foodstuff Industry-Hlinethaya Industrial Zone), K 100,000 by U Khin Han (B-1 Grinding Mill), U Ohn Hsaing (New Golden Gate Co Ltd), Dr Pwint Hsan (Hlinethaya Industrial Zone Management Committee member), Dr Khin Maung Oo (Hlinethaya Industrial Zone Management Committee member) and U Thaung Han (Swan Myat Textile Factory).

After attending the housing estate project of Golden Flower Construction, the Secretary-1 arrived at Kyimyindine School for the Blind of Social Welfare Department. The Secretary-1 was welcomed there by Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Deputy Minister U Hlaing Win, Principal Daw Khin Sein Cho, teachers and students. Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa reported on arrangements being made for teaching 300 students at the school, supply of teaching aids, maintenance and construction of school buildings. Managing Director U Tint Hsan of ACE Construction reported on construction of three-storey and two-storey buildings. Head of Engineering Department (Building) U Zaw Win of Yangon Zone Development Committee reported on repair of the school for the blind. Director-General U Sit Myaing of SWD reported on matters related to learning of the students at the school for the blind. The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions and inspected the computer room for the blind and teaching aids. Later, the Secretary-1 and party inspected repair of the two-storey building and the hosted and left the school in the afternoon.

( 3 ) Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than inspects factories, meets with departmental personnel in Bago Division

Yangon, 17 Feb- Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, together with Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Brig-Gen Aung Min and departmental officials, went to No 1 Agricultural Machinery Factory (Hsinde) of Myanma Agricultural Machinery Industries under the Ministry of Industry-2 in Padaung Township, Pyay District, by car yesterday morning. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party were welcomed by Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, Managing Director of Myanma Agricultural Machinery Industries Col Myo Tint, General Manager U Kyaw Kyaw and officials.

At the briefing hall of the factory, Managing Director Col Myo Tint reported on the location and area of the factory, investment, the aims of the factory, facts about agricultural machinery factories under MAMI, the production target of agricultural machinery, performance of the factory and staff welfare. The minister, the deputy minister and the general manager gave supplementary reports. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions on production of agricultural machinery. Later, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected agricultural machinery, electrical appliances, parts of automobile, power tillers and trailers. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party then inspected the workshops at the factory. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party, together with Minister Maj-Gen Saw Lwin and Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, proceeded to No 2 Automobile Factory (Htonbo) of Myanma Automobile and Diesel Engine Factory under the Ministry of Industry-2 and arrived there at 9.45 am.

In the meeting hall of the factory, General Manager U Kyaw Myo Win reported on the background history and aims of the factory, investment, establishment of factories, production of light vehicles, diesel engines and spare parts, income and expenditure for the fiscal year 2000-2001, production of import substitute goods, production of parts of machinery for ministries, cooperative societies and private enterprises and staff welfare. The minister and the deputy minister gave supplementary reports. Then, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions and inspected the workshops of the factory. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than went to No 1 Machinery Factory (Nyaungchehtauk) of Myan-ma Machine Tool and Electrical Industries at Nyaungchehtauk, Padaung Township.

At the hall of the factory, Managing Director U Kyaw Win reported on the background of the factory, investment, the set-up of the factory, machinery manufactured by the factory and future tasks. The minister gave a supplementary report. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than attended to the requirements and gave instructions. General Manager of the factory U Pe Than Hlaing reported on facts about the new plants of the factory, and the minister gave a supplementary report. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than gave instructions on production of machinery of high quality. Next, he attended the opening ceremonies of Power Cable Manufacturing Shop, Vertical Enamelling Plant and Copper Rod Continuous Casting and Rolling Plant. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin formally unveiled the signboards of the manufacturing shop and the plants. Managing Director U Kyaw Win and General Manager U Pe Than Hlaing formally opened the manufacturing shop and the plants. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected them. Power Cable Manufacturing Shop can produce 2,000 kilometre of power cable per year. Vertical Enamelling Plant can produce 200 tons of insulated copper rods per year. Copper Rod Continuous Casting and Rolling Plant can produce 2,000 tons of copper rod per year.

Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than met with division-, district- and township-level departmental personnel of Bago Division (West) at the City Hall in Pyay in the afternoon. Present were Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Brig-Gen Aung Min, Commander of No 66 LID Col Aung Tun, Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council (West Branch) Col Soe Nwe, members of Bago Division Peace and Development Council, officials, chairmen of township, ward and village Peace and Development Councils in Bago Division, officials of Myanmar War Veterans Organisation, the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, WomenÕs Affairs Committee, Myanmar Women's Entrepreneurs Association and towns elders.

Secretary of Bago Division Peace and Development Council (West Branch) Lt-Col Ye Myint reported on departmental functions, cultivation targets for monsoon and summer paddy and cold season crops, purchase of paddy, cotton, sugarcane and oil crops for 2001-2002 fiscal year, implementation of rural development tasks and opening of multimedia teaching centres. General Manager of Myanma Agriculture Service Dr Min Aung and General Manager of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Tin Shwe reported on cultivation of quality strains in Bago Division (West), use of natural fertiliser, purchase of crops including paddy and transfer of crops to shelter in time. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than said Bago Division is an important division that contributes toward the economic development of the State. Special emphasis was to be laid on development of agriculture and livestock breeding of Bago Division (West).

He spoke of the need for departmental personnel to make strenuous efforts for development in the region. Paddy, cotton, sugarcane and beans and pulses, the four main crops of the State and oil crops and other crops are grown in Bago Division (West). Especially, the four main crops are to be cultivated for realisation of the objectives. The government built irrigation networks for extended cultivation in the region. There are dams under construction and those to be opened. Summer paddy, beans and pulses and oil crops are to be cultivated for exceeding the targets through irrigation and arrangements are to be made for double and mixed cropping. In the evening, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Commander Brig-Gen Aung Min and party visited the Shwebontha Pagoda in Padaung Township, Pyay District and paid homage to the pagoda.

( 4 ) Minister inspects departmental tasks in Mandalay

Yangon, 17 Feb- Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa together with Director-General U Sit Myaing of Social Welfare Department, Director-General U Myint Tun of Fire Services Department, Director U Than Tun of Immigration and Population Department and officials flew to Mandalay on 15 February. Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa inspected works of the immigration department at the airport and proceeded to PyinOoLwin Central Fire Services Training School. Principal Col Kyi Win reported to him matters on conducting of courses, construction of buildings and agriculture and livestock breeding tasks and welfare tasks at the briefing hall of the training school.

The minister proceeded to Zeebingyi pre-primary school and presented gifts to the children. He also met with staff, families and trainees of Advanced Fire Service Course at Anawrahta hall. Yesterday morning, the minister inspected pigsty and cowshed at the central training school, and construction of pre-primary school, domestic training school and staff housing. He also inspected vegetable plantations and attended to the needs. In the afternoon, the minister left there for Mandalay and inspected Girls Training School and Women Development Centre. He inspected round the school and met with children at the Nursery Centre and presented clothes to them.

At the hall of Mandalay Division Social Welfare Department, the minister met with staff from Social Welfare Department, Fire Services Department and Population Department. Then, the minister left for School for Deaf Children where officials briefed on tasks of the school and sign language system to the minister who presented clothes for the children. The minister then inspected courses on lace knitting, sweater knitting, sewing and computer. He also inspect learning of children there. He arrived back here in this afternoon.

Minister inspects road, bridge construction tasks

Yangon, 17 Feb- Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Myint Thein and officials, left Myitkyina in Kachin State for Bhamo, and inspected road sections and bridges on Myitkyina-Bhamo road on 13 February morning. The minister and party inspected maintenance tasks carried out by officials of Public Works for durabality of Malian Bridge, Namhsanyan Bridge and Mole Bridge and gave instructions to engineers.

The minister and party arrived at Bhamo in the evening. The next morning, the minister and party inspected Bhamo-Tagaung-Thabeikkyin-Mandalay Road and gave instructions on timely completion of Bhamo-Hanhtet road section and attended to the needs. Afterwards, they arrived at the chosen site for construction of Sinkham Bridge and heard reports of the officials.

After leaving instructions to the engineers, the minister inspected construction tasks for extension of Udaungtaung road section and heard reports on the work done by Engineer U Aye Naing Tun. They proceeded to Shweli Bridge (Ngaoh) construction site in the afternoon, inspected construction of piers and gave instructions. Shweli Bridge (Ngaoh) will be 2,330 feet long and link Katha Township in Sagaing Division and Mabein Township in Shan State. The motor way will be 28 feet wide and there will be 3 feet wide pedestrian lanes on both sides. The bridge is of reinforced concrete type and can withstand 60-ton loads.

( 5 ) Commander tours Twantay, Kawhmu, Kungyangon townships

Yangon, 17 Feb- Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, accompanied by Secretary of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint and division-level departmental officials, inspected regional development tasks and agriculture and livestock breeding tasks in Twantay, Kawhmu and Kungyangon townships this morning.

At 9.30 am, the commander and party arrived at Letkhokkon region of Kungyangon Township. At the Letkhokkon Hotel, the commander met departmental officials, breeders and local people. Speaking on the occasion, the commander said that smooth transportation is one of the factors for regional development; it is necessary to carry out maintenance tasks as quickly as possible on the motor road sections from Dalla to Letkhokkon village through Pyawbwegyi, Rakhinegyaung, Thakhut-gyaung and Bottin villages; repair work are to be undertaken on tarred road sections; and arrangements are to be made for construction of gravel roads.

Secretary of Yangon South District Peace and Development Council Maj Myo Thant reported on condition of roads in Dalla, Twantay, Kawhmu and Kungyangon townships, drainage system and feeder canals for agricultural purposes, condition of sluice gates for prevention of inflow of salty water; and Chairman of Kungyangon Township Peace and Development Council U Maung Myint Kyaw on regional development matters, agricultural tasks and the breeding of sea prawn. Then, private sea prawn breeders reported on the digging of prawn ponds and work to be done; and local people on regional development tasks and agricultural matters.

The commander attended to their needs. Next, the commander went to Letkhokkon Basic Education High School. He met with teachers and fulfilled the requirements. Afterwards, the commander proceeded to Letkhokkon Station Hospital (16-bed) and visited wards of the hospital. Later, the commander inspected the operation room and the medical store room.

( 6 ) Diplomatic corps, UN officials tour Myitkyina, Putao

Yangon, 17 Feb- A team comprising ambassadors and their wives of foreign missions, charges d'affaires ai of embassies and resident representatives of UN agencies led by Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ambassador of Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Ly Bounkham, accompanied by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and wife, arrived back here by air this afternoon after visiting Myitkyina and Putao in Kachin State.

On 15 February morning, Minister U Win Aung and party left here by special flight and arrived at Myitkyina Airport. They were welcomed there by Deputy Commander of Northern Command Brig-Gen San Tun and wife, Commander of Myitkyina Airbase Brig-Gen Bo Kyi and wife, senior military officers, departmental officials, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, traditional cultural troupes and local people.

At Malikha Guest House of Northern Command Headquarters, Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe and Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung extended greetings, and officials explained tasks for development of Kachin State. In the afternoon, the diplomatic corps, together with Deputy Commander Brig-Gen San Tun, visited the confluence of Maykha and Malikha rivers, 27 miles away from Myitkyina.

Then, they toured the Peace Gayha, 11 miles away from Myitkyina and the Kachin Bible University in Myitkyina. In the evening, Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe and wife hosted a dinner in honour of the diplomatic corps at Malikha Guest House. Cultural dances and songs were presented by the Kachin cultural troupe. Then, they, together with the commander, enjoyed the Kachin traditional manau dance. Yesterday morning, the excursion group, accompanied by Tactical Operations Commander Col Tin Shein and wife, visited Bala Min Htin Bridge, the Drug Addict Rehabilitation Hospital of the Health Department and the modern two-storey market in Myitkyina. At 1 pm, the group, accompanied by Col Tin Shein, left Myitkyina Airport for Putao Airport by special flight.

They were welcomed there by Chairman of Putao District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Myo, local Tactical Operations Commander Lt-Col Khaing Soe, departmental officials and local people. In the evening, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and wife hosted a dinner in their honour at Khakaborazi Yeiktha. After the dinner, the local traditional cultural troupe entertained traditional dances and songs to the guests. The diplomats then enjoined Kachin traditional manau dances together with local people. This morning, the diplomats group, accompanied by Tactical Operations Commander Lt-Col Khaing Soe, went to Molashedi Village seven miles from Putao.

They were welcomed there by Deputy Director of Putao District General Administration Department U Thein Zaw, Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Kyaw Than and local people. They passed through Molashedi suspension bridge. Next, the ambassadors and their wives wore traditional costumes and enjoined traditional dances with Rawan and Lesu national races. Kachin national races served fruits of local products to the ambassadors and their wives and sold local products and personal goods. At 1pm, they left Putao by special aircraft and arrived back here in the evening.