( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Kuwait

Yangon, 25 Feb- 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 Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Amir of the State of Kuwait on the occasion of the National Day of the State of Kuwait which falls on 25 February 2002.

( 3 )  If there are no disturbances and obstacles, pace of national development, work to build democratic nation will be quicker
Sluice gates built to prevent salty water from flowing into farmlands during monsoon and to supply water in summer
Secretary-1 addresses inauguration ceremony of Paingkyon Sluice Gate in Kawa Township

Yangon, 24 Feb- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads and officials, left here by Tatmadaw aircraft this morning and arrived at Paingkyon Sluice Gate in Kawa Township, Bago Division, at 8.25 am.

The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed there by Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander Brig-Gen Aung Min and officials. A ceremony to inaugurate Paingkyon Sluice Gate, built by the Irrigation Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, was held at the pandal near the sluice gate at 8.30 am, with an address by the Secretary-1. Present on the occasion were the Secretary-1 and party, the commander, local authorities, departmental personnel, the director-general of ID and workers of Construction Group-6, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigades, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, teachers, students, the traditional drum troupe, the dance troupe, the band, the pom-pom dance troupe, farmers of Thanatpin, Kawa and Bago townships and local people totalling over 7,500. At the ceremony, the Secretary-1 delivered an address.

The Secretary-1 said as is known to all, the State Peace and Development Council, while trying to overcome external and internal hindrances, has laid down better foundations for national development in order to enable the nation to keep abreast with other nations. He said the government is striving for the improvement of the socio-economic life of the people with added momentum and for emergence of a peaceful, modern, developed nation while further consolidating the united forces of all national races living in the Union. In doing so, officials concerned are making endeavours for development of economic infrastructures such as production based on agriculture, forestry, meat and fish, mineral and energy resources, small- and medium-sized industrial production and trading activities and for the harmonious and gradual development of education, health, culture and social basis of the people. He said the government is working hard to ensure equal progress for all regions after fulfilling the requirements of each region, and also striving for harmonious and equal development of all parts of the country in order to uplift the socio-economic life of local people.

He said major roads and bridges, irrigation networks and sluice gates which are infrastructures for the development of economy of the State and economically and socially necessary for the people, are being built nationwide as priority projects in the time of the present government. In building dams, reservoirs and sluice gates, various arrangements for availability of water which are suitable for the respective regions, are being made so as to exploit water and land resources, the basic strength of the agriculture sector, in the the most beneficial way, he added. Secretary-1 addresses inauguration ceremony of Paingkyon Sluice Gate. Therefore, he said, dam projects, water pumping projects and under-ground water projects are being implemented in the regions where there is insufficient water. Sluice gate projects are also being undertaken in low-lying areas and inundated areas, he said. He said farmlands along the Bago-Sittaung canal became difficult to cultivate due to the silt from Sittaung and Bago Rivers and floods during the rainy seasons.

The Head of State gave guidance on building of sluice gates to prevent salty water from flowing into the regions during the monsoon and to supply water in summer, he said. Therefore Shankaing sluice gates in Waw Township was inaugurated in March 2001 and later Paingkyon sluice gate in Kawa Township was also opened, he said. He said Tawa sluice gate in Thanatpin Township is under construction and arrangements have been made for construction of Kokko sluice gate in Thanatpin Township and Zwebat sluice gate in Waw Township. The Paingkyon sluice gate makes the local people free from social troubles caused by floods and can supply water to 30,000 acres of farmlands all year round and benefits will be gained for local farmers as it prevents salty water from flowing into the farmlands, he added. He said the government built 29 dams and sluice gates in Bago Division including the present one at a cost of K 21871.82 million and they are beneficial to 201,569 acres of farmlands. There are 130 dams including the present one and benefited acres are over 1.8 million and the government spent K 51,453.03 million for these dams, he said. Building a great number of dams is not the interest of the government but for uplift of socio-economic life of farmers in rural areas. Due to the concerted efforts of the entire people, national development is gaining momentum. Infrastructures such as major roads, bridges across the rivers and dams have emerged the length and breath of the nation. Many roads, bridges across the rivers and streams and dams are under construction and under arrangement.

He pointed out that people should not be content with the progress achieved. In order to speed up the development, officials concerned are making concerted efforts for implementation of five rural development tasks of development of transport in rural areas, water supply, uplift of health and education standard of rural people and development of rural areas in accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, he said. The Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs is building roads linking villages and roads joining villages and towns with the aim of bettering the condition of transport in rural areas. In the time of the present government, over 295 miles of tarred roads, over 1,900 miles of gravel roads, over 300 miles of laterite roads and over 13,000 miles of earth roads have been built in rural areas. To provide health care to the people in rural areas, rural health centres and branches and station hospitals have been opened. In 1988-89, there were only 1,337 rural health centres; in 2000-2001, the number increased up to 1,402 by 65. The number of rural health branches grew from 5,348 to 5,657 by over 300. In 1988-89, there were 303 station hospitals; in 2000-2001, the number increased up to 395. To upgrade the education standard of rural people, new basic education schools have been opened and measures taken to improve pedagogical skills.

Only when the offspring of rural people become educated persons and technicians, can efforts be made for the socio-economic development of local people. So, education promotion programmes are being implemented in rural areas. In 1988-89, there were 31,329 basic education primary schools; in 2000-2001, the number grew to 35,159 by 3,830. In 1988-89, there were 1,696 basic education middle schools; in 2000-2001, the number increased up to 3,099 by 1,403. Those who will have to enjoy the development of rural areas are only farmers and the people in rural areas. The more schools are opened, the more educated the children of the people become. Special emphasis has been laid on the development of human resources. As the entire national people have worked in unity and on self-reliance under the leadership of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, the foundations of development including rural development have been achieved.

The State Peace and Development Council is working day and night with the aim of developing the nation, improving national economy and raising the living standard of the people. Due to genuine goodwill and love of the nation and the people, the Government has managed to enlist public participation and build the foundations of development for the nation. The cooperation between the Government and the people is of great significance. With perfunctory efforts, the foundations of development cannot be built. As the Government has worked hard day and night, these good results have been achieved. If there were no internal and external disturbances, more progress could be made in building the foundations of development for the nation, and it is sure that the national goal  emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation  will emerge soon.

Therefore, local farmers and people need to realize the goodwill and lofty aims of the Government, to use the foundations of development effectively and to continue to join hand with the Government in striving to enable the nation to stand tall in the world, to strengthen national economy and to achieve further development in such fields as education, health and culture. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged the local people to work hard for the improvement of their socio-economic life by effectively using the agricultural development resulting from the opening of Paingkyone Sluice Gate, to cooperate with local authorities and departmental personnel in striving for the rapid development of rural areas and improvement of living standard of local people in response to the goodwill of the Head of State, to cooperate with the Government in working for the development of the nation and improvement of national economy and to strive to overcome hindrances and stringencies in building a prosperous nation. Then, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin said.

Today, the State has erected a historic milestone for rural area development because Paingkyon sluice gate could be commissioned into service as an infrastructure for Bago Division, reliable one for economic development of the State. In carrying out tasks for economic development of the State placing priority on agriculture sector, as development of agro-based economy has gained momentum, other related economy and social sectors will also become developed in balance. Fruitful outcome has emerged through the guidance for irrigation and flood prevention tasks which play a key role in development of agriculture sector given by the Head of State who knows this fact. In upper and central Myanmar, and dry zone, large, medium and small irrigation projects, river water pumping projects are being implemented all over the region. In lower Myanmar, tasks are being carried out with various ways and means for utilisation of fallow and vacant land where agriculture works could not be done due to unfavourable natural conditions  floods and salty water.

Due to endeavours made by the State for irrigation and flood prevention in short period, a total of 130 projects all over the country including fifteen clusters of dam in eastern part of Bago Yoma, eight in western part of Bago Yoma, ten in eastern part of Magway, two in western part of Magway, twelve in Myingyan and Meikhtila, three in Shwebo and Monywa and four in western part of Ayeyawady River have emerged as prominent buildings in the history of irrigation in Myanmar. The ratio of irrigated farmland has increased to 19 per cent of net sown acreage all across the country; 25 million acres compared with 2.5 million in 1988. Today, the State is making endeavours for building industrialised country based on agriculture. In doing so, preparatory work are to be made for implementing scheduled tasks for 2002-2003 which is the second year of five-year short term project implemented since 2001-2002 to 2005-2006. In forthcoming 2002-2003, a total of 16.4 million acres of paddy  monsoon paddy 13.4 million acres and summer paddy 3 million acres, 7.7 million acres of purses and beans, 6.6 million acres of oil crops, 890,000 acres of cotton, 500,000 acres of sugar cane and 760,000 acres of corn are scheduled to be grown.

He urged the attendance to make efforts for boosting of regional agricultural production and successful implementation of objectives of the State. Because of silt in the drainages taking out water from Bago and Sittaung rivers, fields along Bago-Sittaung canal in the south of Pagaita region in Bago Division, water flow in rainy season was difficult for a long time. The region became an inundated area and it caused difficulties in cultivating. So, arrangements for re-digging main drainages in this region and constructing of sluice gates have been made. Now, Shankai and Paigkyon sluice gates are in existence and Tawa and Zwebat sluice gates are under construction. Winkadat, Kanpyo, Kokko and Sema sluice gates will be built. The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation would like to record the effort of local authorities in Bago Division and staff from Irrigation Department who actively took part in building this sluice gate.

Local farmers and people are to maintain the sluice gate that is the proof of the goodwill of the State for the progress of socio-economic life of local people and to strive for the progress of industrial agriculture. Then, Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Brig-Gen Aung Thein made a speech. He said local people had witnessed that fields along Bago-Sittoung canal were inundated area because of silt in the drainages that make water flow difficult. Recently built Paikkyon sluice gate can take out water in Paikkyon Creek into the Bago River. Closing the sluice gate will contribute to preventing of sea water entering the river when river water rises. The sluice gate can prevent 30,000 acres of land in the division from flood, and it can retain fresh water and prevent sea water from entering the fields. So, paddy and other crops can be grown well and income and living standard of local farmers and will rise.

He said he would like to thank leaders of the State and the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation for building the sluice gate. It is needed to maintain the sluice gate that was built at a cost of a large amount of money, and officials from Bago Division Peace and Development Council, Kawa Township Peace and Development Council and village Peace and Development Council in Bago Division and farmers are to maintain the sluice gate. The officials in the division and people will actively maintain it, he said. Then, Kawa Township USDA Secretary U Aye Naing spoke words of thanks for building the sluice gate. Next, the Secretary-1 presented prizes of honour for service personnel who participated in the construction of the sluice gate to Director U Maung Maung Myint of Construction Group-6 and mechanical technicians for Assistant Director U Hla Myint of ID. Afterwards, the inauguration ceremony was held at the archway of the sluice gate. The Secretary-1 unveiled the stone inscriptions of the sluice gate. Then, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and Commander Brig-Gen Aung Min opened the sluice gate. After the opening ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party posed for documentary photo together with local people in front of the archway.

Next, the Secretary-1 cordially met the local people and inspected the sluice gate. At the briefing hall, the Secretary-1 gave instructions on upgrading of local roads to the officials. Afterwards, Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported on drainage of wetland areas, south of Pagaing embankment in Bago District and tasks being carried out for water supply of agricultural tasks in summer. Then, Director-General U Kyaw San Win of ID reported on facts related to Paingkyon Sluice Gate, construction tasks and benefited area of the sluice gate. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence and Commander Brig-Gen Aung Min gave supplementary reports. The Secretary-1 left necessary instructions. Paingkyon Sluice Gate was built near the confluence of Paingkyon Creek and Bago River in Kawa Township. The concrete sluice gate has 37 6-ft by 12-ft-wide valves. The sluice gate will benefit 30,000 acres of land. The sluice gate was built with the aims of draining the wetland areas in Kawa Township in rainy season and ensuring to prevent the flood water of Bago River, storing the fresh water in summer season and preventing salty water and silt.

( 4 ) Secretary-1 attends opening ceremony of multimedia teaching centre of No 5 Basic Education High School in Bago

Yangon, 24 Feb- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party, accompanied by Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Brig-Gen Aung Min, arrived by helicopter at the site for construction of Bago River Bridge in Bago Township at 10.30 am today after attending the inauguration of Paingkyon sluice gate in Kawa Township, Bago Division early in the morning. The Secretary-1 inspected the site for construction of Bago River Bridge.

Superintending Engineer of Public Works U Kyaw Lwin reported on the axis chosen for the bypass and site location of the bridge and Chairman of Shwe Thanlwin Co U Kyaw Win on construction of the bypass of Bago. Commander Brig-Gen Aung Min reported on construction of Yangon-Mandalay Union Highway in Bago Division. The Secretary-1 gave instructions. The Secretary-1 and party arrived in Bago. The opening ceremony of multimedia teaching centre was held at No 5 Basic Education High School in Bago at 11.30 am, attended by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Also present were members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, Commander of Southern Command Brig-Gen Aung Min, the ministers, the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, members of Division, District and Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental personnel, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, social organizations, the director-general of No 1 Basic Education Department and officials, Township Education Officer, members of School Board of Trustees, members of Parent-Teacher Association, Headmistress Daw Khin Lay Mu and teachers, students, members of dance troupe and wellwishers.

A ceremony to unveil Myanmar education goal stone inscription of No 5 BEHS was then held. The Secretary-1 and party and those present saluted the State Flag. Student band troupe played the national anthem. Outstanding students formally unveiled the Myanmar education goal stone inscription. The opening ceremony of multimedia teaching centre of No 5 BEHS was held. Headmistress Daw Khin Lay Mu and Chairman of School Board of Trustees U Thet Naing formally opened the centre. Next, the Secretary-1 formally unveiled the signboard of the centre. The Secretary-1 and party inspected the computer application and e-mail, computer aided instruction, electronic media (language lab), desktop visual presenter, electronic media (video system) and printed media (reading corner) and observed skill demonstration and performance of the students.

The Secretary-1 and party inspected the art studio, handicraft room and domestic science room. The Secretary-1 and party observed the skill demonstration of the students. Headmistress Daw Khin Lay Mu reported on efforts for opening of the centre and Chairman of School Board of Trustees U Thet Naing on collective work for opening of the centre. The Secretary-1 presented teaching aid video tapes to Headmistress Daw Khin Lay Mu. The Secretary-1 thanked local authorities, members of the school board of trustees, teachers and students for their contribution to the opening of a multimedia teaching centre at Basic Education High School No 5, Bago. As the Government managed to enlist the participation and cooperation of the people in opening multimedia teaching centres all over the nation, success has been achieved in a short time. In the world today, there are rapid changes and progress.

So all are to work hard not to be left behind others. In building a modern, developed nation, human resources are of vital importance. It is necessary to nurture technicians and academicians in developing the nation. Education promotion programmes are being implemented with the aim of upgrading national education up to international level and bridging the gap of education between rural and urban areas. Today, as students are using multimedia teaching centres which have emerged due to public participation, their intellectual power is improving, and the gap of education between urban and rural areas is narrowing. In implementing the plans laid down by the Government, progress has been made, and it can be attributed to the participation of the people. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged all to continue to work hard so that the already-achieved progress can be maintained. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party posed for photos together with members of the school board of trustees, the headmistress and teachers and students.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the axis chosen for construction of the road bypassing Bago which will be linked with Yangon-Mandalay Highway at the entrance of Bago. The Secretary-1 and party arrived at the ruined historic Naungdawgyi Pagoda in Bago. At the briefing hall, Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Nyi Hla Nge and Myanma handicraft technician U Ohn Tin reported on the size and scale model of historic Naungdawgyi Reclining Buddha Image in the past and rebuilding work. The Secretary-1 gave instructions on rebuilding of the Buddha Image. Then, the Secretary-1 and party viewed progress in the rebuilding of the Buddha Image.

Secretary-1 attends opening ceremony Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party went to the construction site of Kanbawzathadi Palace built by King Bayintnaung in Bago. At the briefing hall, the Secretary-1 inspected bronze objects of AD 16th Century excavated in Shinsawpu Ward, Bago. Director-General U Nyunt Han of Archaeology Department reported on preserving the halls of the Palace and greening tasks in the compound of the Palace, Deputy Superintending Engineer of Public Works U Kyi Tun on reconstruction of the Palace and Tampawady U Win Maung on the carrying out of Myanmar handicraft works. Minister for Culture U Tin Winn gave a supplementary report. Then, the Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions and inspected construction of the Royal Audience Hall. Next, the Secretary-1 and party went to Seinthahlyaung Reclining Buddha Image and paid obeisance to the Image.

They accepted donations for construction of the Tazaung of the Image. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, Minister Lt-Gen Min Thein and Commander Brig-Gen Aung Min accepted K 57,194,499 donated by wellwishers including K 125,000 for construction of the Tazaung by Daw Kyin and family through Maj-Gen Tin Aye, K 300,000 by Cmdr Ngwe Tun-Daw Aye Aye Kyu and family, K 20 million by U Aung Ko Win (Kanbawza Bank), K 5 million by U Soe Myint (Asia Light Co), K 2.5 million by U Tin Aung and Gangawtaw U Myo Aung, K 500,000 by Sri Chinmoy; The Peace Meditation at the United Nations, K 1.5 million by U Khin Myint (Yadana Win Co), K 1 million by U Hlaing Soe (Yadana Kyaw Co Ltd), K 700,000 by U Tin Myint (BRB Co Ltd), K 21,769,999 by 26 wellwishers and K 999,999 by U Myo Min Tin Tun (Five Stars). Afterwards, Deputy Superintending Engineer U Kyi Tun of Public Works reported on progress of construction work of the Tazaung. The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions.

The Secretary-1 then spoke words of thanks. He said that on behalf of the Committee for All-Round Renovation of the Image, he would like to thank wellwishers who made cash donations for construction of a Tazaung for historic Seinthahlyaung Image in Bago. For many years, the Image had to be in the rain and in the sun without a Tazaung. A Committee for All-Round Renovation of the Image was formed under the leadership of the State because a wellwisher who made the main contribution for construction of the Tazaung emerged.

The foundation laying ceremony was held in 1998 because wellwishers also made cash donations. Then, construction work started. Now, construction of the Tazaung has completed thanks to earnest donations of the wellwishers. All-round renovation work will be carried out for the emergence of a place where the Sasana flourishes by constructing religious buildings in the precinct of the Image and making the Image look sublime. Arrangements are to be made for the wellwishers to be able to make donations for the all-round renovation work to be implemented. Later, the Secretary-1 and party paid obeisance to the Image and viewed the newly constructed Tazaung. The secretary-1 and party arrived back here in the evening.

( 5 ) Minister inspects construction of Tarwa Sluice Gate in Thanatpin Township

Yangon, 24 Feb- Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin arrived at the construction site of Tarwa Sluice Gate on Bago-Sittoung Canal near Tarwa Village in Thanatpin Township this morning. Director U Khin Maung Myint of Construction Group-6 of Irrigation Department reported on construction tasks of the sluice gate.

The minister met with Director-General U Kyaw San Win of ID and officials and discussed conditions of wetland areas in Parai embankment, construction of sluice gates at main canal and building of Tarwa Sluice Gate. The minister then inspected water supply for summer paddy fields and construction of Tarwa sluice gate. Tarwa Sluice Gate is a supporting one of Paingkyon Sluice Gate in Kawa Township. Tarwa sluice gate will benefit 32,000 acres of land. Later, the minister inspected the waterway, canals and condition of Sittoung Canal.

Cetiyangana Pariyatti Dhamma Nuggaha presentation ceremony held

Yangon, 24 Feb- The 84th Cetiyangana Pariyatti Dhamma Nuggaha presentation ceremony, organized by the Board of Trustees of the Shwedagon Pagoda, was held at the Chanthagyi prayer hall of the pagoda at noon today. It was attended by members of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, Ovada Cariya Sayadaws of the pagoda and members of the Sangha who have passed the examination, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Chairman of the Leading Committee for All Round Renovation of the Shwe-dagon Pagoda Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, officials of the ministry, members of the Board of Trustees of the pagoda and wut associations.

After receiving the Five Precepts from Nyaungdon Sayadaw, the minister, the deputy minister and members of the Board of Trustees presented certificates to the members of the Sangha who have passed the examination. Then, the minister, the deputy minister and the congregation shared the merits gained and the ceremony came to a close with the three time recitations of Buddha Sasanam Ciram Titthatu.

USDA Secretary-General receives Chinese goodwill delegation

Yangon, 24 Feb- Secretary-General U Than Aung of the Union Solidarity and Development Association received the Chinese goodwill delegation led by Mr Wang Yunze at the office of USDA head office at 6.30 pm today. The secretary-general explained objectives of the association and tasks being carried out to the goodwill delegation and discussed matters related to development of the two countries. Also present at the call were CEC members of USDA U Thein Sein and Brig-Gen Thein Aung, and officials from USDA head office and Ambassador of China Mr Li Jinjun.

( 6 )  Minister for Industry-1 inspects factories in PyinOoLwin

Yangon, 24 Feb- Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, accompanied by officials, inspected the artemisia tree plantation of the Virginia Factory of Myanma Foodstuff Industries in PyinOoLwin Township yesterday. Managing Director U Kyaw Myint of MFI and plantation in-charge U Tin Nwe reported on arrangements for extended cultivation of the plantation. Member of Central Executive Committee of Union Solidarity and Development Association U Aung Thaung went to Mogyopyit Model Village in PyinOoLwin Township and donated provisions to Sayadaw U Vi�itta and members of the Sangha of Bawdi Shwekyaung at the village. The CEC member met with Mandalay Division USDA Secreatry U Tin Maung Oo and officials of division, district, township and village USDAs at the there.

He then accepted 2,000 USDA membership applications of local people. Local people reported on rural development, uplift of education standard of students and rural health matter. The CEC member attended to their needs. The CEC member donated K 200,000 for education matters of students to Headmistress Daw Khin Ohn Myint of Affiliated Basic Education High School in Mogyopyit Model Village. At PyinOoLwin USDA Office, the CEC member heard reports by PyinOoLwin USDA Secretary U Myo Thant and executives and attended to their needs.

Then, the minister arrived at Pwetaung plantation raw crop division of MFI and inspected thriving barley plantation. Managing Director U Kyaw Myint reported on cultivation of barley plantation. Next, the CEC member proceeded to Anisakhan in PyinOoLwin Township and met local people. Then, he accepted 2,000 USDA membership applications. Local people reported on education and health matters in rural areas. The CEC member fulfilled the requirements. Afterwards, the minister went to the construction site of Myanma Pharmaceutical Factory Project. The factory will be built on 326 acres of land near Anisakhan in PyinOoLwin Township. On completion, the factory will be the largest one in the country and it will produce and distribute import-substitute medicines to the people.

5th National Sanitation Week launched

Yangon, 24 Feb- The opening ceremony of the Fifth National Sanitation Week, organized by the Ministry of Health and sponsored by the WHO and the UNICEF, was held at the hall of International Business Centre on Pyay Road here this morning, with an address by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein.

Also present on the occasion were ministers, deputy ministers, the director of the Medical Services of Defence Services, directors-general, deputy directors-general and directors from the Ministry of Health and other related ministries, the chairmen of groups of Myanma Academy of Medical Sciences, advisers, rectors, medical superintendents from hospitals in Yangon, officials from UN agencies, chairmen and officials from NGOs and invited guests. The minister made an opening speech. He said the national sanitation week activities have been carried out since early 1998 and this is the fifth time. It has been carried out as a national character based on No 9 decision of the 20th meeting of the National Health Committee held on 30 October 1995. According to the reports of state/division health departments, the sanitation latrine coverage was 60 per cent at the First National Sanitation Week launched in 1998.

The Fourth National Sanitation Week was carried out last year and according to the data, it is 86.6 per cent performance in 2001 December, and with the momentum of the campaign it is hoped that the coverage will reach cent per cent in 2002, he said. As availability of clean water is essential in building a new modern developed nation, it is needed to make arrangements for clean water supply and the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs are to strive for the participation of the public, to give educative talks and to make plans to be able to implement the activities so that availability of clean and safe water will develop proportionately, he added. Reports regarding information on progress of cleanliness and availability of clean and safe water are to be recorded. He also urged all to take part in the activities. Then, Director of East-Asia and Pacific Region of UNICEF Ms Mehr Khan made a speech and the opening ceremony came to a close. After the ceremony, the minister and guests looked around the booth for the Fifth National Sanitation week.

Minister inspects tasks of metal production

Yangon, 24 Feb- Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, together with officials, inspected the steel mill in PyinOoLwin, Mandalay Division, on 22 February morning. He gave necessary instructions on progress of production to the officials and inspected the plantation of the mill.

Next, the minister proceeded to Bawsai Mine where he gave instructions on progress of metal production to the officials and urged to take part in implementation of regional development tasks. Yesterday morning, the minister, the deputy minister and heads of departments offered Seinbudaw, Hngetmyat-nadaw and Shwe-htidaw of Aung Theikdi Min-galar Pagoda to Pindaya Konlon Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Abhi-dhaja Agga Maha Sad-dhamma Jotikadhaja Bhad-danta Tejaniya. The Sayadaws, the minister and the deputy minister hoisted Seinbudaw, Hnget-myatnadaw and Shwe-htidaw atop the pagoda.