( 1 )   Secretary-1 inspects regional development endeavours in Maubin

 Yangon, 16 March-Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, the ministers, the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads and officials left here for Maubin in Ayeyawady Division by car this morning.

The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed near Mezali village in Nyaungdon Township by Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South West Command Brig-Gen Htay Oo and officials. First, the Secretary-1 inspected proposed sites for construction of a university, a technical college and a computer college in Maubin region for development of human resources. On arrival at the plot by Maubin-Kyaiklatt motor road near Nyaung Waing Village, the commander and officials reported to the Secretary-1 on the area, type of soil and condition of transport and communication.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 inspected the plot by Maubin-Kyaiklatt motor road near Alangyi Village and the plots by Maubin-Yelegalay motor road near Kalarsu and Aungheik villages. Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected District People's Hospital in Maubin where they were welcomed by Division Health Officer Dr U Than Aung, Medical Superintendent Dr Thein Wai, specialists, doctors and nurses.

 Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Kyaw Myint and Medical Superintendent Dr Thein Wai reported on the background history of the hospital, location, area, layout plan of the buildings and treatment. The Secretary-1 gave instructions on extension of buildings, specialist departments and fulfilling equipment for upgrading the existing 100-bed hospital to 200-bed specialist hospital.

 Later, the Secretary-1 and party inspected wards and the operation theatre. The Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Maubin Government Technical Institute where they were welcomed by Principal Daw Thandar Nyunt and teachers. Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung and the principal reported to the Secretary-1 on matters related to teaching and management. The Secretary-1 left necessary instructions. Next, the Secretary-1 and party paid obeisance to Buddha images at MyoU Pawdawmu Shwezedi Pagoda in Maubin. Then, the Secretary-1 inspected the sinking wall of the pagoda, condition of waterway and putting sandbags for prevention of erosion. Commander Brig-Gen Htay Oo and Deputy Minister for Transport U Pe Than conducted around the sites.

At the Prayer Hall of the pagoda, the Deputy Minister reported on preventive measures taken to protect the retaining wall from erosion and plans to be carried out. The Secretary-1 gave instructions on measures to be taken for durability of the pagoda. Cash donations were made for the pagoda. The donations were K 500,000 by Dagon International Co, K 500,000 by Shwe Kyarpyan Construction Co and K 300,000 by Htut Khaung Construction Co. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 met with members of Maubin District and Township Peace and Development Councils, service personnel, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, members of social associations and townspeople at Toe Shwewa Hall in Maubin.

First, Chairman of Maubin District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Thein Hlaing reported to the Secretary-1 on gross production of Maubin District for 2001-2002, fulfilment of target, cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy and production, cultivation of cold season crops and pulses and beans, breeding of fish and prawn, agriculture and livestock breeding work being implemented by national entrepreneurs on allotted fallow and wet lands and matters related to education and health.

The Secretary-1 said that according to the report of the chairman of Maubin District Peace and Development Council, the agriculture sector, the livestock breeding sector and production work have been improving year after year. He said that the purpose of his visit to the region is to attend to the requirements of development of Maubin District in accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe. Maubin District plays an important role in developing Ayeyawady Division. Ayeyawady Division is the rice bowl of Myanmar, and it provides sufficient food for the people.

 It produces rice most. Monsoon crops, cold season crops and peas and beans grow well in the region. As the division is teeming with rivers, creeks and lakes and is surrounded by water in the south and the north, it is rich in marine resources. Therefore, the division contributes greatly to the economic growth of the nation, and the State has to rely on it. In recognition of the important role of Ayeyawady Division in striving for the development of the entire nation, the Head of State has given guidance on development of Ayeyawady Division.

 Though Maubin is situated in the centre of Ayeyawady Division, a lot of development infrastructures are needed. So, with a view to contributing to the development of the entire Ayeyawady Division, the Head of State has given guidance on construction of a university, a technological college and a computer college in a year in Maubin. In accord with the guidance of the Head of State, coordination work has been done to upgrade an existing 100-bed hospital to a 200-bed one.

Necessary measures have been taken for prevention of erosion of the river bank in Maubin. After assumption of State duty, the Tatmadaw has made all-out efforts for stability, peace and tranquillity of the nation, national solidarity and Union Spirit. In addition, efforts have been made on self-reliance and without taking any assistance from outside in building economic infrastructures and improving the life of the people.

As certain national brethren resorted to armed struggles previously, the regions were not in stable condition, and as a result, they fell behind in development. As, in the time of the present Government, efforts have been made to achieve national reconsoli-dation, armed insurgency ceased and the regions have become stable and peaceful. Therefore, success has been achieved in undertaking regional development tasks. Development tasks have been undertaken, especially in border areas, which lagged behind in development.

After the development of border areas is gaining momentum, measures are being taken to ensure the equitable development of 14 states and divisions. Some regions in states and divisions have been designated as development ones, and arrangements have been made to develop these regions. For instance, there are Lashio development region in the north of Shan State, Kengtung development region in the east and Taunggyi development region in the south. In accord with the guidance of the Head of State, arrangements have been made to build Panglong University, Panglong Technology College and Panglong Computer College as soon as possible in honour of Panglong which lies in the centre of Shan State and where Panglong Spirit and Union Spirit were conceived. To improve health care for the people in Panglong region, arrangements are being made to upgrade Loilem Hospital to a 200-bed hospital.

In Ayeyawady Division, Pathein and Hinthada regions have been designated as development regions. The Head of State has given guidance on developing Maubin region lying in the centre of Ayeyawady Division. Likewise, there are development regions in other states and divisions. Today there are altogether 24 development regions in the entire nation. In developing the region, infrastructures for the development of human resources such as universities and colleges are being opened. Moreover, to provide effective health care for local people, hospitals and clinics are being extended and upgraded.

 As is known to all, the Government is building a network of roads and bridges all over the nation. Reliance was once placed on waterways in Ayeyawady Division. Now that Bo Myat Tun Bridge, the longest one in Myanmar, and big and small bridges have been constructed in the region, the condition of transport has become smoother and easier not only in the region but also among Ayeyawady Division and other states and divisions.

 Previously, it took 18 hours to travel from Yangon to Pathein by boat. Now it takes only three hours by car. On completion of Wakema Bridge and Shwelaung Bridge, the condition of transport in Wakema, Myaung-mya, Pyapon, Kyaiklatt and Mawlamyinekyun Townships is improving. In striving for the development of the entire nation, no assistance has been obtained from anyone. In addition, despite internal and external disturbances, efforts have been made relying on the internal strength. In implementing short-term economic plans of the Government, the economic growth is greater than targeted.

 It can be ascribed to the concerted efforts of the Government and the people. Today, in accord with the guidance of the Head of State, five rural development tasks are being undertaken in border areas as well as in rural areas. All are to participate in undertaking these tasks so that more success can be achieved.

 To accomplish the goal  emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation � efforts need to be based on agriculture in view of natural resources of the nation. To develop human resources required in building the nation into an industrialized one, Myanma Maritime University and Myanma Aerospace Engineering University as well as technological universities have been opened and are to be opened.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 called on all to cooperate with the Government in striving for the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation with Union Spirit and patriotism. Then, the Secretary-1 and party went to the peasants' hospital in Hsamalauk, Nyaungdon Township. Medical Superintendent Dr Hla Kyaing reported on provision of health care. Later, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the laboratory, the X-ray room, the operation theatre and patient wards. The Secretary-1 and party arrived back here in the evening.

up

( 3 ) Maj- Gen Aung Htwe inspects regional development tasks in Shan State ( East)

Yangon, 16 March -Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by senior military officers of the Triangle Region Command and Chairman of Mongphyat District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Htay, inspected construction of 47-mile-long Mongphyat-Mongyawng motor road being undertaken by the Green Light Co Ltd on 11 March, and fulfilled the requirements.

At 1.30 pm, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and party met with departmental officials, local authorities, members of social organizations and village elders at the telegraph office in Mongyu Village, Mongyawng Township, and gave instructions on extension of departmental buildings, schools and hospitals in accord with the guidance of the Head of State, and attended to the needs.

At  4 pm, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe inspected the delivery room, the operation theatre and the laboratory of Mongyu Station Hospital, and spoke comforted the in-patients. He also inspected the site chosen for construction of the hospital staff quarter, and gave instructions to officials. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe inspected Mongyu Basic Education Middle School and Mongyu Police Station, and attended to the requirements. At 6 pm, he inspected the operation theatre and the X-ray room of 25-bed Mongyawn Township Hospital, and spoke words of encouragement to the in-patients.

 Then, he met with township-level departmental officials, members of social organizations, USDA, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, War Veterans Organization and others at the town hall of Mongyawn Township, and fulfilled the needs. On 12 March morning, he met with Chairman of Mongphyat District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Htay and members, district and township level departmental officials, members of USDA, social organization and others at the office of District Peace and Development Council. Chairman Lt-Col Aung Htay reported on the work being carried out for agriculture, livestock breeding, education, see health and regional development, and departmental officials on work being carried out sector-wise to Maj-Gen Aung Htwe, who fulfilled the requirements and gave instructions. At 11 am, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe inspected construction of the 150-foot-long Nathi-Kyauksigon bridge and attended to the requirements.

 Then, he met with district and township level departmental officials at the hall of local battalion in Tachilek and gave instructions on regional development. At 2 pm on 13 March, he met with township level departmental officials, members of social organizations and USDA and townselders at the office of Mongton Township Peace and Development Council and gave instructions on regional development. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe together with Brig-Gen Tun Tun of Monghsat Station inspected construction of a spa centre in Monghsat Township on 14 March. He then inspected construction of Monghsat-Mongkhok-Kengtung road being undertaken by Asia World Co and gave necessary instructions to officials.

Parade columns practise marching from Myoma Grounds to Resistance Park

Yangon, 16 March- The military columns which will participate in the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade practised marching from Myoma Grounds to the Resistance Park from 6 am to 10 am today. Under the leadership of Parade Commander Brig-Gen Hla Tun and Reserve Parade Commander Col Than Htay, Tatmadawmen, members of Myanmar Police Force, Fire Services Department and Red Cross Society from Anawrahta Column led by Col Thaung Shwe, Kyansittha Column led by Col Tin Hla, Bayintnaung Column led by Col Khin Maung Win, Nawade Column led by Captain Han Sein (Navy), Aungzeya Column led by Col Khin Maung Latt, Hsinbyushin Column led by Col Myo Thant, Bandoola Column led by Col Aung Min, Myawady Column led by Col Hla Moe and Aung San Column led by Col Thaung Zin practised the parade drills. Vice-Chiefs of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint and Brig-Gen Thein Swe, Chairman of Best Company Selection Work Committee Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, Chairman of Security Work Committee Deputy Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint, senior military officers and officials inspected the parade drills of the military columns.

( 4 ) One thousand boys novitiated at Myatswedaw Dhammayon of Maha Htupayon Pariyatti Sarthintaik in Thonze

 Yangon, 16 March -Altogether 1,000 boys were initiated into novicehood in conjunction with a reor-dination ceremony and a merit-sharing ceremony for new Yadanawin Dhamma-yon with the sponsorship of Thiha Thudhamma Mani-jotadhara U Khin Myint-Daw Than Than Win and daughter Ma Khin Yadana Win of Sanywaydan Street, Thonze, at Maha Htupayon Sarthintaik, Thonze, Thaya-wady Township, Thayawady District, Bago Division (West) this morning.

 It was attended by State Peace and Development Council member Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Maha Saddhamma Jotika Shwe-kyin Sasanabaing Bhaddanta Vimalabhivamsa, Presiding Nayaka of Maha Htupayon Pariyatti Sarthintaik Maha Dwara Anunayaka Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhad-danta Candima and members of the Sangha.

Also present were Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Chairman of Bago Division (West) Peace and Development Council Col Soe Nwe, members of District and Township Peace and Development Councils, officials, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, social organizations and well-wishers. Minister U Aung Khin and Thiha Thudhamma Manijotadhara U Khin Myint formally opened the Dham-mayon. Then, Waso Saya-daw of Mandalay Maha Withuddayon Kyaungtaik Shwekyin Nikaya Vice-Sasanabaing Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Agghiya invested the congregation with the Five Precepts. Afterwards, members of the Sangha recited Metta Sutta. Next, Maj-Gen Tin Aye, Minister U Aung Khin and wellwishers U Khin Myint-Daw Than Than Win and daughter Ma Khin Yadana Win presented offertories to members of the Sangha. Later, U Khin Myint supplicated on the purpose of the donation.

Then, Tipitakadhara Dhamma Bandagayika Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa (Yaw) Saya-daw of Maha Withuddayon Taikthit in Yangon delivered a sermon, followed by the sharing of merits gained. The ceremony ended with three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam Siramtitthatu. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Tin Aye, Minister U Aung Khin and well-wishers offered "soon" to members of the Sangha.

( 5 ) Commander inspects regional development, agricultural tasks in Hmawby, Hlegu Townships

 Yangon, 16 March- Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe toured Hmawby and Hlegu townships in Yangon North District this morning, and inspected regional development and agricultural tasks. The commander arrived at the construction site of Kalihtaw Dam near Pyinmadaw Village in Hlegu Township. At the briefing hall, Head of Yangon Division Irrigation Department U Kyaw Thein reported on progress in construction of the dam. The commander gave instructions on timely completion of the work. Then, the commander inspected construction tasks being carried out with the use of heavy machinery, and gave instructions on security measures, timely completion of the tasks and meeting the set standard.

Next, the commander viewed the construction site of the dam from Yathaytaung Pagoda Hill. Kalihtaw Dam is an earthen one. The dam, 65 feet high and 3,500 feet long, has water storage capacity of 26,000 acre-feet. At the highest water level of the dam, the surface area of water is 1,650 acre. The dam has one concrete conduit, 6 feet high, 4 feet wide and 280 feet long. Moreover, the dam has one 10-feet-wide reinforced concrete spillway. On completion of the dam, the dam will irrigate over 9,000 acres of vegetable cultivation land at Yangon Division Vegetable and Poultry Farming Special Zone near Nyaunghnapin Village. Afterwards, the commander proceeded to Yangon Division Vegetable and Poultry Farming Special Zone-1 near Nyaunghnapin Village.

At the briefing hall, Special Zone-1 in-charge Yangon Division Manager of Myanma Agriculture Service U San Maung, Special Zone-2 in-charge Commissioner of Yangon Division General Administration Department U Thein Swe and Special Zone-3 in-charge Head of Yangon Division Settlement and Land Records Department U Naing Win reported on land reclamation in the zones, completion of vegetable cultivation and the raising of layers and broilers.

Then, Officer on Special Duty at Yangon Division Myanma Electric Power Enterprise U Aung Kyaw Oo reported on installation of power lines and the transformer, and Director of Yangon Division Forest Department U Ko Ko on the nurseries of Thithseint (belleric myrobalan), toddy, tamarind and other shade trees and flowering trees. Next, the agriculturists and breeders reported on their requirements.

Afterwards, the commander called on departmental officials to fulfil requirements of private entrepreneurs and breeders, and to carry out land reclamation during this open season. Then, the commander inspected completion of vegetable cultivation in the special zone-1 from the observation tower, and gave necessary instructions.

The ministries and private entrepreneurs cultivate vegetable plantations in Yangon Division Vegetable and Poultry Farming Special Zones. So far, vegetables have been cultivated on 3,283 acres, and over 530,000 layers and broilers have been raised. Over 200,000 broilers have been sold out. Next, the commander proceeded to No 2 Poultry Farm of Yangon Command in Hmawby Township. At the briefing hall, Maj Myat Nyein in charge of the farm reported on the raising of layers at the farm. The commander attended to the needs. The commander inspected the poultry farm and gave instructions on the raising of layers to meet the target, sale of eggs at tax-free markets in Yangon and other markets and health care for the layers.

( 6 )  Wellwishers donate cash for Sangha meetings

Yangon, 16 March- The cash donation ceremony of the wellwishers, who will offer " soon " to Sayadaws at the Fourth Meeting of Fifth 47-member State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Meeting, the second meeting of the Fifth State Central Working Committee of the Sangha and the religious title presentation ceremony, was held at the altar room of Maha Nayaka Kyaungdawgyi on Kaba Aye Hill at 9.30 am this morning.

 Present were Secretary of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara and member Sayadaws, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Adviser to the State Peace and Development Council U Arnt Maung, Director-General of the Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint, officials and donors.

The ceremony was opened with the three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. Then, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara administered the Five Precepts. At the donation ceremony, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Advisor U Arnt Maung and Director-General Dr Myo Myint accepted K 680,000 by Yangon Division Peace and Development Council, K 500,000 by Buddha Sasana Nuggaha of Yangon Mahasi Yeiktha, K 500,000 by U Hla Aye and Koeparsay Traditional Medicine family K 360,000 by Daw Myint Myint Thein and Daw Khin Win Myint and sisters, K 350,000 by Sandi Traditional Medicine Family, K 350,000 by Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun-Daw Nwe Nwe Kyi and family, K 350,000 by Htoo Co, K 200,000 by Daw Khin Hla and U Hla Myo, Daw Khin Win Maw and U Min Naing and family, K 123,000 by U Tin Win- Daw Thein Thein Oo and daughter Ma Thin Yu Aung, K 70,000 by U Aye Tin-Daw Kyu Kyu and family (Hintha Min Binding Enterprise), K 60,000 by Bhaddanta Kavinda�ara of Lashio Myole Kyaungtaik and lay persons, K 200,000 to the funds for "soon" and K 36,000 by U Tin Moe-Daw Aye Shin, Ko Sein San-Ma Myintzu Tun and Ko Aung Naing Tun-Ma Soe Soe Aye and family and presented certificates of honour to them. Afterwards, the Magway Sayadaw delivered a sermon and the congregation shared the merits gained. Later, the ceremony came to an end with three times recitation of Buddha Sasanamniram Titthatu.