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

Yangon, 25 March -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 Excellency Mr Constantinos Stephanopoulos, President of the Hellenic Republic, on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Hellenic Republic which falls on 25 March 2002.

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( 2 ) Clusters of small-and medium-size dams will contribute to improvement of socio-economic life of local people Bawbin Dam inaugurated in Gyobingauk Township, Bago Division

Yangon, 24 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, ministers, the Chief of Staff (Navy), deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads and officials, left here by Tatmadaw helicopter this morning, and arrived at Bawbin Dam in Gyobingauk Township in Bago Division at 8.45 am. The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by 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 and officials.

A ceremony to inaugurate Bawbin Dam to hail the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day was held at the pandal near the dam at 9 am, with an address by Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Present were member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Brig-Gen Aung Min, the ministers, the Chief of Staff (Navy), the deputy ministers, the commander of No 66 LID, Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council (West Branch) Col Soe Nwe, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, members of Division, District and Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental personnel, the deputy director-general of the Irrigation Department, personnel of Construction Group-2 of the Irrigation Department who participated in construction of the dam, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organizations, teachers, students, a royal drumtroupe, band and pom pom dance troupes, farmers from Zigon, Nattalin, Monyo, Gyobingauk, Thaya-wady, Letpadan, Okpo and Minhla Townships and local people numbering over 8,000.

 The Secretary-1 said the Tatmadaw Government is undertaking nation-building and development tasks day and night in accord with the noble traditions of Myanma Tatma-daw to raise the living standard of the people and to enable them to lead happy lives, while discharging national defence and security duties. He said Bawbin Dam, one of the development programmes of the State being implemented by the Government in various parts of the country, was opened hailing the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day. Therefore, it was an occasion of which not only local people but also Myanma Tatmadaw should be proud.

The Tatmadaw government has been endeavouring with momentum to implement the objectives of enabling the nation to keep abreast with other nations in development sectors without stopping in various sectors even for a day ever since it took up State duties, he said. First, the Government gave top priority to peace and stability of the State and prevalence of law and order. Based on these achievements, State development infrastructures have been built step by step.

 Nowadays, progress has been made throughout the country including border areas. Geographical conditions divide Bago Division into two parts - east and west. In order to carry out development tasks in harmony, a division branch office has been established in Pyay in the west part, and regional development plans are being undertaken. Bago Division is a region where various kinds of crops can be grown and on which the Government relies in cultivating such main crops as paddy, cotton, sugarcane and peas and beans, he said. For example, he said, over 13 million acres of land have been placed under monsoon paddy all over the nation in 2001-2002.

Out of them, over two million acres of paddy are in Bago Division, which has the largest paddy sown acreage after Ayeyawady Division. The agriculture sector is the most basic economic sector of the country and also the main livelihood of the majority of the people. As for Myanmar, an agro-based country, if there is agricultural development, then the national economy will improve and the momentum of development of the State will increase. And quality of life of the people will also improve. That is why the Government has been laying greater emphasis on development of agriculture with the aim of improving the national economy and raising the living standard of the national people.

 The Government is making systematic arrangements to make more valuable the land of the region where crops grow well with the use of modern technologies and skills for boosting production of crops. It is also providing cultivation techniques and high-quality strains to farmers. Dams and reservoirs, river-water pumping pro-jects, sluice gates and underground water tapping projects have been implemented in the entire country to supply water continuously for agricultural purposes according to the needs of respective region.

The Bawbin Dam is the 132th dam built under the present government. The government spent K 53,726.28 million for 132 dams that irrigate over 1.89 acres of farmlands. In Bago Division, 30 dams including the Bawbin dam-14 in east region and 16 in west region were built. The government spent K 15,474.37 million for 30 dams in Bago Division alone. The dams can now irrigate 428,770 acres of farmlands. The Bawbin Dam was built at a cost of K 2,063.37 million and it can supply water to 30,000 acres of farmland. The Secretary-1 spoke on five dams built in Paukkhaung, Nattalin, Letpadan, Paungde and Thatawady Townships in the west region of Bago Division before the Bawbin Dam.

These dams now benefit the farmers, he said. He said in the east region of Bago Division Khabaung Dam in Oktwin Township that can irrigate 135,000 acres of farmland, Phyuchaung Dam in Phyu Township that can irrigate 120,000 acres of farmland, Yenwe Dam in Kyauktaga Township that can irrigate 118,500 acres of farmland, Baida Dam and Kawliya Dam in DaikU Township that can irrigate 46,700 acres of farmland and 24,500 acres of farmland respectively, Anilai Dam in Bago Township that can irrigate 10,000 acres of farmland, Bilin Dam in Letpadan Township that can irrigate 25,000 acres of farmland and Minhla Dam and Gamone Dam in Okpo Township that can 12,000 acres of farmland and 15,000 acres of farmlands respectively are under construction.

There are many big and small streams in Bago Division so that clusters of small and medium dams are being built for increase of irrigated areas. Building of such dams cost a great amount of funds for the State. Although it does not bear monetary profit, the government is building these clusters of dams in view of ensuring regional development and agro-based economic development of respective regions so as to promote the socio-economic life of the local people. In the future, those dams will continue to benefit the invaluable socio-economic life of the local people.

 In addition, old sluice gates are being reconstructed in Bago Division for preventing floods and deluge in rainy season and reclaiming the inundated acreage. In the Bago Division, abandoned farmlands are put back into use and new lands are reclaimed due to the emergence of new dam clusters. These are, in fact, the good economic foundations for Bago Division. At the same time, the Government has been bringing about good foundations in education, health and social sectors of the division. The fruitful results are now being enjoyed by the regional people practically.

 While the Government is providing all-round assistance for development, the local people, on their part, should make concerted efforts for development of agricultural, livestock breeding and production works for promoting their socio-economic lives, he urged. Nowadays, to effectively accelerate the development momentum being achieved by the State, the Government has been laid down the five rural development tasks and implementing them in hand with governmental organizations, local authorities and social associations.

 The five rural development tasks guided by the Head of State Senior General Than Shwe are development of village-to-village and village-to-urban transport, availability of water for cultivation and pure drinking water, uplift of education standard of rural people, provision of full health care service to rural people and uplift of health standard and uplift of rural economic life, agriculture, livestock breeding and production works.

 As the basic requirements are fulfilled in accord with the far-sighted guidance of the State of State, standard of socio-economic life of rural region and the people will improve, the Secretary-1 said. He urged local people to take part in the tasks for development of rural regions and economy and raising of their living standard in accord with the noble goodwill of the Head of State.money building dams including Bawbin Dam because of its goodwill towards the people. Therefore, all are to use water from the dams in the most beneficial way and maintain dams and reservoirs and water outlets. In conclusion, he called on local people to make concerted efforts for agricultural and regional development and improvement of living standard by using water from Bawbin Dam in the most beneficial way, to cooperate with local authorities and departmental personnel in working for rural development and improvement of living standard of rural people in response to the goodwill of the Head of State, to make more efforts to achieve not only sufficiency of food but also surpluses and to work to the best of their ability from the agriculture sector for the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation.

 Then, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin said that only when farmers, the fundamental force of the nation, prosper and rural areas where they live are developing, will the nation prosper and develop. In accord with the farsighted guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, dams, reservoirs and water supply facilities are being built all over the nation. Bawbin Dam is the 132nd of its kind. In the region where Bawbin Dam has been constructed, reliance was once to be placed on rainfall. Bawbin Dam, one of rural development tasks being undertaken by the Government, will supply agricultural water and drinking water in the rural areas on the western part of Bago Yoma. The areas irrigated by such dams as Matauntta, Kangyikon, Taungnawin, Shwetaung, Wegyi, Taungnyo, Sinkuchaunggaung, Thekaw, Thonze and Tabuhla are contiguous.

After 1988, the market-oriented economic system has been practised. More dams have been built ever since; agricultural land has been extended; more agricultural machinery has been used; agricultural technology has been disseminated; quality crop strains have been distributed. Considerable progress has been made in a short time due to these strenuous efforts. Previously, there were over 24 million acres of cultivated land. Now there are over 38 million acres.

There were only 3.2 million acres of irrigated land before. Now there are five million acres of irrigated land. Therefore, cultivation of crops has increased by 155%. During the third short-term five-year plan which runs from 2001-2002 to 2005-2006, crops will be cultivated on 40.43 million acres of land. Paddy will be grown on over 17 million acres of land; peas and beans on over 8.6 million acres; corn on 800,000 acres; oil crops on 7.7 million acres; cotton on one million acres; sugarcane on 0.68 million acres. Next, Division Chairman Commander of Brig-Gen Aung Min said that in the economic sector, Bago Division is one of the six divisions on which the State can rely.

Out of 14 states and divisions, it ranks second in producing rice and fourth in producing peas and beans. It has the largest number of sugar mills and produces sugar most. It also stands fourth in cultivating oil crops. In the 2000-2001 fiscal year, Bago Division contributed to the economic growth of the nation by 9.1%. The economy of Bago Division is based on agriculture. Bago Division has a lot of water in the rainy season and is dry in the hot season. Before the State Law and Order Restoration Council assumed State duty in 1988, there was only Myauk Nawin Dam alone in Bago Division. Now there are altogether 30 dams.

They are irrigating 422,304 acres of land. Ten dams and one floodgate are under construction in Bago Division. On completion of these projects, they will be able to benefit 635,761 acres of land. In addition, as dams can hold water flowing from creeks after heavy rain, possible floods in the rivers and fields can be prevented. Departmental personnel and local people are to cooperate in maintaining dams and reservoirs built in Bago Division.

 On behalf of local people, Secretary of Gyobingauk Township Union Solidarity and Development Association U Than Zin spoke words of thanks. Then, the Secretary-1 presented awards to the employees of the Irrigation Department who took part in building the dam through Director of the U Tin Maung Ohn and Director of the Irrigation Department U Kyaw Nyunt. A ceremony to open Bawbin Dam was held at the pandal near the dam.

 The Secretary-1 formally unveiled the stone inscription. Commander Brig-Gen Aung Min and Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin formally opened the dam. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party and local people posed for documentary photos. Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the water control tower and the spillway. In the briefing hall, Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and officials reported on condition of dams which have already been inaugurated and dams which are under construction in the western part of Bago Division, facts about Bawbin Dam and construction work. Commander Brig-Gen Aung Min reported on arrangements to build Nyaungkhashe-Myitkyo-DaikU road. The Secretary-1 gave instructions.

 Bawbin Dam is composed of a main dam and a supporting dam. The main dam, which is of earthen type and 910 feet long and 127 feet high, is on Thayet Creek in Gyobingauk. The supporting dam, which is also of earthen type and 1,590 feet long and 118 feet high, lies on Bawbin Creek in Zeegon Township. Bawbin Dam can irrigate 30,000 acres of land.

( 3 ) Secretary-1 attends opening ceremony of multimedia teaching centre at Basic Education High School No 1 in Letpadan

 Yangon, 24 March- 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 Brig-Gen Aung Min and Chairman of Bago Division (West) Peace and Development Council Col Soe Nwe, attended the opening ceremony of Bawbin Dam in Gyobingauk Township this morning and they left for Letpadan Township by Tatmadaw helicopter and arrived there at 11.20 am. They were welcomed there by members of Thayawady District and Letpadan Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental personnel and officials.

 The ceremony to open the multimedia teaching centre of Letpadan Basic Education High School No 1 was held at the school at 11.30 am, with an address by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Also present were member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander Brig-Gen Aung Min, the ministers, the Chief of Staff (Navy), the deputy ministers, the commander of No 66 LID, Chairman of Bago Division (West) Peace and Development Council Col Soe Nwe, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, local authorities, departmental personnel, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, social associations, well-wishers, the director-general No 1 of Basic Education Department and officials, members of the School Board of Trustees, Parent-Teacher Association, Headmistress Daw Tin Tin Oo, teachers and students.

 Outstanding students formally unveiled the stone inscription bearing Myanmar Education Goal. Then, the students sang the song "Myanma School". Next, Headmistress Daw Tin Tin Oo and Chairman of SBT U Kyi Sein formally opened the multimedia teaching centre. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 unveiled the signboard of the multimedia teaching centre. Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the language lab, the computer application & e-mail room, the computer aided instruction room, the visual presenter room and the printed media (reading corner) room and learning of students with the use of modern teaching aids. The Secretary-1 and party inspected the domestic science and handicraft room, the art room and the altar room. Next, the Secretary-1 and party viewed musical performance of the students. The opening ceremony of multimedia teaching centre of the school followed at the hall.

Headmistress Daw Tin Tin Oo reported to the Secretary-1 on the purpose of opening the multimedia teaching centre and matters related to the modern teaching aids installed at the centre and Chairman of SBT U Kyi Sein on efforts made for emergence of the multimedia teaching centre.

The Secretary-1 presented video tapes and teaching aids for the school to Headmistress Daw Tin Tin Oo. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 delivered an address. He said that Letpandan Basic Education High School No 1 could turn out many outstanding persons during 105 years period of the school, in retrospect. A school girl who stood first in the whole country passed previous yearÕs matriculation examination from the school.

 This indicated that the education policies laid down by the State are successfully being implemented in the school. As the Government is implementing education promotion programmes to nurture outstanding student youths in all fields, to upgrade the education standard of international level and to bridge the education gap between rural and urban areas, success has been achieved in the work in cooperation with the people. The Secretary-1 urged all the people to carry out many remaining tasks of the State with added momentum in implementing the State's education policies and development tasks.

At provement of the all regions; region-wise development plans are being implemented; and priority is being given to establishment of universities and colleges. The Secretary-1 urged local people and wellwishers to make concerted efforts for turning out of the outstanding intellectuals and intelligentsia in their region. the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party had documentary photos taken together with members of the School Board of Trustees, the headmistress, teachers and students.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to 250-ton Rice Mill of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading in Letpadan. The Mill Manager and officials welcomed and conducted the Secretary-1 and party round the mill. Next, the Secretary-1 and party arrived back in the afternoon. This afternoon, Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Mya Oo, who accompanied the Secretary-1, inspected Letpadan Township Hospital and fulfilled the requirements.

 At provement of the all regions; region-wise development plans are being implemented; and priority is being given to establishment of universities and colleges. The Secretary-1 urged local people and wellwishers to make concerted efforts for turning out of the outstanding intellectuals and intelligentsia in their region. the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party had documentary photos taken together with members of the School Board of Trustees, the headmistress, teachers and students. Then, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to 250-ton Rice Mill of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading in Letpadan. The Mill Manager and officials welcomed and conducted the Secretary-1 and party round the mill. Next, the Secretary-1 and party arrived back in the afternoon. This afternoon, Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Mya Oo, who accompanied the Secretary-1, inspected Letpadan Township Hospital and fulfilled the requirements.

( 4 ) Minister for Foreign Affairs sends felicitations to Hellenic Republic

Yangon, 25 March - U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr George A Papandreou, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic, on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Hellenic Republic which falls on 25 March 2002.

Bangladeshi delegation arrives

Yangon, 24 March -At the invitation of the Ministry of Commerce, a ten-member delegation headed by Minister of Commerce of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Mr Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury arrived here by special flight this evening. The delegation was welcomed at Yangon International Airport by Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, heads of departments and enterprises under the ministry and officials and Ambassador of the PeopleÕs Republic of Bangladesh Mr Ahmed Rahim and embassy officials.

Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspects extension of Mandalay-Madaya-Mogok road

Yangon, 24 March - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence inspected construction and repair of roads and bridges along Mandalay-Madaya-Mogok Road on 20 March morning. He was accompanied by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Brig-Gen Than Tun, and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, the Ministry of Construction, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation.

 Maj-Gen Ye Myint went to Tanga Bridge Project. Deputy Superintending Engineer of Bridge Construction Special Group-14 of Public Works U Hsan Win reported on construction of the bridge and future tasks. Maj-Gen Ye Myint gave instructions on timely completion of the project and meeting the set standard. He then inspected the project. Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspected repairs and extension of the road at Mile Post 64/6, Mile Post 76/3, Mile Post 107/0 and Mile Post 111/5 along Mandalay-Madaya-Mogok Road.

 Superintending Engineer of Mandalay Division U Sai Thein Maung and officials reported on repairs and extension of the road. Maj-Gen Ye Myint gave instructions on construction work. Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party met with departmental personnel, township and ward authorities and members of social associations in Mani Yadana Hall in Mogok at 1.30 pm. Maj-Gen Ye Myint said that the Government is building the nation into a peaceful, modern and developed one by enlisting the participation of the people.

 The building of a peaceful, modern and developed nation involves developing not only urban areas but also rural areas. Therefore, five rural development tasks are being undertaken with added momentum. The civil servants are required to cooperate with local people and social associations in undertaking rural development tasks concerning transport, water supply, education, health and agriculture and livestock breeding. In doing so, all are to safeguard Our Three Main National Causes- non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty. Moreover, it is necessary to cultivate crops which can grow well in the region.

 Chairman of Mogok Township Peace and Development Council U Myo Han reported on implementation of plans for 2001-2002, cultivation of projected crops and the performance of five rural development tasks. Then, Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint gave a supplementary report. Maj-Gen Ye Myint made a concluding speech. Member of the Panel of Patrons of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Maj-Gen Ye Myint met with executives of Mogok Township USDA at the office of the association. Maj-Gen Ye Myint said that Mogok Township USDA needs to undertake rural development tasks and cultivate coffee and tea plants.

He called on all to organize local people to participate in undertaking five rural development tasks. Executive of Mogok Township USDA U Khwa Lone reported on the set-up of the association, assignment of tasks, economic undertakings and rural development tasks. Patron of Mandalay Division USDA Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint called on all the members to carry out five rural development tasks and work for the development of their region. Maj-Gen Ye Myint gave instructions on cultivation of coffee and tea plants. Then, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected e-library opened at the office of Mogok Township USDA. He also met with members of the Committee for Upgrading Mandalay-Mogok Road at the Guest House at 8.30 pm, and gave instructions on road works. 

Maj-Gen Ye Myint on tour of Mandalay Division, Kachin State

Yangon, 24 March -Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Central Command Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint, Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Brig-Gen Than Tun, officials from the State Peace and Development Council office and departmental officials, attended the opening of Shukhintha-Bawlongyi gravel road in Kyatpyin Ward, Mogok Township, on 21 March morning. Also present on the occasion were members of Mogok Township and ward Peace and Development Council, the Union Solidarity and Development Association, the Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, the Working Committee for WomenÕs Affairs, Red Cross Society, Auxiliary Fire Brigade, others and local people.

 Executive Officer U Aung Myint Swe of Township Development Committee reported on data related to the road and U Thaung Tun of Shukhintha Village USDA spoke words of thanks. Then, PyinOoLwin District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Kyaw Kyaw Oo and Executive Officer U Aung Myint Swe formally opened the road. Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected the road which is 5,082 feet long and 12 feet wide. After the opening cere-mony, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party visited the nursery shop of Myanma Farms Enterprise in Mogok where Deputy General Manager U Kyaw Hlaing and officials conducted them around the farms.

 The enterprise distributes tea and coffee seedlings. Then, they proceeded to Extended Coffee Cultivation Centre (Mogok) and viewed the thriving of coffee and gave necessary instructions to the officials. Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected the plantations of tea and coffee on five acres of land of Mogok Township USDA at 4th Mile View Point on Mogok-Momeik road. Executive U Khwal Lon of Mogok Township USDA reported on cultivation of tea and coffee and future plans for extended cultivation to Maj-Gen Ye Myint who then gave necessary instructions.

Afterwards, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected Mogok-Momeik road and roads and bridges in Mogok Township. Kachin State Peace and Development Council Chairman Northern Command Commander Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe welcomed Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party at Mogok-Momeik border, and they arrived in Momeik at 11:30 am. Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected construction of Momeik-Twinnge road and heard reports by Deputy Superintending Engineer U Win Maung of Road Construction Special Group-14 on work done and future tasks. After leaving instructions to the officials, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and officials inspected construction of the road using heavy machinery, and construction of 250-ft long Kin Creek wooden bridge.

 He gave instructions there and left for Momeik. At night, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party met departmental staff, chairmen and members of township/ward/village Peace and Development Councils and members of NGOs and made a speech on regional development tasks. Present on the occasion were Kachin State Peace and Development Council Chairman Northern Command Commander Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe, Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Brig-Gen Than Tun, Tactical Operations Commander of the Northern Command Col Aung Nyein, Secretary of Kyaukme District Peace and Development Council Maj Nay Win Myint, Momeik Township Peace and Development Council Chairman U Kyaw Lwin and members, departmental officials and others.

 Chairman U Kyaw Lwin reported on preparations for agriculture, education, health and transportation sectors, Deputy General Manager U Kyaw Hlaing of Myanma Agriculture Services on cultivation tasks, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Than Tun on water supply and long and short term plans. Commander Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe briefed on assistance to be rendered for implementing the five rural area development tasks.ÊMaj-Gen Ye Myint made a speech and gave instructions.

( 5 ) Minister looks into installation of power line

Yangon, 24 March - Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, accompanied by officials, arrived at main power distribution station (Kamanut) of the Myanma Electric Power Enterprise in Bago Division this morning and inspected the installation of electrical equipment and cables for a 33 KVA power line from Kamanut to Indagaw Industrial Zone of the ministry. Officials of the power supply station and Automobile Parts Factory (Indagaw) reported on progress of work. Then, the minister inspected round the station and left necessary instructions.

Minister inspects communications stations

Yangon, 24 March -Minister of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, accompanied by officials, inspected microwave station and telephone exchange in Pinlaung in Shan State on 22 March and gave necessary instructions. The minister, today, arrived at Loilem and inspected telephone exchange, telegraph office, post office and microwave station and attended to the requirements.

Yangon, 24 March - The 2002 World Tuberculosis Day ceremony was held at Institute of Nursing on Bogyoke Aung San Street here at 9 am today. It was attended by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Minister Prof Dr Kyaw Myint, directors-general, deputy directors-general and directors of departments under the ministry, rectors and professors, medical superintendents and officials, Chairperson of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Prof Dr Daw Kyu Kyu Swe, Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Vice-Chairperson of Work Committee for Myanmar Women's Affairs Prof Dr Daw May May Yi, officials of Myanmar Red Cross Society, Myanmar Medical Association, Myanmar Dental Association, Myanmar Nurses Association, Resident Representatives of World Health Organization UNICEF and guests.

 Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein delivered an opening address on the occasion. Then, WHO Resident Representative Dr Agostino Borra, made a speech Maj-Gen Ket Sein received TB medicines supplied by Global TB Drug Facility-GDF of WHO. Then, the health minister presented awards to prize-winning students of high school essay competitions to commemorate the World Tuberculosis Day, and the deputy minister to those of middle school painting competitions and those of primary school cartoon competitions. Afterwards, the minister and guests viewed the booth of World Tuberculosis Day and then the ceremony came to an end.

Deputy Minister inspects ancient cultural heritage

Yangon, 24 March -Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, accompanied by Deputy Director-General of the Department of Archaeology U Tun Zaw and officials, arrived at Mandalay yesterday and inspected renovation work of Kuthodaw Sandamuni Pagoda built by King Mindon. An official at the site reported on renovation work of Atha Katha stone inscriptions erected by hermit U Khanti.

 Then, the deputy minister attended the Golden Jubilee Ceremony of the Ministry of Culture at the National Theatre of the Fine Arts Department, Mandalay, and made an opening speech. Also present at the ceremony were staff of the Archaeology Department, the Fine Arts Department and the Department of Cultural Institute. Then, the deputy minister went to the University of Culture (Mandalay) and inspected construction of the university. He also met with instructors of the university and gave necessary instructions. He also inspected renovation of Thakawun Kyaung-dawgyi and Thingaza Kyaung in Mandalay. In the evening, the deputy minister attended the golden jubilee commemorative variety show at the National Theatre and enjoyed the entertainment.

Administrative Committee of Hninsigon Home for the Aged meets

Yangon, 24 March -The annual meeting (2001) of the Administrative Committee of Hninsigon Home for the aged was held at the home on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in Bahan Township at 9 am today. Committee Chairman Capt Maung Tin (Retd) made an opening speech. Executive Committee member U Aung Than read out the report of the executive committee and member U Win Thin submitted the financial report. At the meeting, future tasks of the committee were laid down and appointment of the audit was approved. v