( 1 ) Secretary-1 attends City Housing Projects Supervisory Committee meeting

Yangon, 14 July - The City Housing Project Supervisory Committee held its 6/2002 meeting at the Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development of the Ministry of Construction on Bogyoke Aung San Street this morning, with an address by Chairman of the City Housing Project Supervisory Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. 

First, the Secretary-1 delivered an address. In his address, he said: the Supervisory Committee is implementing the tasks with the aim of implementing housing project with the characteristics of a city, buying the houses at reasonable price for city-dwellers and living happily and enjoying fair benefits for construction entrepreneurs while undertaking their projects. He said in the past there were weaknesses in implementation of the housing projects and sale of houses and apartments. As a result, property prices were too high and other commodity prices were also on the rise. He said the Head of State Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on supervision of systematic implementation of the city housing projects and having own houses at reasonable prices for the people. This is why the committee was formed, he added. The committee is making arrangements for systematic implementation of the city housing projects, he said. In connection with the housing projects, the committee is making appropriate arrangements for all construction entrepreneurs.

He spoke of the need to undertake the measures for implementation of the projects as scheduled, gaining appropriate profit for the entrepreneurs, getting rights for those living in project areas and residing at the house at reasonable price. He said the supervisory committee is to control the prices of house and land, to make arrangements in the interest of both the entrepreneurs and the people and to strive for realization of the objectives of the State. Members of the supervisory committee and officials reported on development of the city including matters relating to housing project and land. Next, the Secretary-1 gave instructions on their discussions.

After the meeting, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt met with construction entrepreneurs and discussed matters on policy of the Supervisory Committee. The Secretary-1 said: the construction entrepreneurs are given opportunity to participate in the City Housing Projects and they are to implement the projects properly while enjoying reasonable benefits. He also called on the construction entrepreneurs to ensure that import of construction materials are in conformity with rules, regulations and procedures laid down by the State.

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( 2 ) Government implementing economic plans successfully while building infrastructures on transport
Tanga Bridge opened on Mandalay-Madaya-Mogok road section of Mandalay-Bhamo strategic road on eastern part of Ayeyawady River

Yangon, 14 July - The opening ceremony of the Tanga Bridge on Mandalay-Madaya-Mogok road in PyinOoLwin District, Mandalay Division, was held at the pandal near the bridge at 8.45 am today. State Peace and Development Council Member Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence delivered an address and formally opened the new bridge.

In delivering the address on the occasion, Maj-Gen Ye Myint said: The new bridge with the name of Tanga is located on Mandalay-Madaya -Mogok road and it is the sixth major bridge in Mandalay Division. In the entire country, altogether 145 major bridges each of which is over 180 feet long have been opened so far. The Tanga Bridge is the 145th one. The Mandalay-Madaya-Mogok road section is part of the Mandalay-Bhamo strategic road on eastern part of River Ayeyawady. It is known to all that in accordance with Head of State Senior General Than Shwe's guidance, roads and bridges are built the length and breadth of the country with a view to ensuring better transportation.

Head of State Senior General Than Shwe said: "All the people in the country are living together in the same land and partaking water from the same source and hence no discrimination should be practised and the social standard of all the national peoples must be promoted equally. A large number of bridges are still to be built throughout the country and to be able to do so, huge sums of fund are required. The people are to lend a helping hand by working hard for strengthening the national economy." Accordingly, the national peoples are to make collective efforts in unison. Inasmuch as the rich natural resources and the working power of the people are combined harmoniously under the leadership of the Government, Union Highways, river-crossing bridges, dams and reservoirs and regional progress will emerge and internal and external enemies harming the national peace and development can be crushed.

Before the opening of the 360-ft Tanga Bridge, many major bridges namely Zawgyi, Panlaung, Dokhta-wady, Samonpauk and four-lane Zawgyi bridges have been opened in Mandalay Division. As regards the medium bridges each of which is less than 100 feet long, there were 38 bridges in the division and now the number has increased to 50. As regards the road construction in the division, altogether 19 new roads with the total length of 381 miles 3 furlongs have been built since 1988. At present, there are 42 roads including Union Highway, other roads and those under construction. The total length of the roads is 1,281 miles 6 furlongs. Of them, 999 miles 3 furlongs are tarred roads, 81 miles 2 furlongs are graveled roads and 201 miles 1 furlong are earthen ones. Linking with the Mandalay-Bhamo strategic road in eastern part of River Ayeyawady, the Twinnge-Momeik road is being built.

The major bridge named Shweli (NgaOh) Bridge on the strategic road will be opened in 2003. Then, the passengers and goods will be able to reach Myitkyina from Mandalay by road directly. The strategic road is linking Kachin State, northern Shan State, Sagaing Division and Mandalay Division. Rural roads will also be built to create a network of roads. Moreover, the Ayeyawady River (Yadanabon) Bridge is being built with might and main in Mandalay Division. The Yadanabon Bridge will be an important one in linking Shwebo and Myitkyina as well as Sagaing Division and Magway Division. Head of State Senior General Than Shwe observed the requirements of all regions in the Union and fulfilled the needs for national development. Now there are 24 development regions.

Transport is the most important and basic requirement in regional development. With the development of transport, trade, economy, production work and regional economy will improve. Foundations on education, health and social sectors will also develop. Socio-economic progress can bring about quality of life of the people and propagation of the Union Spirit. It can strengthen national solidarity. All regions of the states and divisions in the entire Union will link by land and water. That is why the government is laying emphasis on better transportation. The Government is implementing economic plans successfully while building infrastructures on transport such as roads, railroads and bridges. Now new Union Highways and bridges have emerged. The Ministry of Construction has built 145 bridges each of which is over 180 feet long. The government has been building major roads and bridges for regional development, economic progress in the region and raising the social standard of local people spending large sums of money. Based on patriotism, he said, local people are to make concerted efforts for regional development and all-round development of economic enterprises after realizing the goodwill of the government and the Head of State.

Maj-Gen Ye Myint called for local people to maintain roads and bridges in Mandalay Division including the present one for durability. He expressed thanks for construction of the bridge and rendering assistance by Commander of Central Command. In conclusion, he called for collective efforts for emergence of more roads and bridges to link all parts of the country with a view to developing the entire Union. Maj-Gen Saw Tun next delivered an address. He said that the Government at present is making all-out efforts after laying down the 12 political, economic and social objectives in accord with national objectives non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of the national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty for the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation. In building up a peaceful, modern and developed nation, better transport plays a key role in establishing the basic infrastructures for economic sector.

The minister quoted Senior General Than Shwe as saying at the Annual General Meeting of the Union Solidarity and Development Association held on 19 February 2002 that construction of bridges was widely carried out during the period of over ten years since roads and bridges are the strength of the State. Priority has been given to better transportation to ensure development of socio-economic life of the people and production and trade, he said. In accordance with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, the Government is constructing and upgrading roads and bridges for raising the living standard of the local people, regional development, flourishing of Union Spirit and national solidarity and enabling the national races to have frequent contacts. In the time of the State Peace and Development Council, the Government with the participation of the national people has constructed bridges and roads throughout the nation, and there now emerge bridges and roads as a network, he noted. A total of 145 major bridges were opened including the one that was opened today after 1988.

The concrete bridge will contribute much toward better transport in Kachin State, Sagaing Division and Shan State (North). Especially, it will ensure transport of gems and regional products from Mogok, Momeik and Thabeikkyin to the mainland. In conclusion, the minister called on the local authorities and regional people to make earnest efforts for national and regional development and economic development in the region with full utilization of better transport and safeguard for durability of the bridge that was constructed spending a huge sum of money. Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint then delivered an address. In his address, he said: The State Peace and Development Council has been building the country as a peaceful, modern and developed nation. As smooth and secure transport plays a vital role in the development tasks of the nation, roads and bridges are being constructed with added momentum all over the country. Roads and bridges are essential for the proportionate development in political, economic and social sectors of the country. Due to the improvement in economic and social conditions, more and more people are travelling from one place to another.

The travelling vehicles and tonnage are thus increasing. Hence, new roads and bridges are built one after another all over the country. In Mandalay Division, the Zawgyi bridge (Kyaukse) was opened in early this year. Now, the Tanga Bridge on Mandalay-Mogok road is opened on Madaya Township. The former bridge was a bailey one which could withstand only 13 tons of weight. When the rain was heavy in the rainy season, it could not be used and much time were wasted. It affects the smooth flow of commodities. The Mandalay-Mogok road in the past was used to reach Mogok and Momeik from Mandalay. Now, the Thabeikkyin-Tagaung-Katha-Bhamo road has been opened recently and thus the people can reach from Mandalay to Myitkyina by motor way. By using that road, passengers and goods can reach various regions in the northern part of Myanmar. The regional products including agricultural produce, forestry products and gems can now be transported easily by land from there to other parts of the country.

The bridge will surely contribute towards the socio-economic progress of the country. The newly opened Tanga Bridge is of iron reinforced concrete and it can bear 60 tons of weight. The regional people are needed to make collective efforts for maintaining the bridge. In Madaya Township, another bridge named Baunggyi is being built. The iron reinforced concrete bailey bridges will be built along the Mandalay-Bhamo strategic road, it is learnt. The transportation of the regions concerned will become better and the new bridges will contribute towards improvement of socio-economic conditions of the regions as well as towards rural development.

Then, on behalf of the local Union Solidarity and Development Association, Madaya Township USDA Secretary U Hla Win spoke words of thanks. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence presented gift to Deputy Superintending Engineer U Hsan Win of Tanga Bridge Construction Special Group 14. Maj-Gen Ye Myint, the commander and the minister formally opened the bridge at 9.30 am. Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun formally unveiled the stone inscription of the bridge.

Maj-Gen Ye Myint, the commander, the minister and guests posed for documentary photos in front of the archway and strolled along the bridge. The bridge is situated on Chaungmagyi creek near Tanga Village on Mandalay-Madaya-Letpanhla-Waphyutaung-Mogok-Momeik-Siu-Bhamo road.

( 3 ) Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspects development tasks in TadaU, Natogyi

Yangon, 14 July - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, Deputy Director-General U Mya Nyein of Development Affairs Department, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental officials, left here by air at 6.45 am on 13 July and arrived at Mandalay International Airport in TadaU at 8.15 am.

 At the hall of the airport, Director U Kan Hla of Mandalay Division Development Affairs Committee reported to Maj-Gen Ye Myint on arrangement for upgrading 84 miles and two furlongs long earth road from Saga-in Roundabout on the road to the airport to Inmanatchaung village in Natmauk Township and upgrading of the road between Saga-in junction and Chaunggwa village. Deputy Director-General U Mya Nyein gave a supplementary report. Maj-Gen Ye Myint gave necessary instructions and attended to their needs.

Accompanied byA Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung and officials, Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspected construction of gravel road at Saga-in Roundabout on the road to the airport and digging of drainage.

 Then, they saw over construction of the earth road and road upgrading tasks from Saga-in Roundabout in TadaU Township to Pyinsi model village in Natogyi Township. The road, from Saga-in Roundabout in TadaU Township to Pyinsi model village in Natogyi Township, is 30 miles long. Local people from the villages can easily transport agricultural produce using the road. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party arrived at Basic Education High School in Pyinsi Model Village, Natogyi Township.

 They heard reports on preparation of the audio classroom and the computer room by officials and fulfilled the requirements. They then inspected the tube-well sunk in the precinct of Kanswe Monastery in the village. They then went to the construction site of sluice gate at the drainage of Thameehla Pond near Kinda Left Canal at the mile post 45/6 of Myingyan-Natogyi-Myittha Road. The drainage will contribute to reclamation of 50 acres of wetland and irrigate 232 acres of farmland. Next, they left the sluice gate for Mandalay along Myingyan-Natogyi-Myittha-Singaing Road.

( 4 ) Minister inspects agriculture irrigation works

Yangon, 14 July -Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, accompanied by Magway Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Col Zaw Min, departmental heads and members of the Agricultural Coordination Committee of Magway Division, inspected Thaphanseik river water-pumping project being implemented by the Water Resources Utilization Department in Thaphanseik region in Magway Division yesterday. Then, the minister and the chairman discussed matters related to irrigation area of the dam and crops to be grown. The minister inspected the construction work of water supply channels and gave necessary instructions. Afterwards, the minister inspected cultivation of monsoon sesamum in Myinkin, Kanphya and Thaphanseik regions in Magway Township. Managing Director of Myanma Agriculture Service U Tun Than and officials reported on cultivation of 1.2 million acres of monsoon sesamum

. Next, the minister and party proceeded to the construction site of Naga dam on Naga creek being constructed by the Irrigation Department near Naga Village in Yanangyoung Township and inspected construction of a control tower and storage of water. In the afternoon, the minister inspected the triple cropping patches around the Sindaingkan Village in Kyaukpadaung Township, Mandalay. Responsible officials reported on cultivation of 980,000 acres of monsoon sesamum. Then, the minister met with members of Mandalay Division Agricultural Coordination Committee, district and township level departmental officials in NyaungU and discussed matters related to water supply, cultivation of oil crops and local agricultural produce sufficiency.

Health Minister inspects North Okkalapa General Hospital

Yangon, 14 July - Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein inspected North Okkalapa General Hospital at 8 am today. Accompanied by Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Mya Oo and officials, the minister met with specialists of the hospital at the meeting hall. The minister briefed them on upgrading of hospitals and fulfilled the requirements.

 Then, the minister and party inspected the clinical pathology unit, the paediatric unit and the obstetric and gynaecological unit. Next, the minister inspected use of modern hospital equipment at the special intensive care unit. He also inspected installation and use of CT scan at the X-ray unit and gave necessary instructions. The minister saw over the orthopaedic ward and the cardiac ward and attended to the requirements. Afterwards, the minister inspected the new neurosurgical unit and fulfilled the needs. Then, the minister explained arrangements for extension of the hospital and tasks to be carried out.

( 5 ) Cornerstone laying ceremony of school building held in Salingyi

Yangon, 14 July - The opening of first Buddha Pujaniya of Kyunhsinmin Pagoda and Shwesikhon Pagoda in Letpandaung village of Salingyi Township and the cornerstone laying ceremony of the two-storey building at Basic Education Middle School were held in the Village. Present were Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Brig-Gen Soe Naing and wife Daw Tin Tin Latt, wellwisher Thiri Thudhamma Manijotadhara Dr Tha Yin Myat-Daw Nwe Nwe Aye and family and local people.

First, the cornerstone laying ceremony and the two-storey school building at a cost of K 20 million donated by Dr Tha Yin Myat was held. The commander, the wellwisher and officials laid cornerstones at the designated places. Then, the commander and wife, wellwisher Dr Tha Yin Myat and wife and family formally opened the first Buddha Pujaniya of Kyunhsinmin and Shwesikhon Pagodas. At the merit-sharing ceremony, Amarapura Maha Gandhayon Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Avudha administered the Five Precepts. Wellwisher Dr Tha Yin Myat, wife Daw Nwe Nwe Aye and daughter Ma Chaw Su Myat offered a car worth K 7.5 million and documents to the Sayadaw and K 20 million for the new school building to the commander. Officials also accepted K 9,897,000 donated by other wellwishers. Then, the commander accepted K 1 million for Chindwin rice offering association and K 2 million to the funds of the schools of the command headquarters donated by the wellwisher family.

Transport Ministry offers Waso robes

Yangon, 14 July - The Fifth Waso Robe Offering Ceremony of the Ministry of Transport was held at the Dhammaryon of the ministry in the precinct of Maha Wizara Pagoda on Dhammarakhita Hill in Dagon Township this morning. It was attended by Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Lt-Col Min Thein, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe and wife Daw San San Myint, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe, Deputy Minister for Transport U Pe Than and Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint and wife, departmental heads and their wives and staff families. The ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa and the congregation received Nine Precepts from Pengwegone Sayadaw U Candavara. Then, Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe supplicated on religious matters to the Sayadaw. The minister and wife and party offered Waso robes to the Sayadaw and members of the Sangha. Afterwards, the congregation presented offertories to the nuns. The Sayadaw delivered a sermon and the ceremony ended. After the ceremony, the minister and party offered soon to the members of the Sangha and nuns.

USDA executives management multiplier course opens in Insein

Yangon, 14 July - Central Executive Committee Member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Brig-Gen Ohn Myint delivered an address and presented cash donations at the opening ceremony of Executives Management Multiplier Course held at USDA office of Insein Township, Yangon North District yesterday afternoon. A total of 122 trainees of the social organizations and township USDAs are attending the course. He then met with town-ship executives at Shwe-pyitha Township USDA office and gave instructions on organizational works, social matters and regional development of the association. Then, he inspected the progress of construction of ordination hall donated by Shwepyitha Township USDA at Ward 6, Shwepyitha Township and attended to the needs.

( 6 ) Commander, Minister attend ceremonies to mark school environment greening day

Yangon, 14 July- Under the education promotion programme of the Ministry of Education, the tree planting, weeding and the talks on trees and forest were held simultaneously at the basic education schools in the entire nation after designating 14th of July as the school and environment greening day.

This morning, the tree planting ceremony, organized by No 3 Basic Education Department (Yangon City), was held at Basic Education High School No 6 in Botahtaung Township, attended by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Minister for Education U Than Aung. Also present were Deputy Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt, No 4 Military Region Commander Brig-Gen Myo Myint, directors-general and chairmen of departments and boards, members of the School Board of Trustees, the township education officer, the headmaster and teachers, students and guests.

At 7.30 am, the commander and the minister arrived at the tree planting ceremony at the school. Then, the commander planted the Thithseint tree (belleric myrobalan) and the minister grew the neem tree. They then viewed active participation of those present, teachers and students in the tree planting ceremony. Next, the commander, the minister and party proceeded to Dawbon BEHS No 1 where they were welcomed by the TEO, the headmistress, teachers and students. The ceremony to mark the school and environment greening day was held at the Dawbon BEHS No 1. Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and the minister planted the Myinzuthaka tree (Mirabilis jalapa) and the neem tree respectively.

Then, the commander, the minister and guests posed for documentary photo together with the headmistress, the teachers and the students. Similarly, the talks on school and environment greening day, organized by No 3 BED (Yangon City), was held at Dagon Thiri Hall of Dagon BEHS No 1 this morning. Present were Dagon Township EO U Tin Kywe, Headmaster U Kyaw Kyaw, teachers, executives of Parent-Teacher Association, members of School Board of Trustees and students. Headmaster U Kyaw Kyaw explained the purpose to hold talks and the ceremony.

Vice-Chairman of SBT U Soe Nyunt of Tawwin Hninhsi gave a lecture. Then, the tree planting ceremony was held at the garden of the school. Officials planted Gangaw trees. Likewise, the tree planting ceremony was held at Thanlyin BEHS No 1. Director-General U Tin Win of No 3 BED (Yangon City), Director-General U Bo Win of Education Planning and Training Department, Secretary of Yangon South District Peace and Development Council Maj Pe Than and officials planted over 2,000 trees at the ceremony together with students. A similar ceremony was held at Bahan BEHS No 2. The teachers and the students led by Headmistress Daw Khin Hla Myint joyfully grew over 3,000 shade, flowery and herbal plants.

Commander inspects Namyun Bridge in Langkho

Yangon, 14 July -Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, accompanied by departmental officials, inspected construction of Namyun Creek Bridge on Langkho-Takutting Road near Wamsalaung Village in Langkho Township on 8 July. Namyun Bridge is of reinforced concrete type and the bridge is 140 feet long and 24 feet wide. On 9 July, the commander inspected gypsum mines in Maukmai Township. Then, the commander met with departmental officials, teachers, nurses, students and local people at Makengmon Village Basic Education High School (Branch) in Wamhat Station of Langkho Township. Headmaster U Htay Win accepted two computers donated by the commander, two computers by local people, one 5-KV generator by members of School Board of Trustees and K 60,000 by township authorities and departmental officials. Later, the commander inspected the 150-basket rice mill and fulfilled the requirements.

NyaungU District Peace and Development Council holds coord meeting

Yangon, 14 July - Work coordination meeting of NyaungU District Peace and Development Council was held at Anawrahta Hall in NyaungU at 11 July, attended by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, NyaungU District Chairman Lt-Col Khin Maung Oo and responsible officials. At the meeting, Lt-Col Khin Maung Oo and officials concerned reported on rural development tasks and works being carried out by the departments. Then, the commander attended to their the needs. On 12 July afternoon, the commander paid homage to Lawka Nanda Pagoda in NyaungU and paid obeisance to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Alobha.