( 1 ) State's participation needed in implementing enormous projects greatly benefiting nation Collective participation in nation-building projects approved by SPIC stressed

Senior General Than Shwe addresses Special Projects Implementation Committee meeting

Yangon, 23 JulyÑ The Special Projects Implementation Committee held its 2/2002 meeting at the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) at 10 am today, with an address delivered by Chairman of the committee Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe.

Also present at the meeting were Vice-Chairman of the committee Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council De-puty Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, Secretary of the committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, members of the committee members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Maj-Gen Soe Win, Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Maj-Gen Maung Bo, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, specially invited ministers, deputy ministers, heads of department and officials. Director-General of the State Peace and Development Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein acted as master of ceremonies. Speaking on the occasion, Senior General Than Shwe said the SPIC has scrutinized, approved and implemented the projects which are important for the nation.

The projects are mainly covered by the five-year short-term national plan or the 30-year long-term national plan. As some of the projects are not included in the five-year or the 30-year plans, but are being implemented under specific requirements of the State, the projects must be presented at the meeting for approval. The nation-building projects submitted to the SPIC are not ordinary ones. They are large projects requiring a large amount of money to implement. Besides they will benefit the nation much. They cannot be implemented by the ministry concerned alone, the State's participation is needed. All will have to give priority to collective implementation of the nation-building projects approved by the SPIC as they are so important for the nation.

 Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported to the meeting on facts about the eight river water pumping projects Ñ Kyawzi project in Taungtha Township, Mandalay Division; Ngah-thayauk project in NyaungU Township; Lawkananda project in NyaungU Township; Tha-phanseik project in Magway Township, Magway Division; Aingka-laung project in Taikkyi Township, Yangon Division, Gwayhdanshe project in Htantabin Township, Kazungon project in Myanaung Township, Ayeyawady Division; and Ngapiseik project in Myanaung Township  progress in implementing the projects and benefitted areas.

The minister also explained sluice gate projects namely  Shangaing project south of Pagaingta in Bago Division; Paingkyon project; Tawa project; and Zaikkaye project in Thaton Township, Mon State. He then briefed the meeting on the dam projects, which are, Gamon Creek project in Okpo Township, Bago Division; Minhla project; Phyu Creek Multipurpose project in Phyu Township, Bago Division; Alaingni project in Bago Township; Hinywet Creek project in An Township, Rakhine State; Yanchaung project in MraukU Township; Hsinlan project in PyinOoLwin Township, Mandalay Division; Yanaungmyint (Myauktu) project in Lewe Township; No 2 Konchaung project in Kyangin Township, Ayeyawady Division; Ma-mya project in Myan-aung Township, Kanyin project in Ingapu Township; and Kalihtaw project for Nyaunghnapin Special Farming Zone in Hmawby Township, Yangon Division; facts about the projects and progress in implementing them. Officials also took part in the discussions.

Then, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone reported on construction of bran oil mills and rice mills in Kyaukse and Shwebo regions; Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone on measures to be undertaken under the 30-year nine regions greening project and plans for regeneration of forests in watershed areas of dams and reservoirs; Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi on signing to contracts with foreign companies for extended production of oil and natural gas, installation of Pyay-Myingyan-Paleik-Kyaukse natural gas pipeline, Myainggalay-Thaton natural gas pipeline and Nyaung-don-Myochaung natural gas pipeline and construction of mobile liquified petroleum gas plant; Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut on Shweli Hydel Power Project in Namkham Township, Shan State (North).

Afterwards, in response to the reports, Senior General Than Shwe fulfilled the requirements. He stressed the need for the country to move three or four steps ahead of the neighbouring countries to catch up with them. So the projects laid down by the State are to be implemented speedily. At the same time measures are to be taken for minimizing expenditures. The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation is to implement the eight major water pumping projects which will contribute much towards Mandalay Division, Magway Division, Yangon Division and Ayeyawady Division in a short period of time.

The eight major water pumping projects are Kyawzi water pumping project that will irrigate 8,000 acres of farmland in Taungtha Township, Mandalay Division, Ngathayauk water pumping project that will irrigate 8,700 acres of farmland in NyaungU Township, Mandalay Division, Lawkananda water pumping project that will irrigate 11,000 acres of farmland in NyaungU Township, Thaphanseik water pumping project that will irrigate 7,200 acres of farmland in Magway Township, Magway Division, Aikalaung water pumping project that will irrigate 5,000 acres of farmland in Taikkyi Township, Yangon Division, Gwayhdanshe water pumping project that will irrigate 3,000 acres of farmland in Htantabin Township, Yangon Division, Kazun-gon water pumping project that will irrigate 5,000 acres of farmland and Ngapiseik water pumping project that will irrigate 7,000 acres of farmland in Myanaung Township, Ayeyawady Division. On completion, the number of water pumping projects throughout the country will be 278 and they will irrigate over 400,000 acres of farmland.

 The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation will also implement Shangang sluice gate that will irrigate 25,000 acres of farmland in Waw Township, Paingkyon sluice gate that will irrigate 30,000 acres of farmland in Kawa Township, Tawa sluice gate that will irrigate 32,000 acres of farmland in Thanatpin Township, Bago Division, Zaikkaye sluice gate that will irrigate 20,000 acres of farmland in Thaton Township, Mon State, Gamon Dam that will irrigate 12,000 acres of farmland in Okpo Township, Minhla Dam that will irrigate 15,000 acres of farmland in Okpo Township, Phyu Creek multi-purpose dam that will generate 32 megawatts and irrigate 120,000 acres of farmland in Pyu Township, Alaingni Dam that will irrigate 10,000 acres of farmland in Bago Township, Bago Division, Kunchaung-2 Dam that will irrigate 20,000 acres of farmland in Kyangin Township, Mamya Dam that will irrigate 10,000 acres of farmland in Myanaung Township, Kanyin Dam that will irrigate about 25,000 acres of farmland in Ingapu Township, Ayeyawady Division, Hinywet Creek Dam that will supply drinking water for about 100,000 people in An Township, Yanchaung Dam that will irrigate 40,000 acres of farmland in MraukU Township in Rakhine State, Hsinlan Dam that will irrigate 500 acres of farmland and supply drinking water in PyinOoLwin Township, Yanaungmyin (Myauktu) that will irrigate 3,000 acres of farmland in Lewe Township, Mandalay Division, and Kalihtaw Dam that will irrigate 9,000 acres of farmland in Hmawby Township, Yangon Division. A total of 69 dams were constructed up to 1961-1962 and 69 dams were constructed from 1962 to 1988.

Altogether 135 dams were constructed to date throughout the country by the Tatmadaw Government after its assuming State's duties since 1988. These dams can irrigate 3.3 million acres of farmland in states and divisions. The Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading of the Ministry of Commerce will construct a 50-ton bran oil mill, a 10-ton bran oil and two 25-ton rice mills in Kyaukse Township, a 50-ton bran oil mill, a 10-ton bran oil mill and two 25-ton rice mills in Shwebo Township, Sagaing Division. The Ministry of Electric Power will implement the Shweli Hydel Power Project to fulfil the power need of the country. The ministry will implement the project near Mantet Village about 17 miles south-west of Namkham, Shan State (North). In the first phase, the facility will generate 200 megawatts and in the second phase 200 megawatts.

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( 2 ) Cooperation of neighbours much required in rooting out stimulant drugs

Secretary-1 attends Special Meeting on Drugs Elimination in Border Areas

Yangon, 23 July - The Special Meeting on Drugs Elimination in Border Areas was held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Home Affairs at 4 pm today, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

 First, CCDAC Chairman Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing reported on tasks being carried out for elimination of narcotic drugs in border areas and arrangements for establishing opium free zones. Then, those present discussed supplementary reports on drugs elimination tasks in border areas. After hearing the reports, the Secretary-1 delivered an address. The Secretary-1 said accelerated efforts are being made in carrying out the on-going narcotic drugs elimination tasks in Myanmar, leading to a significant reduction in the opium poppy cultivation.

The stimulant tablets produced from chemical agents have appeared at present. Chemicals are the base raw materials in producing the stimulant drugs. The nation is not able to produce the chemicals which are entering Myanmar from her neighbouring countries. Thus, cooperation of the neighbours is much required in rooting out the stimulant drugs. Due to the government's ardent efforts in implementing its 15-year narcotic drugs elimination plan and participation of the national races with objectives to wipe out the drugs, there was significant downfall in opium poppy cultivation in the nation.

 The government and the national race leaders are rendering assistance and launching public organization campaign to root out poppy cultivation in border areas. Hence, the poppy farmers are handing over their poppy seeds to the local authorities of their own volition. The poppy seeds thus handed over were destroyed in Lashio, Laukkai and towns in eastern Shan State. More such seeds will be destroyed later. The government had destroyed the seized narcotic drugs in Yangon the previous month. The State is launching the drug elimination task not for show. It is drawing systematic plans with the firm objective of totally rooting out the drug problem. The government and the national races are harmoniously striving to eradicate the drug menace. It is required to render assistance for success of the agriculture and livestock breeding businesses of the national races to totally end the practise of poppy cultivation. Despite the slanderous accusations concerning the drugs, the government will continue to strive to realize its drug eradication goal, the Secretary-1 said. Then, the meeting came to a close.

( 3 ) Mayor receives Egyptian Ambassador

Yangon, 23 July -- Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Yangon City Mayor U Ko Lay received Egyptian Ambassador Dr Farouk Mabrouk, who had completed his tour of duty, at the former's office at 10 am today.

CPT Minister receives guest

Yangon, 23 July - Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw received Director of the Rural Telephone Communication (RT Com:Investment) Co of Israel Mr Ziv Brosh at his office this afternoon.

( 4 ) Supervisory Committee to Ensure Smooth and Secure Transport in Yangon Division meets

Yangon, 23 July - Supervisory Committee to Ensure Smooth and Secure Transport in Yangon Division held its meeting at All Bus Lines Control Committee (Yangon Division) Office here this evening, with an address by Chairman of the committee Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe.

 In his address, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe explained the committee's efforts to ensure smooth and secure transport for the people of Yangon, actions to be taken against ticket conductors demanding extra charges although adequate amount of fuel oil has been distributed to the commuter buses, operation of the buses in accord with the rules to prevent traffic accidents and the duties of the supervisory committee to enforce traffic rules. Members of the committee discussed their respective roles to ensure smooth and secure transport for travellers in Yangon and other towns using buses, trains and boats. The meeting discussed matters relating to enforcing traffic rules in the city, followed by a general round of discussions. Maj-Gen Myint Swe attended to the needs.

( 5 ) Dengue haemorrhagic fever control activities launched in Thakayta Township

Yangon, 23 July - Thakayta Township in Yangon East District launched dengue haemorrhagic fever control activities as mass movement today, attended by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein and Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay.

At the office of the senior engineer of Yangon South District Engineering Department (Road and Bridge) on Shukhintha Circular Road in Thakayta Township, Head of YCDC Health Department Dr Yee Yee Thein reported on activities to be launched for dengue haemorrhagic fever control as mass movement, and Head of Township Health Department Dr Aung Lwin on annual outbreak of dengue haemorrhagic fever and weekly activities being carried out in 19 wards of the township.

The deputy minister and the vice-mayor gave supplementary reports. Then, the minister and the mayor left necessary instructions and fulfilled the requirements. Afterwards, the minister, the mayor and officials inspected dengue haemorrhagic fever control activities being carried out by personnel of Township Health Department, YCDC workers, the head of Township Development Affairs Committee and staff, members of USDA, township WVO, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red Cross Society and Auxiliary Fire Brigade and ward dwellers in Ward 12, and cordially greeted the ward dwellers. Later, the minister and the mayor visited Dhamma Theikdi Monastic Education School No 6 in the same ward. Then, the mayor donated K 1 million to the school.

Mini-computer Programming Course opened

Yangon, 23 July -A ceremony to open Min-computer Programming Course No (1/2002), sponsored by Ministry of Industry-1, was held at the training hall of the Ministry this morning, with an address by Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung. Also present were Deputy Ministers for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, heads of departments and enterprises, course instructors and trainees. First, the minister made a speech. He said that courses have been opened with the aim of performing the tasks fast and correctly, raising the staff's IQ, gaining the information within a short period for project work and bringing up the staff as the well-qualified ones. Altogether 20 trainees are attending the course which will last for 7 weeks.

( 6 ) Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs holds coord meeting 1/2002

Yangon, 23 July - The Work Coordination meeting 1/2002 of Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs was held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement this afternoon. Present at the meeting were Chairman of MNCWA Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa and committee members, Chairman of Myanmar National Working Committee for Women's Affairs Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Hlaing Win and Working Committee Members, working group leaders and guests.

At first, Chairman of MNCWA Minister for Social Welfare Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa made a speech and explained instructions relating to the tasks of MNCWA given by Patron of MNCWA Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt on 17 July 2002.

 Those present suggested on the human trafficking prevention working group to be formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs based on the instructions given by the Patron of MNCWA, formation of the working committee for legal affairs studies and advisory group, prevention, protection and investigation of human trafficking, broadcasting of educative story and international cooperation. Next, Chairman of MNCWA Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa gave necessary instructions.

Future tasks of NIHL explained

Yangon, 23 July -The future tasks of National Industrial Holdings Ltd (NIHL) was introduced to literati of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association at Kanbawza Hall in Mingaladon Garden City this afternoon. Present on the occasion were MWJA Chairman U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung), Vice-Chairmen U Tin Kha (Tekkatho Tin Kha) and U Than Maung (Than Maung), Secretary U Hla Tun (Hla Tun-Twantay) and CEC members, literati, Chairman of NIHL U Khin Shwe (Zaykaba), General Secretary U Than Myint (Ayeyeikmon) and executives. Chairman U Khin Shwe extended greetings. He said that the NIHL is an officially-formed public economic organization.

With a view to enhancing the private economic sectors, the new executive members were reformed on 29 June 2002. The new EC will make earnest efforts for developing the NIHL, private sector and agro-based industries; extend services and undertakings of major businesses; and enabling the public to obtain construction materials of standard quality at reasonable prices conveniently.

 The Government is encouraging the boosting of private economic sectors and only when the private economic sectors develop, will the national economy be improved. The introduction was held with the aim of seeking good advice from the literati for development in economy, he said and urged the literati to provide their good advice. Then, Secretary U Than Myint spoke. He said that the Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association formed the NIHL in accord with the economic objective of the State Ñ the initiative to shape the national economy must be kept in the hands of the State and the national peoples. At present, the capital of the NIHL is ten billion kyats with one million shares each valued at K 10,000.

 The firm is engaging in production of construction materials, electric and electronic appliances, import of spare parts and raw materials, sale of finished products and joint ventures. Then, the NIHLchairman presented K 1.4 million for MWJA through the chairman, the vice-chairmen and the CEC member of MWJA. Next, the MWJA chairman spoke words of thanks. This was followed by a general round of discussions. The ceremony ended with the concluding remarks by the NIHL chairman. The MWJA bought ten shares of the NIHL as its fund out of today's donation by the NIHL. The NIHL will sell the K 10,000-shares beginning August 2002.