The New Light of Myanmar (Monday, 7 January, 2002)(2/2)

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The New Light of Myanmar (Monday, 7 January, 2002)(2/2)
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1. Senior General Than Shwe attends Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air)
   Golf Tournament
2. Foreign Heads of State/Government send felicitations to
   Senior General Than Shwe
3. Secretary-1 attends merit-sharing ceremony for three-storey
   ordination hall of Shwehintha Thirimanda Sankyaung Pariyatti
   Sarthintaik in Bahan
4. Secretary-1 attends annual meeting of Myanmar Fisheries
   Federation
5. Yangon Division USDA holds mass rally to support national,
   rural development tasks
6. Minister inspects plots chosen for fish breeding ponds
7. Commander inspects agriculture and livestock breeding works
8. Independence Day Exhibition continues
9. Cash donated to MOC Chairman's Trophy Invitational Hockey
   Tournament

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( 5 ) Yangon Division USDA holds mass rally to support national, rural
development tasks

Yangon, 6 Jan- A mass rally to support national development and rural area
development tasks organized by Yangon Division Union Solidarity and
Development Association was held at the township sports ground in Hlegu
Township this morning.

It was attended by members of Insein, Hlinethaya, Htantabin, Taikkyi,
Shwepyi-tha, Hmawby, Mingaladon and Hlegu Township USDAs in Yangon North
District, Dalla, Seikkyi, Kawhmu, Kungyan-gon, Twantay, Kyauktan, Thanlyin,
Kayan, and Thongwa Township USDAs in Yangon South District, Kamayut,
Kyimyindine, Ah-lon, Latha, Sangyoung, Pa-bedan, Kyauktada, Lanmadaw, Hline,
Mayangon, Bahan, Dagon and Seikkan Township USDAs in Yangon West District,
Thingangyun, North Ok-kalapa, Dagon Myothit(South), Dagon Myothit (Seikkan),
Dagon Myothit (East), Tha-kayta, Mingala Taungnyunt, Pazundaung, Dagon
Myothit (North), Botahtaung, Dawbon, South Okkalapa, Tamway, Yankin Township
USDAs in Yangon East District and representatives of USDAs from all over the
country totalling over 32,000. Secretary U Aye Myint of Yangon Division USDA
chaired the mass rally together with Executive U Swe Aung of Yangon North
District USDA and Secretary U Aye Lwin of Botahtaung Township USDA.

Executive Daw Tin Swe Lin of South Okkalapa Township USDA acted as master of
cere-monies and Executive Daw Su Su Hlaing of Bahan Township USDA, co-master
of ceremonies. Secretary U Aye Myint of Yangon Division USDA made an opening
speech. He said the association is formed with children of the people to
serve the interests of the Union and all the nationals. So, all the members
are actively taking part in the tasks designed for the development of the
State and rural areas. After 1988, due to the concerted efforts of the
government and the public, progress can be seen clearly throughout the
country. The government has been carrying out tasks to maintain national
consolidation and peace and stability, to develop economic infrastructures,
to strengthen economy, to develop national human resources, to promote social
skills and to extend regional and international cooperation.

For the economic development of the State, the third short-term 5-year plan
is being implemented now, and the objectives of the plan are to extend
agro-based industries, to develop electrical and energy sectors in consonance
with the extension of the industrial sector, to extend agriculture and
livestock breeding sectors for domestic sufficiency and export promotion, to
strive for the development of other sectors, to extend educational tasks and
health care activities for the development of human resources and to develop
rural areas. Rural area development is included in the objectives of the
third short-term five-year plan, so priority should be given to the
development of rural areas where over 70 per cent of the population reside
and it is needed to fulfil basic needs. The basic needs of rural areas
include transport, water supply, development of agriculture and livestock
breeding and improvement of education and health care standards. Patron of
the association Head of State Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance at the
opening ceremony of Course No 4 on Myanmar Affairs and International Studies,
Management Course No 23 for USDA Executives and Course No 7 on International
Relations.

The Senior General said ÒI would like to remind you that the 8th Annual
General Meeting of the USDA held in September has adopted the resolutions to
ensure the success of the third short-term five-year plan being implemented
nation-wide and of five tasks for rural area development. The association has
emerged as an organization to serve the interests of the State. The State has
already been on the path of development. Therefore, it is a must for the
association to continue to strive for sustainable development. I also would
like to call on all of you to apply yourselves to the third short-term
five-year plan and five tasks for rural area development.' Secretary U Aye
Myint said that it is imperative that all the members pay heed to the
guidance of the Head of State. As development tasks being implemented by the
government are to upgrade the living standard of the entire people and to
build the nation into a new, modern and developed one, members of the
association totalling 1.8 million are to support and to actively co-operate
in these tasks, regarding them as a national duty. So, I would like to urge
you all to assume all the nation-building tasks as the duty of the
association and to maintain stability of the state, to cooperate in the
nation-building tasks and to pay special attention to the rural area
development tasks.

Executive of Botahtaung Township USDA Maung Teza Aung Lwin tabled a motion
calling for support of the government's national development tasks. He said
the government has laid emphasis on investment in the agricultural sector.
The agricultural sector on which over 70 per cent of the population rely is
the backbone of other economic sectors. Irrigation networks have been built
in so short a time. Within a decade, 128 dams were built. Therefore,
irrigated areas have now increased from 2.52 million acres up to 4.90 million
acres in 1988-89. He said that in Yangon Division, 11 dams including
Ngamoeyeik Dam, Tabuhla Dam, Kabu diversion weir and reservoir and
newly-inaugurated Lagoonpyin Dam in Hlegu Township were built, and they have
benefitted 214,500 acres of land. Ngamoeyeik Dam supplies sufficient water to
the people of Yangon. Paikse and Mayan embankment in Thongwa Township and
Kalihtaw Dam in Hlegu Township are under construction.

The number of water pumping stations has increased from four up to 258 in
Yangon Division. Sown acreage rose from 71 % in 1988-89 up to 79 % in
2000-2001. In 1988-89 2,513,000 acres of lands were utilized, and 2,539,000
acres of lands in 2000-2001. In Yangon Division, sown acreage increased from
1,311,000 acres up to 1,415,000 acres. Paddy sown acreage also increased from
over 1.1 million acres up to over 1.3 million acres. Progress has been made
in the transport sector as well. In the past, there were 13,635 miles of
motor road and now there are 17,874 miles of motor road. Altogether 136
bridges which are 180 feet long and above were opened. Forty-one bridges
including 14 ones that are 1,000 feet long and above are being built. The
government has also built railroads. There were 2,793 miles of railroads in
the past and there are now 3,859 miles of railroads. There are two
international airports ÑYangon and Mandalay, and Hanthawady International
Airport and other airfields are under construction. During the last decade in
the transport sector, 23 bridges that are 180 feet long and above including
Thanlyin, Bayintnaung, Maha Bandoola, Aung Zeya, Shwepyitha and Ngamoeyeik
Bridges were opened. A total of 357 roads linking villages were constructed
and 1,147.47 miles of roads were built. Altogether 1,442 roads were built on
self-reliance with the participation of the people.

A total of 26.6 miles of railroads were constructed. As a result, the
transport condition is now secure and smooth. In the industrial economic
sector, 18 industrial zones were established in the whole country. The
government is giving encouragement to private entrepreneurs for construction
of workshops and factories. In Yangon Division, six industrial zones, namely,
South Dagon, Hlinethaya, Shwepyitha, Mingaladon, Shwepaukkan and Seikkan
Industrial Zones have been established. He said human resources are the key
to all national development. Therefore, more universities and colleges have
been opened. There were 32 institutions of higher learning and now there have
been 112 universities and colleges. Post-graduate and doctorate courses have
been conducted. There were 33,747 basic education schools in 1988, and there
are now 39,081 schools. In implementing the human resource development
programmes, electronic data broadcasting system has been launched. Altogether
203 e-learning centres have been established not only in cities but also in
villages beginning 2001-2002.

In reviewing the points presented, success has been achieved in the national
development tasks undertaken by the government. He urged members of USDA to
carry out the tasks for continued progress and to participate in them. On
behalf of 18 million members of USDA he emphatically tabled the motion in
support of the government's national development tasks. Next, executive of
Seikkan Township USDA Ma Thuza Min seconded the motion calling for support of
the government's national development tasks tabled by executive Maung Teza
Aung Lwin of Botahtaung Township USDA. She said economic infrastructural
projects are being implemented with added momentum as efforts have been made
to restore national solidarity and peace and tranquillity. Ours is an
agro-based country and the government has laid emphasis on this sector.

There is food sufficiency for the people. Dry and arid zones have now turned
into green and pleasant ones. There is enough supply of water for
cultivation. Yangon City Development Committee is building Yangon to become a
garden city. YCDC has also established vegetable and livestock breeding
special zones after reclamation of 22,499 acres of lands in Uto-Kya-in,
Nyaunghna-pinkwin and Nyaungyay-dwinkwin regions for the people of Yangon to
buy kitchen crops at reasonable price. The tax-free markets have been opened
and the people of Yangon can buy fresh vegetables at reasonable price. She
said the governments opened technological universities, government
technological colleges and government technical institutes, university of
computer studies and government computer colleges for emergence

of a modern developed nation and development of human resources. In education
sector in Yangon Division, there are 54 e-learning centres, 156 multimedia
teaching centres. After 1988, altogether 33 high schools, 58 middle schools
and 157 primary schools were opened. In health sector, there were 631
hospitals in 1988 and there are 750 hospitals now. There were 247
dispensaries in 1988-89 and now there are 346 dispensaries. The government
gave encouragement to traditional medicine. There was one traditional
medicine hospital in the past and 10 traditional medicine hospitals have been
opened. There were 99 traditional medicine treatment centres in the past and
now there are 204. There were 30,833 staff in 1988-89 to carry out public
health care services and the government appointed 12,726 more posts and there
are 43,559 staff now. There were 290 traditional medicine practitioners in
the pastand there are now 512. As harmonious development has been made in all
parts of the country a peaceful, modern developed nation will emerge. This is
why the government has built 2,642 miles of earth roads, 1,395 miles of
gravel roads, 281 miles of tar roads, 39 major bridges, 624 small bridges and
16 suspension bridges.

It is also implementing the border area development tasks. Schools,
hospitals, dispensaries, power stations, industries and agriculture and
livestock breeding work have emerged. Myanmar has maintained good relations
with neighbouring countries and nations in the regions based on the policy of
constructive engagement and is carrying out the tasks with belief to create
better atmosphere in international relations. Emphasis is placed on regional
and international cooperation. The 15-year drug elimination project is being
undertaken. The government is actively cooperating with UNDCP in development
tasks after signing the memorandum of understanding. All of us have witnessed
the unprecedented progress in national development tasks and these tasks
directly benefit the people and are the basic foundations for new generation
youths. It is necessary for all USDA members to actively participate in
national development tasks. She said she seconded the motion to support the
government's national development tasks tabled by Ko Teza Aung Lwin. Then,
Hlinethaya Township USDA executive Ma Than Than Htay tabled the motion
calling on all USDA members to participate in rural area development tasks.

She said the Government is implementing development tasks for state laying
down 12 Objectives. Short-term and long-term plans have been laid down to
create basic favourable economic conditions. In the guidance of Patron of
USDA Senior General Than Shwe for rural area development, he said: 'I have
already told you that rural area development is included as a sector in the
objectives of third short term five-year plan. Priority is to be given to
development of rural areas where 70 percent of the whole population live.
Requirements are to be fulfilled to grassroots level. Out of the main
requirements of rural areas, constant efforts are to be made for development
of transportation, water supply, mainstay of rural areasÑagriculture and
livestock breeding and education and health. Such practical requirements are
to be carried out in collaboration with people and reduction of poverty in
rural areas is to be targeted'. There are 18 regions prescribed as border
areas covering 83,415 square miles in areas and 67 townships. To narrow the
gap in development between urban and rural areas, the government has
constructed 281 miles of asphalt road, 1,396 miles of gravel road, 2,643
miles of earthen road and 679 small and large bridges have been constructed
in border areas.

In health sector of border areas, treatments are given to patients opening 64
hospitals and 123 rural health care centres. In education sector, 42 basic
education schools have been opened. Altogether 61 dams for water supply and
85 TV re-transmission stations have been constructed. National people of
border areas can enjoy equal opportunities like urban dwellers. In education
sector of border areas, 678 schools had been opened in border areas during
the last decade. Border area development tasks were made at a cost of K
22,172 million. People from border areas are grateful to the government for
its goodwill. Rural area development tasks mentioned above are practical
implementation of the government. The government, with added momentum, is
making endeavours for development of transportation, supply of water and
development of economy through agriculture and livestock breeding sectors,
education and health. In accord with the guidance of the Senior General,
ten-year plan is being implemented for supply of safe water in the villages
in dry regions where water is scarce. Development committees carried out
tasks of water supply in the villages in Sagaing, Mandalay and Magway
divisions in 2000-2001. And these tasks are still under implementation.

Many tube-wells could be sunk with the leadership of USDAs in Sagaing,
Mandalay and Magway divisions. In Yangon Division, 469 tube-wells and 90
artesian wells could be sunk. Moreover, 1,700 tube-wells and 3,496 artesian
wells could be sunk all over the country. In Yangon Division, 126 lakes and
45 wells could be maintained for supply of clean water. Plans for water
supply are being carried out in 1,020 villages in Yangon Division. As for the
government, rural area development tasks are being implemented ministry-wise.
Members of USDA need to make efforts to collaborate with the government in
accord with the main tasks laid down by the 2001 annual general meeting of
USDA. On behalf of USDA, I would like to urge members of USDA to make
concerted efforts for rural area development as a national task with
perseverance, industry and goodwill. The government is giving priority to
implementation of rural area development tasks. Five rural area development
tasks are basic needs of the State. I believe if these tasks can be
implemented, poverty in rural area will be reduced. I table the motion
calling on all the USDA members to participate in rural area development with
the people and the government in accord with the future task of USDA.
Executive of Mayangon Township USDA Ko Aung Phone Naing seconded the motion
of Hlinethaya Township USDA Executive Ma Than Than Htay calling on all the
USDA members to participate in rural area development.

He said that the USDA stands tall as a highly-qualified and consolidated
national force at present and is promoting the interests of the national
people. The association is participating in nation-building tasks all over
the country and performing economic, social, education and health tasks in
rural regions in line with the guidance of Patron of USDA Head of State
Senior General Than Shwe. It is necessary to undertake the State development
tasks with might and main and to strive for emergence of the USDA as a
leading national organization and for the flourishing of the spirit of
national unity and Union Spirit among the people. A total of 54 low-cost
rural dispensaries have been built by the State for health care services in
Yangon Division and arrangements are being made for construction of another
84 dispensaries. A medical trust fund amounting to over K 29 million has been
set up for 21 township hospitals; K 2.5 million for 17 station hospitals; and
K 2 million for seven rural dispensaries. The interest of the respective
funds is used for the rural health care service. At a time when the
government is implementing the five rural area development tasks, the
agriculture sector is being modernized with the use of scientific cultivation
methods. The rural area economic development task is making progress as
assistance is being provided to upgrade livestock breeding task from a
manageable scale up to a commercial scale.

A study of the development of Yangon Division agricultural sector shows that
there were 1.45 million acres of cultivable land in 1988-89 and there have
been over 2 million acres at present. There were 1.3 million acres of the
cultivated land in 1988-89 and there are 1.45 million acres at present. A
study of the development of livestock breeding sector shows that poultry,
pig, fish and prawn breeding tasks are being extended from a manageable scale
to a commercial scale. Livestock products are directly sold to the people
through tax-free markets. Over 1.17 million acres of land have been put under
monsoon paddy and 74.9 million baskets of paddy were produced in 2000-2001.
And over 210,000 acres of land have been put under summer paddy and 15.6
million baskets of paddy yielded. He seconded the motion calling for the
participation of the USDA members in rural development tasks laid down by the
State, and he urged all association members to actively take part in the
rural development tasks. In conclusion, he said that the rural development
tasks are noble ones contributing to the development of the entire national
people and the Union. Therefore, he heartily seconded the motion tabled by
USDA Executive Daw Than Than Htay. Then, the meeting passed the decisions in
support of the State's development tasks, rural development tasks laid down
by the State and participation of USDA members in national and rural area
development tasks. Then, the meeting came to an end with shouting
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( 6 )  Minister inspects plots chosen for fish breeding ponds

Yangon, 6 Jan- Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung
Thein, accompanied by Chairman U Htay Myint of Myan-mar Fisheries Federation
and fisheries entrepreneurs, arrived at Anyasu Village, Htantabin Township,
Yangon Division yesterday evening, and inspected the plot chosen for fish
breeding ponds, condition of the breeding of Ngadan (river catfish) with the
use of intensive pond system along the mouth of the Kokko river, and the
fingerlings hatchery camp and plots chosen for Ngadan-breeding ponds on
Sankin island in Nyaungdon Township, Ayeyawady Division. Then, the minister
and party arrived at Minzarni Fish and Prawn Processing Cold Storage, where
he inspected processing steps of fish and gave necessary instructions.

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( 7 ) Commander inspects agriculture and livestock breeding works

Yangon, 6 Jan- Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council
Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe this afternoon inspected the
Yangon Division Vegetable and Poultry Farming Special Zones near Nyaunghnabin
village in Hmawby Township, Yangon North District. The commander arrived at
3.15 am at the Hmawby Hsan hall of the Vegetable and Poultry Farming Zone-1.

Officials concerned reported on progress of work in vegetable and poultry
farming, fish breeding and land preparation zone-wise. The commander gave
necessary instructions and urged the agriculture and livestock breeding
entrepreneurs and officials to make energetic efforts for boosting
productions in accordance with the guidance of Head of State Senior General
Than Shwe. Afterwards, the commander inspected the vegetable patches from the
tower of the special zone-1 and fulfilled the requirements. At the zones,
over 3,000 acres of land have been put under vegetable cultivation, and
458,600 chickens have been raised and 100,000 out of which have been sold.

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( 8 )  Independence Day Exhibition continues

Yangon, 6 Jan-  The 54th Anniversary Independence Day Exhibition went on for
the fourth day at the Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U Wisara Road from 9 am to
5 pm today. Members of Thanlyin Township USDA of Yangon South District and
Kayan Township Red Cross Brigade, tourists, monks and people totalling 4,032,
visited the exhibition. Book shops, VCD and video tapes on matriculation
examination by chief-examiners, CDs on first year University of Distance
Education and CD-ROMs on religion are put on sales. Today's purchase by
visitors amounted to K 55,550. The exhibition will be kept open till 11
January. The admission is free.

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( 9 )  Cash donated to MOC Chairman's Trophy Invitational Hockey Tournament

Yangon, 6 Jan- The cash donation ceremony for holding the Myanmar Olympic
Committee Chairman's Trophy Five-country Invitational Hockey Tournament and
the Ayeyamye Chairman's Trophy Hockey Tournament to be co-organized by
Myanmar Hockey Federation and Ayeyamye General Services Co was held at the
office of MHF yesterday afternoon. Present were President of MHF No 4
Military Region Commander Brig-Gen Myo Myint and executives. First, the
president gave a speech. International relation officer of the federation and
FIH Development Panel Member U Kyaw Naing reported on tasks carried out in
connection with World Hockey Federation for holding of the five-country
invitational hockey tournament and matters to be reported to Asia Hockey
Federation Meeting. The president and executives took part in the
discussions. Then, President Brig-Gen Myo Myint accepted K 1 million donated
by Chairman U Thet Oo of Ayeyamye General Services Co and presented a
certificate of honour to him. Ayeyamye Chairman's Trophy Hockey Tournament
will be held at Theinbyu Hockey Pitch beginning 10 January. Altogether 14
teams will participate in the tournament.

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