The New Light of Myanmar (Monday, 25 March, 2002)

[Ok Kar <okkar66126@xxxxxxxxx>]

The New Light of Myanmar (Monday, 25 March, 2002)
-------------------------
1. State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior

   General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Hellenic
   Republic
2. Bawbin Dam inaugurated in Gyobingauk Township, Bago

   Division
3. Secretary-1 attends opening ceremony of multimedia
   teaching centre at Basic Education High School
   No 1 in Letpadan
4. - Minister for Foreign Affairs sends felicitations
     to Hellenic Republic
   - Bangladeshi delegation arrives
   - Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspects extension of
     Mandalay-Madaya-Mogok road
   - Maj-Gen Ye Myint on tour of Mandalay Division,
     Kachin State
5. - Minister looks into installation of power line
   - Minister inspects communications stations
   - Deputy Minister inspects ancient cultural
     heritage
6. - Health Minister attends World TB Day ceremony
   - Deputy Minister inspects ancient cultural
heritage
   - Administrative Committee of Hninsigon Home for
     the Aged meets
7. - Maj-Gen Kyaw Win attends extempore talks
     competitions
   - New roads, bridges opened in Mawlamyine
8. Second Meeting of Fifth State Central Working
   Committee of the Sangha continues
9. Drug traffickers arrested in Mongshu

---------

( 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.

___________________________

( 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.
___________________________

( 6 ) Health Minister attends World TB Day ceremony

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.

___________________________

( 7 ) Maj-Gen Kyaw Win attends extempore talks
competitions

Yangon, 24 March-Chairman of the Leading Committee for
Observance of the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day
2002 member of the State Peace and Development Council
Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Kyaw Win
attended the extempore talks competitions of basic
education middle and high schools, and basic education
middle schools at central levels in commemoration of
the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, held at Yankin
Education College this morning.

Also present on the occasion were Vice-Chiefs of Armed
Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint and Brig-Gen Thein
Swe, Deputy Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt, Deputy
Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, senior military
officers, members of the work committee for holding
competitions, officials, member professors of the
panel of judges, teachers, students and guests.
Chairman of the Work Committee Director-General of the
Education Planning and Training Department U Bo Win
explained rules and regulations of the competitions.

 Altogether 16 students took part in the basic
education meddle school (central level) extempore
talks competition. Chairman of the Judges Professor of
History Department of Yangon University U Kyaw Win
announced the first, second and third prize winners.
The first prize went to Maung Ye Lin Latt of Mogok
BEMS 5 of Mandalay Division, the second prize to Maung
Kyaw Maung Maung Sein of Thanlyin BEHS 1 of Yangon
Division, and the third prize to Maung Kyaw Zin Aung
of Labutta BEHS 1 of Ayeyawady Division. Ma Thazin Oo
of Kawkareik BEMS 3 of Kayin State, Ma May Zin Phu of
Myeik BEHS 1 of Taninthayi Division, Maung Kaung Myat
Phyoe Min of Nyaunglebin BEMS of Bago Division, Maung
Yan Naing Aung of Pyay BEHS 1 of Bago Division (West),
Ma Phyoe Pwint San of Thaton BEMS 1 of Mon State, Ma
Myo Pa Pa Maung of Sittway BEHS 1 of Rakhine State, Ma
Ei Ei Moh of Myitkyina BEMS 4 of Kachin State, Ma Chit
Ngai Ngai of Inywa Katha BEHS of Sagaing Division,
Maung Zwe Mann Aung of Chauk BEHS 2 of Magway
Division, Maung Lwin Lwin of Nyaungshwe BEMS 1 of Shan
State (South), Ma Le Yadana Aung of Hsipaw BEMS-2 of
Shan State (North), Saw Yan Naing Tun of Lokkaw BEHS-2
of Kayah State and Ma The Hnin Soe of Kengtung BEHS-4
of Shan State (East) won consolation prizes. Deputy
Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt, Deputy Minister
for Culture U Soe Nyunt, the Secretary of Work
Committee and members presented awards to the prize
winners.

---------

New roads, bridges opened in Mawlamyine

 Yangon, 24 March-Hailing the 57th Anniversary Armed
Forces Day, opening ceremonies of new roads and
bridges were held at seven different places in
Maw-lamyine Township yesterday morning. The ceremonies
were attended by Chairman of Mon State Peace and
Development Council Commander of South-East Command
Brig-Gen Thura Myint Aung and wife, senior military
officers, Secretary of Mon State Peace and Development
Council Lt-Col Aung Maw Maw and departmental
officials, members of social associations and local
people.

 Roads and bridges opened were the gravel road in
Muraung village, the reinforced concrete bridge in
Muraung village, extension of Strand Road phase-4 in
Pabedan ward, Theikpan tarred road in Bogone ward,
Thuza asphalt road in Pabedan ward, Maggin tarred road
in Mayangon ward and the Siman-keinyone tarred road in
Maung Ngan ward.

___________________________

( 8 ) Second Meeting of Fifth State Central Working
Committee of the Sangha continues

Yangon, 24 March-The Second Meeting of the Fifth State
Central Working Committee of the Sangha continued at
Maha Pasana Cave on Kaba Aye Hill this morning.

 Present on the occasion were State Ovadacariya
Sayadaws, Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka
Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga
Maha Saddhammajotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara
and member Sayadaws, member Sayadaws of the State
Central Working Committee of the Sangha, Chairman of
Yangon Division Peace and Development Council
Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe,
Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy
Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Adviser to the State
Peace and Development Council U Arnt Maung,
Director-General U Sann Lwin of Department for
Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana,
Director-General Dr Myo Myint of Religious Affairs
Department, No 1 Military Region Commander Col Khin
Maung Soe, division and district authorities and
officials. First, five Sayadaws were elected as
Ovadacariya Sayadaws of the meeting. Vice-Chairman
Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta
Sirindabhivamsa presided over the meeting and
Joint-Secretary Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta
Osadhabhivamsa acted as master of ceremonies.

 Then, the commander supplicated on the religious
matters. According to the decision passed by the
second plenary meeting of the First State Sangha Maha
Nayaka Committee, the Minister for Home and Religious
Affairs formed the Maha Wizaya Pagoda Construction
Central Committee in 1980 and assigned the duty to the
Yangon Division People's Council to mark successful
completion of the First Sangha Meeting of All Ganas
and the unity among members of the Sangha of all Ganas
in 1980. The central committee, upholding the Ovada of
the member Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka
Committee, spent donations of the people in building
the Maha Wizaya Pagoda on Dhamma Rekkhita Hill at the
foot of Shwedagon Pagoda.

 The Buddha images, religious objects and sacred
relics of the Lord Buddha and Arahats donated by the
king and the queen of Nepal to the Government of the
Union of Myanmar were kept in the reliquary of Maha
Wizaya Pagoda. After building the pagoda, the rules
and regulations of the pagoda board of trustees were
drawn in 1992. Then, the Chairman of Yangon Division
Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon
Command formed the Maha Wizaya Pagoda Board of
Trustees and assigned the duty to it. In conclusion,
donations of the people were spent on building Maha
Wizaya Pagoda which is like a gold mountain.

Then, Agga Maha Pandita Tipitakadhara
Dhamma-bhandagarika Bhaddanta Sumangalalankara
supplicated to modify Sub-section (B), Section 6,
Chapter 3 of the rule for Tipitakadhara Selection
Examination. The Sayadaws discussed the report of the
State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee and the reports on
the education sector and the religious sector. Today's
"soon" donors were Col Thaik Tun-Daw Nwe Nwe Kyi of No
2 (B), Pyay Road, Kamayut Township.
___________________________

( 9 ) Drug traffickers arrested in Mongshu

Yangon, 24 March -A combined team comprising members
of local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force,
acting on a tip-off, searched the house of Xiao Yi,
son of U Lian Aye of Kaung Keit Village in Mongshu
Township, Shan State (South), on 8 March and arrested
Myint Aung, son of U Son Lon, and Ah Hua, son of U Luo
Seim, and Xiao Yi together with 4.735 kilos of raw
opium and K 20,000. The combined team also searched
the house of Hong Jian Shi, son of U Hong Ki Fong of
Kaung Keit Village and arrested him and Aik Hsan, son
of U Kyaw Hon Shein of the same village, together with
18.615 kilos of raw opium and K 22,500. Action is
being taken against them under Narcotic Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances Law by the police station
concerned.

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