Senior General Than Shwe inspects construction of Ma Mya Dam, Ngawun Bridge (Myokwin), Pyapon Bridge Nearly 200 dams were built nationwide and the country capable of building various types of dams People in Pyapon will soon have easy access to Yangon through Pyapon Bridge

YANGON, 3 March —Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in- Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe together with member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann, members of SPDC Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and Lt-Gen Tin Aye, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing of the Ministry of Defence, the ministers and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, left here by helicopter for the site of Ma Mya
Dam Project in Myanaung Township, Ayeyawady Division this morning.

The Senior General and party were welcomed by Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South West Command Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung and officials.

Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj- Gen Htay Oo reported on facts a bout Ma Mya Dam Project.

He said the project is being implemented on Ma Mya Creek, one and a half miles north west of Hmyinwataung village near Pathein-Monywa Road in Myanaung Township. The earth dam is 11,800 feet long and 150 feet high. The capacity of water at full brim is 70,000 acre feet. The dam can generate 500 kilowatts and supply water to over 10,000 acres of cultivable land and it can prevent farmland on both sides of Ma Mya Creek from flooding.

The minister reported in detail on preliminary preparation, construction of diaphragm concrete wall, the main dam, conduit pipe and control tower and spillways and establishment of irrigation system and progress of work. In his guidance, Senior General Than Shwe said Ma Mya Dam can not only supply water but generate hydro-electric power.

He said nearly 200 dams have been built nationwide and the country is capable of building various types of dams.

He spoke of the need for engineers concerned to design and build dam projects plus hydro-electric power by themselves.

They must have ability to build small scale hydro-electric power projects with own standards so that irrigation and hydel-power projects can be completed without delay.

The people can enjoy the benefits sooner, he said.

Out of the dams built, some dams need regular maintenance.

Some irrigation systems are in need of repair. They are to be mended through supervision in accord with the procedures, he added. He urged officials concerned to give encouragement to cultivate new crops that can earn more money and be thriving in irrigated areas in Ayeyawady Division.

Senior General Than Shwe inspected storage of water in Ma Mya Dam, construction of the control tower, the main dam and spillways.

Ma Mya Dam project is being undertaken by Construction-9 of Irrigation Department and about 90 per cent of the project has been completed.

On completion of the project, the dam can supply water to cultivable land and two 250-kilowatt turbines can generate electricity.

Senior General Than Shwe and party went by helicopter to the site of Ngawun Bridge (Myokwin) in Hinthada Township. They were welcomed by Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun and officials. Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun said Ngawun Bridge has been in use since 1907. A new Ngawun Bridge (Myokwin) is being built for heavy trucks. In accord with the guidance of Senior General Than Shwe, the bridge that can withstand 60 tons of load is being built.

He also reported on data of the project, construction of the main bridge and approach bridges on Hinthada and Ingapu banks and progress of work. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and the commander reported on conditions of roads and bridges in Ayeyawady Division and their use.

Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo reported on production of iron trusses for the bridge. Senior General Than Shwe said Ngawun Bridge (Myokwin) is on Zalun-Hinthada-Ingapu-Myanaung Road that links most townships and villages. The road is being built for ensuring smooth transport as it is economically and socially vital, he said.

Old bridges on the road are to be repaired and the road is to be upgraded step by step under the project. The Senior General looked into the construction of the approach bridge on Hinthada side and the main bridge.

On completion, the 2835-foot-long reinforced concrete type Ngawun Bridge (Myokwin) will have a 960-foot-long approach bridge on Hinthada side, an 840-foot-long approach bridge on Ingapu side and 1035-foot main bridge along with a 28-foot-wide motorway on it.

The Bridge Project Special Group (4) of Public Works is undertaking the project.

The Senior General inspected the project site. Next, he inspected progress of Hinthada in a motorcade.

At 2.30 pm, he inspected the Pyapon Bridge Project being implemented on the Pyapon River between Ward 1 in Pyapon and Ohnbin Village in Dedaye Township. Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun gave an account of the project.

Acting Managing Director U Khin Maung Hse of Public Works reported on work progress and progress of construction of approach roads on Pyapon side and Dedaye side.

The Senior General gave guidance on durability of the facility, and inspected the project. Next, he inspected the progress of Pyapon. Now, the project being undertaken by the Bridge Project Special Group (7) is nearing completion. When completed, Yangon will be easily accessible from Pyapon through Dedaye-Kungyangon-Dalla Road.

Senior General Than Shwe saw over the Pyapon Bridge and progress of Pyapon. He arrived at Yangon later in the afternoon.

Lt-Gen Aung Htwe inspects military columns, barracks, mess

NAY PYI TAW, 3 March — Chairman of the Leading Committee for Observance of the 62nd Anniversary Armed Forces Day 2007 Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Aung Htwe arrived at the hostels of military columns in Ywadaw here this morning. Accompanied by Vice-Chief of Armed Forces Training Brig-Gen Zaw Win, Parade Commander Brig- Gen Myint Naung and commander of military columns, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe inspected drills of military columns, hostels of military companies, mess halls, kitchens, booths of the public relations camp and reading rooms.

First, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and party inspected Anawrahta Column led by Column Commander Col Aung Gyi.

After viewing the military columns, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe looked into the mess hall, the hostels and the kitchens.

Next, they viewed paintings displayed by the public relations camp of the Directorate of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare, other booths, documentary photos and poems, and left necessary instructions.

Drilling of Karkonna Well (1) offshore Mottama inspected

YANGON, 3 March — Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, accompanied by President Mr Marrot Mrigadat of PTTEP Company of Thailand and Executive Vice-President Dr Chitrapongse of PTT Company and officials, inspected drilling at Karkonna Test Well (1) in Block M-9 offshore Mottama on 28 February.

Operation Manager Mr Pasook of PTTEP Co reported on successful drilling of Karkonna Test Well (1), and President Mr Marrot Mrigadat of PTTEP Co on prospects of Block M-9 and future plans. The minister gave instructions on exploring of natural gas, efforts to be made for production of the gas on commercial scale and supply of natural gas from Block M-9.

Next, fruit baskets were presented to Myanmar and foreign employees. The minister opened the production valve of the Test Well (1) by torching the gas.

The well was drilled in February.

On 21 February, the drilling reached 11,126 feet deep. It was estimated that natural gas on a commercial scale exists at a sand layer between 3,487 feet and 3,506 feet and another one between 3,510 feet and 3,520 feet.

This hot season, the natural gas deposit has been found after drilling Zawtika (1), Gawthaka and Karkonna (1) wells. According to the test, 21 million cubic feet of natural gas can be produced from Karkonna (1) well daily.

As the future plan, one exploration well and four apprisal wells will be drilled by the end of July. The Ministry of Energy will implement the plan to use the natural gas for serving the best interest of the State.

Two members quit NLD

YANGON, 3 March — Member of Mongphyat Township National League for Democracy in Shan State (East) U Sai Hon of Namlauk village and Joint-Secretary of Lewe Township NLD U Kyaw Maung Maung Lay resigned form the party of their own accord and sent their letter of resignation to the NLD Headquarters and authorities concerned on 31 January.

In the letter to Mongphyat Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Subcommision and Lewe Township Multi-party Democracy General Election Subcommision, they said the reason why they quit the NLD was that they lost trust and interest in the party and its leaders.

Academy Awards presentation to be telecast live

YANGON, 3 March — Myanmar Motion Picture Enterprise under the Ministry of Information will hold the ceremony to present Academy Awards as motion picture outstanding awards for 2005 at the square of City Hall in Nay Pyi Taw at 6 pm on 5 March. TV Myanmar of Myanma Radio and Television will telecast live the ceremony beginning 5 pm.

Matriculation examination guide books donated

YANGON, 3 March — With the assistance of Mon State Union Solidarity and Development Association, a ceremony to donate matriculation examination guide books was held at the meeting hall of Mon State USDA in Mawlamyine on 27 February, with an address by Patron of Mon State USDA Chairman of Mon State PDC Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen Thet Naing Win.

First, the Commander accepted K 3 million donated by Managing director U Aung Win Naing and Daw Thi Thi Lwin of GandaU Construction Service, K 2 million by Chairman U Than Shein of township bus line supervisory committee, K 1 million by U Kyaw Soe and Daw Htay Htay of Shwinlan Mattress Produc-tion Service and K 500,000 by Managing Director irector U Aung Win Naing of Pyinnya Shwezin Education Service.

Next, Secretary of Mon State PDC Commissioner U Aung Win accepted matriculation examination guide books worth K 2.5 million donated by U Kan Chun (Economics), Shwegangaw Education Service, U Nyunt Oo-Daw Khin Win (Sandar Nyunt Publishing House and Khitthit Publishing House).

Afterwards, the commander met donors and those present. Educative talks on raising the passing rate for 2007 matriculation examination were held at basic education high schools in the townships, Mon State, starting from 22 February.

USDA S-G inspects development tasks in Magway Div

YANGON, 3 March — Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo planted grafts of physic nut at Pyalo Village in Aunglan Township on 24 February together with social organizations and local people.

Minister Maj-Gen Htay Oo and Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Phone Maw Shwe met participants of the tree planning ceremony and called for putting more efforts for the cultivation of physic nut, which could lead to the regional development as its oil can be used as bio diesel.

On his tour of Aunglan Township, the minister inspected Duringabo River Water Pumping Project in the township. The project supplies Ayeyawady River water and irrigate 6,000 acres of monsoon paddy and over 2,000 acres of summer paddy this year, an official said in his report to the minister. The minister also called for exceeding the region’s targeted per acre yield.

Secretary-General of USDA U Htay Oo also met with executives and members of Bago Division (West) USDA in Pyay.

Graduation of Forest Training School’s 101st batch held

NAY PYI TAW, 3 March — The 101st batch of the Myanmar Forest Training School of Ministry of Forestry concluded at the Survey Training School in PyinOoLwin on 26 February and Minister Brig-Gen Thein Aung took the salute of the trainee companies.

The minister delivered an address at the graduation ceremony and awarded the best trainee and the best trainee company.

The minister also attended the ceremony to confer completion certificates on the trainees at the training school.

The Director-General and directors of the Forest Department presented prizes to the outstanding trainees. At the ceremony, responsible persons of the Myanmar Forest Products and Timber Merchants Association donated cash to the training school through Director-General of the Forest Department U Soe Win Hlaing.

Six bands take part in Military Band Competition

NAY PYI TAW, 3 March — Chairman of the Leading Committee for Observance of the 62nd Anniversary Armed Forces Day Chief of Armed Forces Training
Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, together with Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Military Band Competition Vice-Adju-tant-General Maj-Gen Hla Shwe and members, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence and members of the panel of judges attended the sixth day of the 15th Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air) Military Band Competition at the parade ground, here, this morning. The military bands representing No 1 company of North-West Command, No 1 company of Eastern Command, Western Command, South-West Command, No 3 company of Eastern Command and No 1 company of South-East Command
took part in the competition.

Myanmar defeat Philippine 9-1 in U-21 ASEAN Youth Football Championship 2007

YANGON, 3 March— Myanmar Youth team trounced the Philippines Youth team 9-1 in Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy for U-21 ASEAN Youth Football Championship 2007 held at Berakas Sports Complex in Banda Seri Begawan, capital of Brunei at 4 pm Brunei Standard Time today.

Myanmar striker Hla Aye Htwe scored twice in the third minute and 12th minute. Striker Si Thu Than and midfielder Htoo Kyaw netted third and fourth goals each in the 25th minute and 32nd minute, and Myanmar team dominated the first half of the game with the four-nil result. In the 47th minute of second half, the Philippines team snatched a goal. However, five more goals by Yaza Win Thein, Si Thu Than, Zaw Htet Aung, Pyae Pyo Oo and Ye Waiyan Soe made sure of victory of Myanmar side.

Myanmar plays against Cambodia youth team on 5 March at 8 pm Brunei Standard Time.

Respects paid to Presiding Sayadaw of Mahathubhawdhayon Monastery

YANGON, 3 March— A ceremony to honour Presiding Sayadaw of Mahathubhawdhayon Monastery in Sagaing Agga Maha Pandita Abhidhaja Maha Rattha
Guru Bhaddanta Narada who was conferred Abhidhaja Maha Rattaha Guru by the State Peace and Development Council was held at Dhammasukha Beikman of
Pantapwinttaung Tawya in Taikkyi Township this afternoon.

Present on the occasion were the Pantapwinttaung Sayadaw and members of the Sangha, nuns, Thirithudhamma Manijotadhaja U Myint Soe and members, Patron of 9,0000 Lights Association (Insein) U Soe Win (Singu Soe Win) and wellwishers, local people, teachers and students.

After paying homage to Presiding Sayadaw Bhaddanta Narada, the congregation received the Five Precepts. After that, the two wellwishers, on behalf of the Pantapwinttaung Sayadaw, presented offertories to members of the Sangha and shared merits gained.

Shwehtidaw hoisted atop Zinamanaung Pagoda in Thingangyun Township

YANGON, 3 March— A ceremony to hoist Shwehtidaw (Golden Umbrella) atop Zinamanaung Pagoda in Thingangyun Township, Yangon East District was held at the pagoda this morning.

It was attended by members of the Sangha headed by Joint-Secretary of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Presiding Sayadaw of Insein Ywama Pariyatti
Sarthintaik Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Tilokabhivamsa, Daw Khin Than Nwe, wife of Lt-Gen Tin Oo and family, heads of departments, Chairman of Committee for All-round Renovation of Zinamanaung Pagoda Agga Maha Thirithudhamma Manijotadhaja Dr Moe Tin and members, wellwishers and guests.

The ceremony was opened with the recitation of Namo Tassa three times. After that, the congregation received the Five Precepts from Bhaddanta Tilokabhivamsa
and members of the Sangha recited parittas.

The heads of department and wellwishers presented Seinbhudaw(Diamond Bud), Hngetmyatnadaw and Shwehtidaw to members of the Sangha and offertories.

Religious title recipient members of Sangha honoured

YANGON, 3 March — Religious title recipient members of the Sangha and Agga Maha Thiri Thudhamma Theingi title recipient layman were honoured at the Rakhine State Dhammayon at the eastern stairway of the Shwedagon Pagoda this morning.

The 20th ceremony to confer religious title recipient on members of the Sangha was sponsored by Rakhine State Dhammayon Board of Trustees.

Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhana of Maniyadana Sarthintaik of Sittway administered the Five Precepts and recited Metta Suttas.

Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of Pitsimayon Monastery Bhaddanta Khemidha delivered on Ovadakatha and offertories were presented to members of the Sangha.
Sayadaw Bhaddanta Indapala delivered a sermon followed by sharing of merits.

A&I Minister receives IRRI Director-General and party

YANGON, 3 March— Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo received Director- General Dr Robert Ziegleer and party of P h i l i p p i n e - b a s e d International Rice Research Institute at Yuzana Yeiktha on Natmauk Avenue on 1 March. They discussed matters related to boosting rice production in Myanmar. Also present were the President of Myanmar Academy of Agriculture, Forestry, Livestock and Fisheries, the directors-general and managing directors of the ministry.

Furniture donated to library in Kayan

YANGON, 3 March — Furniture donation ceremony to ‘Daw Phwathin Library’ was held at the library in the compound of No 2 Basic Education High School in Kayan, Yangon Division yesterday.

16 sets of iron cabinet, 20 desks, a computer desk, a table and 48 chairs worth K 5 million were donated to the library by donor U Win Aung Kyaw, wife Daw
Tin Mu Aung Kyaw family of Canada.

Present on the occasion were responsible persons, donors and guests.

Temporary closure of Defence Services Museum on 1 March

YANGON, 3 March — The Defence Services Museum on Shwedagon Pagoda Road, here, will be closed temporarily beginning 1 March to make preparations and renovation for observance of the exhibition to mark the 62nd Anniversary Armed Forces Day 2007.

The museum will reopen to organize the 62nd Anniversary Armed Forces Day Exhibition on 26 March.

Tasks of Shwesayan, Kyaukse (Belin) Power Stations inspected

YANGON, 3 March — Minister for Electric Power No 2 Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint on 28 February arrived at Shwesayan Power Station near Ohnchaw Village of Patheingyi Township.

The minister heard reports on erecting of towers for 21-mile Kyaukme- Nawngkhio section of Shweli-Mansi- Shwesayan 230-kv power grid presented by officials. The minister inspected construction of staff quarters in the yard of the power station.

At Kyaukse (Belin) Power Station construction site in Singaing Township, the minister heard reports on arrangements for supply of power from Yeywa Hydel Power Plant reported by the project manager of Power Supply Project (North). The minister and party viewed progress of staff quarters and buildings for the power station, and gave necessary instructions.

Workshop on mobile phone conducted

YANGON, 3 March—A ceremony to present MySM Mobile application to regional sale agents was held in conjunction with a workshop on mobile phone at the Traders Hotel this afternoon, attended by Managing Director Dr Kyaw Htoo Lin and Project Manager Dr Kyaw Nanda of Mobilemate Telecommuni-cations Co Ltd, entrepreneurs and media men.

Marketing Manager U Kyaw Zeya Tun gave talks on MySm application that can be used in GSM phones and potential businesses and opportunities by using Myanmar language in mobile communications system, Software Architect U Htoo Myint Naung of Technomation Studios, on structure and use of MySM application and other technological data, Manager U Min Hla Tar of Mobilemate Telecommunications Co Ltd, on a programme to deliver MySM to mobile users in Myanmar and how to use MySM through Internet by Myanmars who are abroad.

Responsible persons answered the quaries raised by the attendees. MySM software can be used in Myanmar language.

Those wishing to acquire further information can access www. mysmonline.com and those wishing to buy MySM can contact Mobilemate Telecommunications Co Ltd, No (402) (C), Dagon Centre, Sangyoung Township, Ph: 514324,524611 and e-mail: mobilemate @ myanmar.com. mm.

Academic matters supervisedAcademic matters supervised

YANGON, 3 March—Minister for Education Dr Chan Nyein supervised academic matters in universities and a college in Yangon this morning. In his inspection tour of Yangon East University, he instructed the rector and deans to lay down work programmes, conduct research, prescribe combined subjects, use sufficient pedagogical aids, and carry out greening, security and sanitation tasks for the improvement of the university. He inspected performances of students of University of Distance Education Upon arrival at the National Management College, he inspected computer diploma courses. In meeting with the principal and teachers there, he responded to the reports on academic matters.

Next, he visited Yangon University and held discussions about educational research with Ph.D degree holder faculty members.

He inspected the special academic methods course No (2) and lecture rooms. He also gave instructions on academic matters.

Measures taken as to death of fowls and birds in townships of Yangon Division

YANGON, 3 March—The Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department is taking measures as to the death of fowls and birds in townships of Yangon Division.

The death of two crows was found in Insein Township on 3-3-2007, one crow and four pigeons in Mingaladon Township on 3-3-2007, two crows and one owl in Mayangon Township on 3-3-2007, one crow in Mingala Taungnyunt on 3-3-2007 and one sparrow in Sangyoung Township on 3-3- 2007. Regarding this, bird flu was not detected.

The death of one domestic fowl and one duck was found in Insein Township on 3-3-2007. In this context, protozoa was detected in the dead fowl and E-coli and salmonella in the dead duck although bird flu was not found.

No chickens were dead in poultry farms in townships of Yangon Division. And no bird flu was detected in the dead crows, owl, pigeons and sparrow.

Disinfection was carried out in poultry farms and destroyed poultry farms. The LBVD came to the conclusion that the death of those birds might be due to the residue of disinfectant used in the poultry farms.

The LBVD has requested pet keepers to make arrangements so that their dogs and cats cannot eat the dead crow, sparrow, pigeon and wild birds. It also urged breeders not to directly use concentrate disinfectant but to use 0.5 per cent disinfectant diluting with water in farms for prevention and 2 per cent disinfectant diluting with water in infected farms.

Grand Royal Special Reserve Third Qualify Round kicks off

YANGON, 3 March — Organized by Myanmar Golf Federation, an opening ceremony of Grand Royal Special Reserve Third Qualify Round under the sponsorship of International Beverages Trading Co Ltd was held at Ngantay Golf Club in Mawlamyine this morning. Hla Win took the lead in the amateur golfers
contest by firing nett total 70 strokes at the first 18th hole.

Col Myo Aung Htay of South-East Command , Secretary of Mon State Peace and Development Council U Aung Win, MPGA and MGF Executive U Ko Ko Lay and Design and Development Director U Tint Oo of IBTC teed off to open the first 18th hole event.

Air Mandalay, Hotel Nikko, Srixon and Alpine are co-sponsors of the tournament together with organizer Han Event Management