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Vice-President Thiha Thura U Tin Aung Myint Oo receives Director of Federal Drug Control Service of Russian Federation

NAY PYI TAW, 30 March—Vice-President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Thiha Thura U Tin Aung Myint Oo received a delegation led by Director of the Federal Drug Control Service of the Russian Federation Mr Victor P Ivanov at the Presidential Palace, here, at 3 pm today.

Present at the call together with Vice-President Thiha Thura U Tin Aung Myint Oo were Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Kyaw Zan Myint, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Myo Myint and departmental heads.

The Director of the Federal Drug Control Service of the Russian Federation and party were accompanied by Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Dr Mikhail M Mgeladze.

At the call, they discussed cooperation in drug control matter between the two countries for controlling the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs.

Myanmar, Russia to cooperate in narcotic drug control

NAY PYI TAW, 30 March—Chairman of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Ko Ko had a cordial discussion with Director of the Federal Drug Control Service of the Russian Federation Mr Victor P.Ivanov, on joint narcotic drug control between Myanmar and Russia, at the hall of the Ministry of Home Affairs, here, at 1 pm today.

Also present at the call were Deputy Minister Brig- Gen Kyaw Zan Myint, Chief of Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Kyaw Kyaw Tun and officials.

The delegation was accompanied by Russian Ambassador Dr Mikhail M. Mgeladze and party.

Director of Federal Drug Control Service of Russia calls on Dy FM

NAY PYI TAW, 30 March—Director of the Federal Drug Control Service of the Russian Federation Mr Victor P Ivanov and party currently in Myanmar paid a courtesy call on Dr Myo Myint, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs at the ministry, here, at 4:30 pm today.

They discussed developments in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and cooperation on drug control matters between Myanmar and the Russian Federation.

Dy A&I Minister meets trainees of regions and states

NAY PYI TAW, 30 March—Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Ohn Than this morning met trainees from regions and states at Yezin University of Agriculture for their studies in production of Palethwe hybrid paddy strain.

The deputy minister, officials and trainees visited the 100-acre seed production farm of Palethwe paddy strain of the university. Altogether 39 trainees from Region and State Agriculture Departments are attending the course that will last one cultivation season of paddy.

Books donated to raise reading habit

NAY PYI TAW, 30 March—Organized by Pakokku District Information and Public Relation Department, the raising of reading skill was held in conjunction with the book donation at Kyatpyaw Basic Education High School in Pakokku Township yesterday morning.

After giving an address, Township Administrator U Aung Naing Oo presented prizes to the winners in the poem recitation, essay and extempore talk contest. Head of Township IPRD Daw Win May donated books to the village libraries.

UEC member meets Shan State (North), district, township sub-commissions

NAY PYI TAW, 30 March—Member of the Union Election Commission U Tha Oo met Shan State (North), District and Township Election Sub-commissions at the hall of Lashio District General Administration Department in Lashio on 28 March morning.

Member of Shan State Sub-commission U Myint Ko Ko, Chairman of Lashio District Sub-commission U Tin Maung Shwe and members of Kunlong District, Lashio, Hsenwi, Tangyan, Mongyai and Kunlong Township Sub-commissions reported on preparations for holding the by-elections and candidates of political parties participated in the discussions.

Later, member of the UEC U Tha Oo gave necessary instructions.

Union Defence Minister receives Director of Federal Drug Control Service of Russia

NAY PYI TAW, 30 March—A delegation led by Mr Victor P.Ivanov, Director of the Federal Drug Control Service of the Russian Federation a call on Union Minister for Defence Lt-Gen Hla Min, at his office here this morning.

At the call, they had a cordial discussion on role of Army in narcotic eradication and further cooperation between two armies.

Also present at the call were Deputy Minister Captain Aung Thaw and officials.

Constitutional Tribunal of the Union delivers final verdicts

NAY PYI TAW, 30 March—The Constitutional Tribunal of the Union inclusive of the chairman and all the members delivered final verdict on proposal No.1/2012 and proposal No.2/ 2012 submitted by the Attorney-General of the Union on behalf of the President, sitting at Room No.1 on 28 March.

According to the verdicts, in the proposal No.1/2012, Union-level organizations formed under the Constitution and the members or personalities of those organizations are members and personalities of Unionlevel organizations appointed by the President with the approval of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw. Committees, commissions and groups formed by the respective Hluttaws are Hluttaw organizations. The interpretation of committees, commissions and groups formed by the respective Hluttaws as Unionlevel organizations is not in conformity with the provisions of the Constitution.

In the proposal No.2/2012, the Attorney-General of the Union on behalf of the President asked the Constitutional Tribunal to reconsider its ruling passed on 14 December, 2011 which interpreted that provisions of the Article 5 and Article 17 of the Region- or State-level Personalities Allowance, Emolument and Insignia Law are not in conformity with the Constitution because Region or State national races affairs ministers are officially appointed as Region or State ministers of respective Regions or States. The Constitutional Tribunal of the Union delivered a verdict that the proposal was not eligible to submit as the ruling of the Constitutional Tribunal of the Union is final and conclusive.

Mdy CCI members leave for India

YANGON, 30 March — A 14-member delegation led by CEC member Dr Kyaw Min Oo of Mandalay Region Chambers of Commerce and Industry left here by air on 21 March to attend the India Engineering Sourcing Show to be held in Mumbai of India at the invitation of the Bombay Exhibition Centre of India.

Kyeeohn Kyeewa Dam could irrigate 96,000 acres of farmland and generate 74-megawatt electricity, satisfying somewhat to power demand of the nation

NAY PYI TAW, 30 March—Vice-President Dr Sai Mauk Kham, together with Union Ministers, the Magway Region Chief Minister, and deputy ministers attended the opening of Kyeeohn Kyeewa Multi-purpose Dam and Hydropower Plant in Pwintbyu Township, Minbu District, Magway Region this morning.

The opening ceremony was held at the pavilion near the dam, with an address by Vice-President Dr Sai Mauk Kham. Also present on the occasion were Union Ministers U Myint Hlaing, U Zaw Min, U Khin Yi and U Aye Myint, Magway Region Chief Minister U Phone Maw Shwe, Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Kyaw Zan Myint, Maj-Gen Zaw Win,U Kyaw Lwin, U Aung Than Oo, U Ba Shwe and Dr Win Myint and departmental officials, region ministers of Magway Region government, Region/District/Township-level departmental personnel, social organizations and locals from Pwintbyu, Sedoktara, Minbu, Salin and Magway townships reaching over 4,000.

Speaking on the occasion, the Vice-President said today was a red letter day in Myanma history as Kyeeohn Kyeewa Dam was commissioned into service today which also coincided with the first anniversary of the new government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. The foundation stone of the dam was laid down in 2002-2003, which depended on water flow of Mone Creek. The dam was 3280 feet in length, 164 feet in height with maximum storage capacity of 463,000 acre feet of water. Kyeeohn Kyeewa Dam could irrigate 96,000 acres of farmland and generate 74-megawatt electricity, satisfying somewhat to power demand of the nation.

In adopting the work programmes for rural development and poverty alleviation in the interests of the citizens, the government was giving priority to better socio-economic life of rural farmers and workers which represented the 70 per cent of the whole population as well as to agricultural development.

Adequate supply of irrigation water was a must for agricultural development. In this regard, the government was building dams, reservoirs and river water pumping stations to bring benefits to million acres of farmland with water from those facilities.

So, instead of allowing rainwater, the gift of the nature and freshwater from rivers and creeks flowing into the ocean uselessly, the government was constructing dams like Kyeeohn Kyeewa enabling the locals use appropriately.

Looking out of Myanmar into the global panorama, the world’s population had now hit over 7,000 million. It was required to boost agricultural production to feed the daily growing mouths while 40 per cent of the world’s population was facing water shortage due to climate change and reckless consumption of humans.

Water resources experts had calculated that two third of the world’s population would face drinking water shortage in 2025. The time of abundant water had been left and now was the time to utilize the remaining water.

Magway Region was one of the arid regions of Myanmar. In some regions, the extent of drinking water scarcity was often described with a saying but not hyperbole like this: They need neither gold nor sliver but water.

Water scarcity was attributable to less development in socio-economy resulting from hindrance in farming as livelihood, vulnerability to diseases due to lack of personal hygiene.

The Vice-President then called on utilization of water, stressing that the government had spent a large sum of money to store water which is globally going scarce gradually.

Farmers needed to grow summer paddy besides monsoon one, make a shift from conventional cultivation method to scientific mechanized farming, study to predate at least two to threefold from normal harvest of 50 to 60 baskets of rice per acre, use high yield strains and apply agricultural methods and cultivate other crops the year round for their livelihood, agriculture.

The storage water of Kyeeohn Kyeewa Dam will contribute to easy availability of drinking water and irrigation water, growing of crops at any seasons, greening environments, protection against flood that occurred in Pakokku Region last year and fire prevention.

In addition, it is sure that the hydro electric power that generate from the dam can improve the socio-economic status and living standard of local people. So, the project is said to be one that can develop not only the region but also the country.

So, officials and local people are urged to maintain its durability. On behalf of people, he would like to express the special thanks to respective Union Ministries, authority concerned from Region, construction engineers and staff, who got involved in construction of the multi-purpose dam.

In conclusion, he said he would like to wish: thanks to the water from the dam, May local people enjoy the improved life by producing more crops than ever, May local people enjoy water as well as wealth, May Local people enjoy ten benefits to the full that get for donation of water.

After that, Union Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Myint Hlaing said: The multi-purpose dam project is the third project in the time of the new government. Construction of it started in 2002-2003. It was commissioned into service after nine years period. It can benefit 44 village-tracts, 181 villages and 29,992 farmers in Minbu, Pwintbyu and Salin Townships of Magway Region as it can supply water to more than 96,000 acres of farmlands through Mezali diversion dam. It contributes to more growing of summer paddy, monsoon paddy and multiple cropping patterns as well as to the development of the villages.

On behalf of Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and all citizens, he said that he expressed heartfelt thanks for good legacy of the then-heads of state and their gratitude. After that, Union Minister for Electric Power No.1 U Zaw Min said: Kyeeohn Kyeewa hydropower plant with the installed capacity of 74 Megawatts is the second one after Mone Creek Hydropower Plant in Salin Township in the course of the new government.

Ministry of Electric Power No.1 supervised hydropower, machines and power installation in the project. And the Ministry will carry out power generation, maintenances and running of machines after it has been put into services as it is the plant that distributes power to national grid.

The country has 18 hydropower plants including Kyeeohn Kyeewa hydropower plant, Tikyit coal-fired plant and 15 gas-fired plants, totaling 34. Total installed capacity has reached 3,434 megawatts. Kunchaung hydropower project with installed capacity of 60 megawatt in Bago region is going to complete soon.

Afterwards, Magway Region Chief Minister U Phone Maw Shwe said that previously dams opened in the Magway Region were only for irrigation water. And the newly– opened Kyeeohn Kyeewa Dam and Mone Dam in Sedoktara Township opened in 2005, both of which generate hydropower, were built as multi-purpose dams.

Magway Region has 57 conserved dams/lakes, three dams/lakes that are not conserved by Irrigation Department and 1102 small dams/lakes, 30 river water pumping stations. A total of more than 0.36 million acres of land have been put under monsoon paddy and 0.15 million acres of land, under summer paddy. Plans are under way to carry out additional supply of water to lands in the irrigation areas that cannot grow paddy. He said he would like to say on behalf of local people that they would conserve it for its durability with the sense of accountability and responsibility.

A local spoke words of thanks. Then, the Vice- President formally unveiled the stone inscription of the dam and sprinkled scented water on it.

Union Ministers U Myint Hlaing, U Zaw Min, U Khin Yi and U Aye Myint and Region Chief Minister U Phone Maw Shwe also sprinkled scented water on it. Union Ministers U Myint Hlaing and U Zaw Min and the chief minister formally opened the dam. The Vice-President posed for documentary photos together with those present and the local people.

Then, Kyeeohn Kyeewa Hydropower Plant was opened and the Vice-President formally opened the stone inscription of the station and sprinkled scented on it. The Union Ministers and the chief minister also sprayed scented water on it.

Union Ministers U Myint Hlaing and U Zaw Min and the region chief minister formally opened the hydropower plant. Vice-President Dr Sai Mauk Kham formally unveiled the signboard. He then pressed the button to operate machine No.2. Hydropower Generation Enterprise Managing Director U Khin Maung Win reported on the volume of electricity generation and operational condition.

The Vice-President presented baskets of fruits to Chinese technicians. Then, the Vice-President and party paid homage to HsedawU Pagoda. They then viewed the dam and looked round the power intake.

At the project briefing hall, U Htin Lin Pyae of Shwe Thanlwin Co presented six sets of Sky Net receiver for the hydropower station to Irrigation Department Director- General U Kyaw Myint Hlaing.

The Vice-President and party left Magway by air and arrived back in Nay Pyi Taw in the afternoon.

Newly-opened Kyeeohn Kyeewa Multi-purpose Dam and hydropower station are located at Mone Creek near Wunlo Village 15 miles from Mone Creek Dam Project 5 miles from Mezali Diversion Weir in Pwintbyu Township, Minbu District, Magway Region. By storing water from Mone Creek Dam and from between the two dams, 74 megawatts of electricity will be generated.

Already-built Mezali Diversion Weir will irrigate 96,000 acres of farmland for monsoon paddy cultivation. In addition, more than 74,000 acres of land can be irrigated for summer paddy cultivation and for regional greening.

Kyeeohn Kyeewa Multi-purpose Dam which is of zone dam type can store 463,000 acre feet. Still water storage of the dam is 35,350 acre feet and area is 10,860 acres. It is 3280 feet long and 164 feet high. Construction of the dam whose conduit is of ogee type started in 2002- 2003 and completed 2011-2012.

Students must be prepared to become medical experts when foreign countries come to open their hospitals and universities in Myanmar

NAY PYI TAW, 30 March—Vice- President Dr Sai Mauk Kham visited Magway University of Medicine and Myathalun Pagoda in Magway Region yesterday. Union Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Myint Hlaing, Union Minister for Electric Power No (1) U Zaw Min, Union Minister for Immigration and Population U Khin Yi, Union Minister for Science and Technology U Aye Myint, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig- Gen Kyaw Zan Myint, Deputy Minister for Border Affairs Maj-Gen Zaw Win, Deputy Minister for Construction U Kyaw Lwin, Deputy Minister for Electric Power No (2) U Aung Than Oo and Deputy Minister for Education U Ba Shwe, Deputy Minister for Health Dr Win Myint and departmental heads and officials accompanied the Vice- President on his tour.

On arrival at Magway Airport from the capital, the Vice-President and party were welcomed by Magway Region Chief Minister U Phone Maw Shwe, region ministers, departmental officials and personnel of social organizations.

The Vice-President then went to Magway University of Medicine and looked round physics lab, chemistry department, anatomical lab, post-graduate research lab, computer room and library.

The Vice-President met Rector Dr Win Myat Aye, professors, faculty heads, instructors, nurses and staff at the assembly hall of the university.

First, the rector reported to the Vice- President on location and brief history of the university, ratio of students from regions and states, number of lecture halls, ratio of house surgeons from the University assigned to hospitals in regions and states, transport services for students, conducting of information technology courses, environmental greening works and requirements of the university , followed by supplementary report of Deputy Health Minister Dr Win Myint on projected expenditures for the university in the coming fiscal years.

The Vice-President made coordination with personnel concerned to attend to the needs and made a speech. In his speech, he said he was there to learn developments, academic matters and capacity of the workforce of the university.

The university is 11 years old now as it was opened in 2011. It was the last one in Myanmar, standing as Union level medical university with a total of 2300 students from regions and states studying medicine there.

Students from Mon, Bago, Sagaing, Kachin, Shan and other regions and states had no chance to attend medical universities near their home regions but had to go to Magway University of Medicine. So, lecturers had to apply good teaching methods to make sure parents and students feel worthwhile to join the university, students have secure social life and feel proud of studying at the university. For that, the government would also increasingly provide necessary equipment to the university.

Although universities could not have provided hostels for students, ways are to be sought for Magway University of Medicine to accommodate students for their convenience in learning. Such a characteristic will help the university win the credit and a sound environment must be created. Officials from the university and the region government are found to have been fulfilling the social needs of students.

Moreover, coordination will be made for students to have securer ferries. The success of a university of medicine depends not only on its facilities and the quality of its rector and faculty members but also students’ hard work. Students who have been turned out by universities of such significant characteristics will surely become reliable doctors in the national health sector.

Teachers on their part need to train their students to have the habit of self-learning rather than using conventional teaching methods. Only then will students become scholars on whom the State can rely.

When ASEAN integration area emerges in 2015, professional scholars will pour in. So, students must be well-trained to be on a par with foreign professionals. Students must be prepared to become medical experts when foreign countries come to open their hospitals and universities in Myanmar. In this connection, the government will render assistance as much as necessary and faculty members are to train their students to become skilled doctors, said the Vice-President.

Next, U Htin Lin Pyae of Shwe Than Lwin Co, U Aung Myo Min Din of Amazing Hotel Group and U Kyaw Naing of Chanlon Gems Co donated 10 sets of Sky Net TV receiver and 50 computers.

Then, the Vice-President cordially greeted those present. In late evening, the Vice-President and party visited and paid homage to Magway Myathalon Pagoda. At the office of the pagoda board of trustees, Vice-President Dr Sai Mauk Kham heard reports by Public Works Superintending Engineer U Ohn Lwin on construction of Maha Atularathi Stairways. Deputy Construction Minister U Kyaw Lwin gave a supplementary report and the Vice-President left necessary instructions.

This morning, the Vice-President attended a ceremony to provide cash for school uniforms to 198 students of No.88 LID by national entrepreneurs. Also present were Union Ministers U Zaw Min, U Khin Yi and U Aye Myint, Magway Region Chief Minister U Phone Maw Shwe, Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Kyaw Zan Myint, Maj-Gen Zaw Win, U Kyaw Lwin, U Aung Than Oo, U Ba Shwe and Dr Win Myint and officials of No.88 LID.

On the occasion, Shwe Than Lwin Co, Amazing Hotel Group and Chanlon Gems Co donated K 5 million for school uniforms.

	`News Brief`	Back
	30^th March 2012
Vice-President Thiha Thura U Tin Aung Myint Oo receives Director of Federal Drug Control Service of Russian Federation NAY PYI TAW, 30 March—Vice-President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Thiha Thura U Tin Aung Myint Oo received a delegation led by Director of the Federal Drug Control Service of the Russian Federation Mr Victor P Ivanov at the Presidential Palace, here, at 3 pm today. Present at the call together with Vice-President Thiha Thura U Tin Aung Myint Oo were Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Kyaw Zan Myint, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Myo Myint and departmental heads. The Director of the Federal Drug Control Service of the Russian Federation and party were accompanied by Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Dr Mikhail M Mgeladze. At the call, they discussed cooperation in drug control matter between the two countries for controlling the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs. Myanmar, Russia to cooperate in narcotic drug control NAY PYI TAW, 30 March—Chairman of the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Ko Ko had a cordial discussion with Director of the Federal Drug Control Service of the Russian Federation Mr Victor P.Ivanov, on joint narcotic drug control between Myanmar and Russia, at the hall of the Ministry of Home Affairs, here, at 1 pm today. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister Brig- Gen Kyaw Zan Myint, Chief of Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Kyaw Kyaw Tun and officials. The delegation was accompanied by Russian Ambassador Dr Mikhail M. Mgeladze and party. Director of Federal Drug Control Service of Russia calls on Dy FM NAY PYI TAW, 30 March—Director of the Federal Drug Control Service of the Russian Federation Mr Victor P Ivanov and party currently in Myanmar paid a courtesy call on Dr Myo Myint, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs at the ministry, here, at 4:30 pm today. They discussed developments in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and cooperation on drug control matters between Myanmar and the Russian Federation. Dy A&I Minister meets trainees of regions and states NAY PYI TAW, 30 March—Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Ohn Than this morning met trainees from regions and states at Yezin University of Agriculture for their studies in production of Palethwe hybrid paddy strain. The deputy minister, officials and trainees visited the 100-acre seed production farm of Palethwe paddy strain of the university. Altogether 39 trainees from Region and State Agriculture Departments are attending the course that will last one cultivation season of paddy. Books donated to raise reading habit NAY PYI TAW, 30 March—Organized by Pakokku District Information and Public Relation Department, the raising of reading skill was held in conjunction with the book donation at Kyatpyaw Basic Education High School in Pakokku Township yesterday morning. After giving an address, Township Administrator U Aung Naing Oo presented prizes to the winners in the poem recitation, essay and extempore talk contest. Head of Township IPRD Daw Win May donated books to the village libraries. UEC member meets Shan State (North), district, township sub-commissions NAY PYI TAW, 30 March—Member of the Union Election Commission U Tha Oo met Shan State (North), District and Township Election Sub-commissions at the hall of Lashio District General Administration Department in Lashio on 28 March morning. Member of Shan State Sub-commission U Myint Ko Ko, Chairman of Lashio District Sub-commission U Tin Maung Shwe and members of Kunlong District, Lashio, Hsenwi, Tangyan, Mongyai and Kunlong Township Sub-commissions reported on preparations for holding the by-elections and candidates of political parties participated in the discussions. Later, member of the UEC U Tha Oo gave necessary instructions. Union Defence Minister receives Director of Federal Drug Control Service of Russia NAY PYI TAW, 30 March—A delegation led by Mr Victor P.Ivanov, Director of the Federal Drug Control Service of the Russian Federation a call on Union Minister for Defence Lt-Gen Hla Min, at his office here this morning. At the call, they had a cordial discussion on role of Army in narcotic eradication and further cooperation between two armies. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister Captain Aung Thaw and officials. Constitutional Tribunal of the Union delivers final verdicts NAY PYI TAW, 30 March—The Constitutional Tribunal of the Union inclusive of the chairman and all the members delivered final verdict on proposal No.1/2012 and proposal No.2/ 2012 submitted by the Attorney-General of the Union on behalf of the President, sitting at Room No.1 on 28 March. According to the verdicts, in the proposal No.1/2012, Union-level organizations formed under the Constitution and the members or personalities of those organizations are members and personalities of Unionlevel organizations appointed by the President with the approval of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw. Committees, commissions and groups formed by the respective Hluttaws are Hluttaw organizations. The interpretation of committees, commissions and groups formed by the respective Hluttaws as Unionlevel organizations is not in conformity with the provisions of the Constitution. In the proposal No.2/2012, the Attorney-General of the Union on behalf of the President asked the Constitutional Tribunal to reconsider its ruling passed on 14 December, 2011 which interpreted that provisions of the Article 5 and Article 17 of the Region- or State-level Personalities Allowance, Emolument and Insignia Law are not in conformity with the Constitution because Region or State national races affairs ministers are officially appointed as Region or State ministers of respective Regions or States. The Constitutional Tribunal of the Union delivered a verdict that the proposal was not eligible to submit as the ruling of the Constitutional Tribunal of the Union is final and conclusive. Mdy CCI members leave for India YANGON, 30 March — A 14-member delegation led by CEC member Dr Kyaw Min Oo of Mandalay Region Chambers of Commerce and Industry left here by air on 21 March to attend the India Engineering Sourcing Show to be held in Mumbai of India at the invitation of the Bombay Exhibition Centre of India. Kyeeohn Kyeewa Dam could irrigate 96,000 acres of farmland and generate 74-megawatt electricity, satisfying somewhat to power demand of the nation NAY PYI TAW, 30 March—Vice-President Dr Sai Mauk Kham, together with Union Ministers, the Magway Region Chief Minister, and deputy ministers attended the opening of Kyeeohn Kyeewa Multi-purpose Dam and Hydropower Plant in Pwintbyu Township, Minbu District, Magway Region this morning. The opening ceremony was held at the pavilion near the dam, with an address by Vice-President Dr Sai Mauk Kham. Also present on the occasion were Union Ministers U Myint Hlaing, U Zaw Min, U Khin Yi and U Aye Myint, Magway Region Chief Minister U Phone Maw Shwe, Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Kyaw Zan Myint, Maj-Gen Zaw Win,U Kyaw Lwin, U Aung Than Oo, U Ba Shwe and Dr Win Myint and departmental officials, region ministers of Magway Region government, Region/District/Township-level departmental personnel, social organizations and locals from Pwintbyu, Sedoktara, Minbu, Salin and Magway townships reaching over 4,000. Speaking on the occasion, the Vice-President said today was a red letter day in Myanma history as Kyeeohn Kyeewa Dam was commissioned into service today which also coincided with the first anniversary of the new government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. The foundation stone of the dam was laid down in 2002-2003, which depended on water flow of Mone Creek. The dam was 3280 feet in length, 164 feet in height with maximum storage capacity of 463,000 acre feet of water. Kyeeohn Kyeewa Dam could irrigate 96,000 acres of farmland and generate 74-megawatt electricity, satisfying somewhat to power demand of the nation. In adopting the work programmes for rural development and poverty alleviation in the interests of the citizens, the government was giving priority to better socio-economic life of rural farmers and workers which represented the 70 per cent of the whole population as well as to agricultural development. Adequate supply of irrigation water was a must for agricultural development. In this regard, the government was building dams, reservoirs and river water pumping stations to bring benefits to million acres of farmland with water from those facilities. So, instead of allowing rainwater, the gift of the nature and freshwater from rivers and creeks flowing into the ocean uselessly, the government was constructing dams like Kyeeohn Kyeewa enabling the locals use appropriately. Looking out of Myanmar into the global panorama, the world’s population had now hit over 7,000 million. It was required to boost agricultural production to feed the daily growing mouths while 40 per cent of the world’s population was facing water shortage due to climate change and reckless consumption of humans. Water resources experts had calculated that two third of the world’s population would face drinking water shortage in 2025. The time of abundant water had been left and now was the time to utilize the remaining water. Magway Region was one of the arid regions of Myanmar. In some regions, the extent of drinking water scarcity was often described with a saying but not hyperbole like this: They need neither gold nor sliver but water. Water scarcity was attributable to less development in socio-economy resulting from hindrance in farming as livelihood, vulnerability to diseases due to lack of personal hygiene. The Vice-President then called on utilization of water, stressing that the government had spent a large sum of money to store water which is globally going scarce gradually. Farmers needed to grow summer paddy besides monsoon one, make a shift from conventional cultivation method to scientific mechanized farming, study to predate at least two to threefold from normal harvest of 50 to 60 baskets of rice per acre, use high yield strains and apply agricultural methods and cultivate other crops the year round for their livelihood, agriculture. The storage water of Kyeeohn Kyeewa Dam will contribute to easy availability of drinking water and irrigation water, growing of crops at any seasons, greening environments, protection against flood that occurred in Pakokku Region last year and fire prevention. In addition, it is sure that the hydro electric power that generate from the dam can improve the socio-economic status and living standard of local people. So, the project is said to be one that can develop not only the region but also the country. So, officials and local people are urged to maintain its durability. On behalf of people, he would like to express the special thanks to respective Union Ministries, authority concerned from Region, construction engineers and staff, who got involved in construction of the multi-purpose dam. In conclusion, he said he would like to wish: thanks to the water from the dam, May local people enjoy the improved life by producing more crops than ever, May local people enjoy water as well as wealth, May Local people enjoy ten benefits to the full that get for donation of water. After that, Union Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Myint Hlaing said: The multi-purpose dam project is the third project in the time of the new government. Construction of it started in 2002-2003. It was commissioned into service after nine years period. It can benefit 44 village-tracts, 181 villages and 29,992 farmers in Minbu, Pwintbyu and Salin Townships of Magway Region as it can supply water to more than 96,000 acres of farmlands through Mezali diversion dam. It contributes to more growing of summer paddy, monsoon paddy and multiple cropping patterns as well as to the development of the villages. On behalf of Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and all citizens, he said that he expressed heartfelt thanks for good legacy of the then-heads of state and their gratitude. After that, Union Minister for Electric Power No.1 U Zaw Min said: Kyeeohn Kyeewa hydropower plant with the installed capacity of 74 Megawatts is the second one after Mone Creek Hydropower Plant in Salin Township in the course of the new government. Ministry of Electric Power No.1 supervised hydropower, machines and power installation in the project. And the Ministry will carry out power generation, maintenances and running of machines after it has been put into services as it is the plant that distributes power to national grid. The country has 18 hydropower plants including Kyeeohn Kyeewa hydropower plant, Tikyit coal-fired plant and 15 gas-fired plants, totaling 34. Total installed capacity has reached 3,434 megawatts. Kunchaung hydropower project with installed capacity of 60 megawatt in Bago region is going to complete soon. Afterwards, Magway Region Chief Minister U Phone Maw Shwe said that previously dams opened in the Magway Region were only for irrigation water. And the newly– opened Kyeeohn Kyeewa Dam and Mone Dam in Sedoktara Township opened in 2005, both of which generate hydropower, were built as multi-purpose dams. Magway Region has 57 conserved dams/lakes, three dams/lakes that are not conserved by Irrigation Department and 1102 small dams/lakes, 30 river water pumping stations. A total of more than 0.36 million acres of land have been put under monsoon paddy and 0.15 million acres of land, under summer paddy. Plans are under way to carry out additional supply of water to lands in the irrigation areas that cannot grow paddy. He said he would like to say on behalf of local people that they would conserve it for its durability with the sense of accountability and responsibility. A local spoke words of thanks. Then, the Vice- President formally unveiled the stone inscription of the dam and sprinkled scented water on it. Union Ministers U Myint Hlaing, U Zaw Min, U Khin Yi and U Aye Myint and Region Chief Minister U Phone Maw Shwe also sprinkled scented water on it. Union Ministers U Myint Hlaing and U Zaw Min and the chief minister formally opened the dam. The Vice-President posed for documentary photos together with those present and the local people. Then, Kyeeohn Kyeewa Hydropower Plant was opened and the Vice-President formally opened the stone inscription of the station and sprinkled scented on it. The Union Ministers and the chief minister also sprayed scented water on it. Union Ministers U Myint Hlaing and U Zaw Min and the region chief minister formally opened the hydropower plant. Vice-President Dr Sai Mauk Kham formally unveiled the signboard. He then pressed the button to operate machine No.2. Hydropower Generation Enterprise Managing Director U Khin Maung Win reported on the volume of electricity generation and operational condition. The Vice-President presented baskets of fruits to Chinese technicians. Then, the Vice-President and party paid homage to HsedawU Pagoda. They then viewed the dam and looked round the power intake. At the project briefing hall, U Htin Lin Pyae of Shwe Thanlwin Co presented six sets of Sky Net receiver for the hydropower station to Irrigation Department Director- General U Kyaw Myint Hlaing. The Vice-President and party left Magway by air and arrived back in Nay Pyi Taw in the afternoon. Newly-opened Kyeeohn Kyeewa Multi-purpose Dam and hydropower station are located at Mone Creek near Wunlo Village 15 miles from Mone Creek Dam Project 5 miles from Mezali Diversion Weir in Pwintbyu Township, Minbu District, Magway Region. By storing water from Mone Creek Dam and from between the two dams, 74 megawatts of electricity will be generated. Already-built Mezali Diversion Weir will irrigate 96,000 acres of farmland for monsoon paddy cultivation. In addition, more than 74,000 acres of land can be irrigated for summer paddy cultivation and for regional greening. Kyeeohn Kyeewa Multi-purpose Dam which is of zone dam type can store 463,000 acre feet. Still water storage of the dam is 35,350 acre feet and area is 10,860 acres. It is 3280 feet long and 164 feet high. Construction of the dam whose conduit is of ogee type started in 2002- 2003 and completed 2011-2012. Students must be prepared to become medical experts when foreign countries come to open their hospitals and universities in Myanmar NAY PYI TAW, 30 March—Vice- President Dr Sai Mauk Kham visited Magway University of Medicine and Myathalun Pagoda in Magway Region yesterday. Union Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Myint Hlaing, Union Minister for Electric Power No (1) U Zaw Min, Union Minister for Immigration and Population U Khin Yi, Union Minister for Science and Technology U Aye Myint, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig- Gen Kyaw Zan Myint, Deputy Minister for Border Affairs Maj-Gen Zaw Win, Deputy Minister for Construction U Kyaw Lwin, Deputy Minister for Electric Power No (2) U Aung Than Oo and Deputy Minister for Education U Ba Shwe, Deputy Minister for Health Dr Win Myint and departmental heads and officials accompanied the Vice- President on his tour. On arrival at Magway Airport from the capital, the Vice-President and party were welcomed by Magway Region Chief Minister U Phone Maw Shwe, region ministers, departmental officials and personnel of social organizations. The Vice-President then went to Magway University of Medicine and looked round physics lab, chemistry department, anatomical lab, post-graduate research lab, computer room and library. The Vice-President met Rector Dr Win Myat Aye, professors, faculty heads, instructors, nurses and staff at the assembly hall of the university. First, the rector reported to the Vice- President on location and brief history of the university, ratio of students from regions and states, number of lecture halls, ratio of house surgeons from the University assigned to hospitals in regions and states, transport services for students, conducting of information technology courses, environmental greening works and requirements of the university , followed by supplementary report of Deputy Health Minister Dr Win Myint on projected expenditures for the university in the coming fiscal years. The Vice-President made coordination with personnel concerned to attend to the needs and made a speech. In his speech, he said he was there to learn developments, academic matters and capacity of the workforce of the university. The university is 11 years old now as it was opened in 2011. It was the last one in Myanmar, standing as Union level medical university with a total of 2300 students from regions and states studying medicine there. Students from Mon, Bago, Sagaing, Kachin, Shan and other regions and states had no chance to attend medical universities near their home regions but had to go to Magway University of Medicine. So, lecturers had to apply good teaching methods to make sure parents and students feel worthwhile to join the university, students have secure social life and feel proud of studying at the university. For that, the government would also increasingly provide necessary equipment to the university. Although universities could not have provided hostels for students, ways are to be sought for Magway University of Medicine to accommodate students for their convenience in learning. Such a characteristic will help the university win the credit and a sound environment must be created. Officials from the university and the region government are found to have been fulfilling the social needs of students. Moreover, coordination will be made for students to have securer ferries. The success of a university of medicine depends not only on its facilities and the quality of its rector and faculty members but also students’ hard work. Students who have been turned out by universities of such significant characteristics will surely become reliable doctors in the national health sector. Teachers on their part need to train their students to have the habit of self-learning rather than using conventional teaching methods. Only then will students become scholars on whom the State can rely. When ASEAN integration area emerges in 2015, professional scholars will pour in. So, students must be well-trained to be on a par with foreign professionals. Students must be prepared to become medical experts when foreign countries come to open their hospitals and universities in Myanmar. In this connection, the government will render assistance as much as necessary and faculty members are to train their students to become skilled doctors, said the Vice-President. Next, U Htin Lin Pyae of Shwe Than Lwin Co, U Aung Myo Min Din of Amazing Hotel Group and U Kyaw Naing of Chanlon Gems Co donated 10 sets of Sky Net TV receiver and 50 computers. Then, the Vice-President cordially greeted those present. In late evening, the Vice-President and party visited and paid homage to Magway Myathalon Pagoda. At the office of the pagoda board of trustees, Vice-President Dr Sai Mauk Kham heard reports by Public Works Superintending Engineer U Ohn Lwin on construction of Maha Atularathi Stairways. Deputy Construction Minister U Kyaw Lwin gave a supplementary report and the Vice-President left necessary instructions. This morning, the Vice-President attended a ceremony to provide cash for school uniforms to 198 students of No.88 LID by national entrepreneurs. Also present were Union Ministers U Zaw Min, U Khin Yi and U Aye Myint, Magway Region Chief Minister U Phone Maw Shwe, Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Kyaw Zan Myint, Maj-Gen Zaw Win, U Kyaw Lwin, U Aung Than Oo, U Ba Shwe and Dr Win Myint and officials of No.88 LID. On the occasion, Shwe Than Lwin Co, Amazing Hotel Group and Chanlon Gems Co donated K 5 million for school uniforms.
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