Headlines    

Yangon, 28 April- Members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and Lt-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence, at the hall of the Command in Myeik on 26 April and discussed regional development.

Commander Brig-Gen Tha Aye reported on conditions of the division, agriculture and livestock breeding, district-wise production, double cropping, cultivation of pepper, rubber and oil palm, implementation of targets on mineral, meat and fish sectors, pearl culture and fish and prawn breeding and transport and progress of GNP.

Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann said Taninthayi Division has developed according to the data of GNP and present findings. Development has been made due to prevalence of peace and tranquillity in the region, rule of law and order and construction of roads and bridges. There are still better prospects for development. Service personnel and local people are to make efforts for development of their region with goodwill, he said.

He said rice sufficiency in the region increased year after year. In order to boost production of rice, tasks on extended cultivation of paddy, use of high quality strains and double cropping are to be undertaken. He spoke of the need to harvest the paddy in time minimizing loss and wastage.

Service personnel, on their part, are to discharge duties with goodwill and must be loyal to the State, he added. Every citizen wants their country to be developed. Only when they participate in the regional development tasks, will other regions develop gradually from the basic level to the State level. By doing so, a modern developed nation that everyone desires will emerge, he said.

He said Tatmadawmen must be loyal to the country and its people. Nation-building tasks are to be implemented with high capability. In implementing Our Three Main National Causes by laying down 12 objectives, service personnel, hand in hand with the Tatmadaw and the people are to participate in the tasks, he said. Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and Lt-Gen Maung Bo and Commander Brig-Gen Tha Aye and party cordially greeted those present.

They inspected construction of Maha Theikdhijaya Pagoda in Myeik. They proceeded to summer paddy experimental field of farmer U Nyunt Wai in Sandawut Village Tract. Taninthayi Division Mana-ger of Myanma Agriculture Service U Than Naing reported on pilot cultivation of different kinds of paddy, per acre yield of 130.82 baskets of paddy.

They inspected 1 H paddy field and gave instructions. They cordially greeted members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and service personnel. Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and Lt-Gen Maung Bo and Commander Brig-Gen Tha Aye and party arrived at the site of Kyweku-Kyaukphya Bridge Project on Myeik-Dawei road. They were welcomed there by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Myint Thein, Superintending Engineer U Ba Wan and officials. The superintending engineer reported on construct-ion of 3,612 feet long and 28 feet wide Kyweku-Kyaukphya Bridge, progress of work, tasks to be undertaken, supply of construction materials and fuel and funds, earth work for approach roads and machinery. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Myint Thein then gave a supplementary report. Com-mander Brig-Gen Tha Aye reported on assistance provided. Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann said the bridge is an important one on Myeik-Dawei road. On completion of all bridges, transport will be easier and better in the division. He gave instructions on completion of the bridge in time in accord with the set standard and fulfilled the requirements.

Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and Commander Brig-Gen Tha Aye presented a basket of fruits to Superintending Engineer U Ba Wan. They then inspected regional battalions and units in the division. They went to Dawei where they were welcomed by Brig-Gen Htain Win of local station, military officers, officials and their families. In meeting with families of regiments and units, they explained national defence and regional development.

In meeting with officials, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann spoke on participating in nation-building tasks with goodwill, performing duties conscientiously, winning public respect and carrying out the tasks with the people.

Lt-Gen Maung Bo explained the present situa-tion in the world.They then went to Ye where they were welcomed by Chairman of Mon State Peace and Deve-lopment Council Comman-der of South East Command Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung, Defence Services Inspector-General Maj-Gen Lun Maung and officials. After-wards, they inspected Ye Creek Construction Project. The project is being under-taken by Myanma Railways.

Executive Engineer U Lwan Thu reported on progress of work and future tasks, supply of fuel, construction materials and financial matters. Comman-der Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung also gave a supplemen-tary report. Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and Lt-Gen Maung Bo gave instructions and fulfilled the require-ments. Then, they were conducted round the site.

Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and Lt-Gen Maung Bo and Commander Brig-Gen Tha Aye and party spent the night in Ye Township.