Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Comparison between
period preceding 1988 and after
(up to 31-12-2005)
March, 2006
1000 copies
Photographs
Provided by ministries
Printed by
People’s Desire
* Oppose those relying on external elements, acting as
stooges, holding negative views
* Oppose those trying to jeopardize stability of the State
and progress of the nation
* Oppose foreign nations interfering in internal affairs
of the State
* Crush all internal and external destructive elements as
the common enemy
Four political objectives
* Stability of the State, community peace and tranquillity, prevalence
of law and order
* National reconsolidation
* Emergence of a new enduring State Constitution
* Building of a new modern developed nation in accord with the new
State Constitution
6. Kachin State marching to new golden land of unity and amity .... 17
7. Kayah State marching to new golden land of unity and amity .... 41
8. Kayin State marching to new golden land of unity and amity .... 57
9. Chin State marching to new golden land of unity and amity .... 77
10. Mon State marching to new golden land of unity and amity .... 95
11. Rakhine State marching to new golden land of unity and amity .... 113
12. Shan State marching to new golden land of unity and amity .... 129
13. Sagaing Division marching to new golden land of unity and amity .... 149
14. Taninthayi Division marching to new golden land of unity and amity .... 171
15. Bago Division marching to new golden land of unity and amity .... 193
16. Magway Division marching to new golden land of unity and amity .... 217
17. Mandalay Division marching to new golden land of unity and amity .... 243
18. Yangon Division marching to new golden land of unity and amity .... 269
19. Ayeyawady Division marching to new golden land of unity and amity .... 297
20. Myanmar marching to new golden land of unity and amity .... 324
a
Ministry of Information
Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence
Services Senior General Than Shwe cordially converses with trainees of B.Ed Course No
36 of University for Development of National Races at the dinner.
The Union of Myanmar
Location
Located in the Southeast Asia region, Myanmar lies between north latitude 9 degrees
32 minutes and 28 degrees 31 minutes and between longitudes 92 degrees 10 minutes East
and 101 degrees 11 minutes East.
Its neighbours are China to the north and northeast; Laos to the east; Thailand to
the south east; and India and Bangladesh to the west and bordering the Andaman Sea
and the Bay of Bengal.
Its capital Yangon lies at 96 degrees 13 minutes east longitude and 16 degrees 45
minutes north latitude. The east longitude 97 degrees 30 minutes is designated for Myanmar
standard time and the MST is 6 hours and 30 minutes earlier than GMT.
Area
With a total land area of 261228 sq miles (677,000 sq km), the country stretches
over 1275 miles (2051 km) from north to south and 582 miles (936 km) east to west.
The country’s border line stretches about 5200 miles and sharing 3808 miles with
neighbouring countries— 1357 miles with China, 1314 miles with Thailand, 857 miles
with India, 152 miles with Bangladesh and 128 miles with Laos. It has a 1385 miles long
coastline from Nat River to Kawthoung.
Topography
Roughly, the topographic condition of Myanmar can be divided into three parts—
western ranges, central plains and eastern hilly regions. Myanmar is adjacent to Himaliyan
ranges which lie in the western part of the country. The Khakaborazi Mountain with the
height of 19296 feet is a part of the western ranges and the Saramayti Mountain is 12553
feet high. The western ranges divide India and Myanmar as a wall.
In the central plains, the Ayeyawady delta region is the largest one and it is
divided into three parts— first part of the region is from the upper reaches to Mandalay,
the second part from Mandalay to Pyay and the third part from Pyay to its end. Sittoung
basin and Chindwin basin are included in the central plain. In the central plain, there also
exist Zeebyu mountain range, Minwon mountain range, Hmankin mountain range and
Gangaw mountain range. Bago Mountain range lies from north to south in the region.
Shan Plateau is called the eastern mountain range which has an average height of 3000
to 4000 feet.
The Union of Myanmar
Although it is called a plateau, there exists mountains with high slopes. Across the
plateau Thanlwin river flows from north to south— Shan Plateau to Taninthayi coastal
region. Zawgyi, Myitnge and Panlaung rivers originate in the Shan Plateau and enter the
River Ayeyawady.
Population
The Union of Myanmar is home to various national races and the main stocks are
Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Bamar, Mon, Rakhine and Shan. According to the data in
1998-99, the population of the country has reached 47.25 million and the increase rate
is 1.84 per cent. The number of man reaches 23.46 million (49.66 per cent) and woman
23.79 (50.34 per cent). According to the estimate of 31-12-2005, the population of
Myanmar totalled over 54.7 million.
Climate
Generally, Myanmar has three seasons. The summer is from March to May, the
rainy season from middle of May to end of October, and the cold season from November
to end of February.
Myanmar enjoys a tropical monsoon climate. However, climatic conditions differ
widely from place to place due to widely diverse topographical conditions. For instance,
Central Myanmar has an annual rainfall of less than 40 inches while the Rakhine Coast
gets about 200 inches.
The temperature of Central Myanmar is about 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 degrees
Centigrade) in the months of March and April. During the period, the temperature of the
northern part of Myanmar reaches 97 degrees Fahrenheit (36.1 degrees Centigrade) and
in Shan Plateau it is about 85 to 95 degree Fahrenheit (29.4 to 35 degrees Centigrade).
Temperature of towns vary according to their location and elevation.
In some years past, severe storms occurred causing damages in coastal regions. In
order to bring about the favourable climatic conditions, the State has given priority to
Central Myanmar Greening Project.
Religion
Myanmar enjoys religious tolerance and since the ancient times, there has been full
freedom of worship for followers of different religions. So, different religions can be
practised in Myanmar. The religious edifices and religious orders have been in existence
and religious festivals can be held on a grand scale.
The majority of the population embraces Buddhism with 89.3 per cent but other
religions can be practised freely. In the country, Christian occupies 5.06 per cent of the
population, Islam 3.8 per cent, Hindu 0.5 per cent and Animist 0.2 per cent.
History of Myanmar
With a long 2000 years of History, Myanmar experienced various kinds of events
such as stability in the country and rapid changes. The following are chronicles of the
country—
AD 1st Century … The Pyus founded city states in Beikthanoe, Hanlin,
Tagaung,Thayekhittaya regions. Thaton or Suvanabonmi
was also founded.
1044-1297* (406-659)** … The first Myanmar empire was founded by King
Anawrahta (1044-1047) in Bagan period.
1552-1599 (914-961) … King Bayintnaung (1552-1581) established the second
Myanmar empire in Toungoo period.
1752-1885 (1114-1247) … King Alaungmintaya (1752-1760) founded the third
Myanmar empire in Kongboung period.
1824-26 (1186-1188) … First Anglo-Myanmar war broke out.
1852-54 (1214-1216) … Second Anglo-Myanmar war broke out.
1885 (1247) … After the third Anglo-Myanmar war, Myanmar fell
under the servitude of British colonialists.
1906 (1268) … Young Men’s Buddhist Association (YMBA) was
founded with the aim of promoting the standard of
race and religion. On 18 December 1918, the British
government issued Cradock Plan.
1919 (1281) … Myanmar Women Konmayi Association was formed.
1920 October (1282) … The 8th meeting of YMBA decided to change its name
to GCBA.
1920 December 1282 … The first students strike against the colonial education
occurred.
1930 May (1292) … Doe Bamar Asiayon was formed.
1930 December (1292) … Peasants uprising broke out.
1923-37 (1285-1299) … The period of Diarchy Administration.
25-2-36 (1297) … The second students strike broke out.
1-4-37 to 10-12-42 … 91 departments administration system practised.
8-1-38* (1299) … Chauk oilfield strike started. 1300 revolution broke
out.
26-12-41 (1303) … Burma Independence Army (BIA) was formed.
27-7-42 (1304) … BIA changed its name to Burma Defence Army
(BDA).
** Myanmar Era
* AD
History of Myanmar
1-8-43 … Japanese granted a sham independence.
27-3-45 (1307) … Anti-fascist revolution started.
1945-47 (1306-1308) … White paper administration of British government.
1947 (1309) … Soranto Villa Rehabilitation Programmes were introduced.
12-2-47 (1308) … National consolidation built through the Panglong
Agreement.
4-1-48 (1309) … Myanmar regained her independence.
1948-50 (1310-11) … Parliamentary democracy was practised in the country.
1958-59 (1320-21) … The Tatmadaw shouldered the responsibility of the
State as a Caretaker Government.
2-3-62 (1323) … Revolutionary Council assumed the State power.
1962-74 (1323-35) ... Launched a Socialist Revolution under the leadership
of the Burma Socialist Programme Party.
1974-88 … Pyithu Hluttaw and various levels of People’s Council
were formed and representatives of the people per-
formed the administrative and legislative duties.
18-9-88 … Demonstrations broke out due to general discontent.
Anarchy reigned the country as a result of internal and
external instigations. The rule of law and stability de-
teriorated and a wave of panic swept the country.
Therefore, the Tatmadaw had to take the responsibil-
ity and safeguard the nation.
27-5-90 … Multiparty general elections took place.
9-1-93 … The National Convention was convened.
30-3-96 … The National Convention was temporarily adjourned.
15-11-97 (1359) … The State Peace and Development Council was formed,
12 political, economic and social objectives laid down
and efforts have been made for emergence of a peace-
ful, modern and developed nation.
30-8-2003 … The seven-point Road Map was announced.
17-5-2004 … The National Convention that was temporarily ad-
journed resumed.
Tradition of the Tatmadaw
Throughout the independence struggle of Myanmar history, the national races fought
against the colonialists, political groups tried hard for national cause, and efforts made
in various forms for regaining independence. With the concept that political means only
would not be able to regain independence but armed struggle might sweep the colonialists
out of the soil of the country, Myanmar political leaders secretly planned to form a
Tatmadaw.
World War II broke out on 3 September 1939. The Thirty Comrades formed with
patriotic politicians made contact with Japanese and left for Hainang in southern China
to undergo military training. They had to take vigorous military training there.
After the Japanese entered the war, the Thirty Comrades arrived in Bangkok to-
gether with the Japanese troops. From 26 December 1941 to 2 January 1942 Burma
Independence Army was formed in Bangkok. Initially, the BIA was formed with 200
men and hand in hand with Japanese troops they fought against the colonialist troops.
Without holding self-interests in the fore and with the aim of regaining independ-
ence, the patriotic national youth joined BIA. In this way, the number of BIA had reached
up to 30,000 from 23,000 within a short period. But Japanese were displeased with the
increase in the number of BIA. Therefore, they abolished the BIA on 27 July 1942 and
formed Burma Defence Army with 3,000 troops. Although the BDA members had to
discharge their duty under the command of Japanese as a subordinate, the BDA was
mobilized and it underwent military training systematically and troops were efficient
ones with strong patriotism.
On 1 August 1943 Japanese granted a sham independence to Myanmar. The De-
fence Council meeting held on 15 September 1943, changed the name of BDA to Burma
National Army (BNA). On 27 March 1945, the Tatmadaw, hand in hand with the people,
launched anti-fascist resistance. From that day on the Tatmadaw has been in oneness with
the people. The Tatmadaw has become endowed with the features of national armed
forces serving the interests of the nation and its people.
British colonialists who entered the country again did not want to acknowledge the
Tatmadaw as a national Tatmadaw representing the nation and the people. They tried to
abolish Patriotic Burma Force and transform it into Burma Army. But, the Tatmadaw and
the people did not accept their scheme. Therefore, the British had to acknowledge the
Tatmadaw as Patriotic Burma Force (PBF).
Tradition of the Tatmadaw
The British had to give up the plan of abolishing PBF and admitting only those who
had met their standard to Burma Army. In accord with the Kandy Treaty signed in Kandy
in Sri Lanka on 6 September 1945, the British allowed all the 5200 other ranks, 200
officers and 200 reserved officer from PBF to merge with Burma Army.
The Tatmadaw launched the anti-fascist movement and as a hard-core force fought
against the colonialists hand in hand with the people to regain independence. The day of
resistance on which the Tatmadaw and the people drove out the fascists has been des-
ignated as the Armed Forces Day and parade has been held yearly on that day and the
60th anniversary of Armed Forces Day was held in 2005. According to historical de-
mand, the Tatmadaw had to take part in national political leading role apart from national
defence role in 1948-49 when the internal insurgency was at its peak and in 1950 when
the Tatmadaw was engaged in fighting against the foreign intruders.
The Tatmadaw had to unavoidably take the responsibility of the State on 2 March
1962 when the nation faced with the danger of disintegration of national unity and the
Union and loss of sovereignty.
Again in 1988, the country experienced chaos, which broke out due to discontent
among the people. During the period, anarchy reigned the country and thus for the sake
of peace and stability the Tatmadaw had to bear the full brunt of the shock as there was
no way to solve the problem. Nowadays, the Tatmadaw as the State Peace and Devel-
opment Council is serving the interests of the State dutifully. Thanks to the earnest efforts
of the Tatmadaw for national reconsolidation 17 national race armed groups had returned
to the legal fold.
It can be seen that there are specific events in the history of the Tatmadaw that is
in parallel with the history of the State.
The Tatmadaw with good traditions is endowed with military, organizing and ad-
ministration capabilities. Holding the four oaths in the fore, the Tatmadaw, from its birth,
has discharged its national duties successfully and is also discharging the duties at the
risk of its lives and will discharge the national duties unwaveringly. As the Tatmadaw
is a consolidated national force the leading role of the Tatmadaw can be seen in inde-
pendence struggle and in the national political sector.
Towards new golden land of unity
and amity
Myanmar is a Union made up of seven states and seven divisions. Over 100 national
races have been living together in unity and amity through thick and thin throughout
consecutive eras of history.
A glance at the course of history will indicate that Myanmar had stood as an
independent and sovereign State under its own monarch in the international community
for years countable by the thousand. From that time onwards, the national brethren came
together to eliminate all the dangers posed to the country and protected their motherland.
The colonialists waged an aggressive war on Myanmar in 1824. After three wars,
Myanmar was colonized in 1885. Like a saying that goes "a real ruby does not lose its
brightness even in the mire", national compatriots armed themselves with Union Spirit
and showed bravery and determination throughout the independence struggle.
The colonialists made wicked schemes to break up national solidarity by introduc-
ing the "divide and rule" policy so that they could enslave Myanmar for a long time. Yet,
national people unanimously made it known to the colonialists at Panglong on 12 Feb-
ruary 1947 that their unity had been hardened into "family spirit".
After witnessing the united strength of national people, the colonialists eventually
granted independence to Myanmar. On the other hand, the conspirators hatched wicked
schemes to hold sway over Myanmar and to make her dance to their tune.
As an emerging independent nation, Myanmar should have kept pace with neigh-
bouring countries in terms of development. Instead, the country suffered the impact of
internal insurgency.
The country had lived under the colonial servitude for over 123 years, subject to
all kinds of exploitation. The country was not able to rise from a 40-year knockout
engulfed in the flame of internal insurgency. Under such circumstances, the country was
close to collapse in 1988 as a result of subversive as well as provocative acts of the
internal and external destructive elements. The Tatmadaw thus saved the country from
imminent disintegration in the nick of time by assuming the State duty.
The Tatmadaw Government that came into existence as an answer to the call of
historical need worked hard to put the country in order by improving the socio-economic
life of national people after drawing lessons from the past events and analysing the
prevailing conditions. Now, the government is taking measures for reforms to improve
all the sectors across the country through a calculation of development paces slower than
others. Geographically, Myanmar shares borders with India in the west, with China in the
north, and with Laos and Thailand in the east. To the far south of Myanmar lies the Bay
of Bengal linking to the Indian Ocean.
The Union of Myanmar is 1,275 miles in length from north to south and 582 miles
from east to west. The total area of the country is 261,228 square miles. Myanmar has
a population of over 53 million.
The forest area of the country constitutes 57 percent of the land, 149528 square
miles. The cultivable land as a whole totalled 45 million acres when compared with over
24.8 million acres in 1988.
At present, Myanmar is an agro-based country, with its 70 percent of population
living in rural areas.
The transport system in the colonial era was a total failure. Even after independ-
ence, transport mainly relied on water course in delta regions, not to mention border
areas.
The government is making strenuous efforts day in, day out to overcome the dif-
ficulties.
In line with the guidance of the Head of State, emphasis has been placed on the
perpetual existence of the Union.
State Peace and Development Council Chairman and also Commander-in-Chief of
Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on the spirit of oneness
among the national brethren at University for Development of National Races on 28
January 2003.
The Senior General said: "A variety of national races live in the territory of our
nation Myanmar, and each and every part of the nation is like a small union where
different nationalities reside. We Myanmars have been living together in unison so
long that we are inseparable. And love, friendship and unity are a must for all of us".
The guidance is indeed like a light that shows the way to the better future of the
nation at a time when the national races, who have been living on the same land and
drinking water from the same source, are striving for national progress, while sailing on
the same boat.
The government therefore gave the top priority to national reconsolidation and
managed to clear the hatred, discord and misunderstanding among the national brethren,
which were caused by the instigations and interventions of the colonialists. In conse-
quence, a total of 17 national armed groups have returned to the legal fold. With the fruits
of peace and stability in the entire nation, the Border Areas and National Races Devel-
opment Project opened a new chapter of the nation's history.
map of myanmar
14 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
At the same time, the government sought all possible ways and means for food
sufficiency of the entire national people. With a view to ensuring development of the
agricultural sector, the artery of an agro-based nation, the government has been taking
measures systematically and effectively such as extension of sown acreage, construction
of dams and water pumping stations for irrigating cultivated lands, introducing all-year-
round cultivable lands, launching projects for food security of respective regions, and
providing encouragement and necessary assistance for ensuring success in cultivating all
crops. The government also could open a new page of the agricultural sector of the
nation.
Furthermore, the government has been able to build a network of roads and bridges
across the nation in its drive to cement the amicable relations among the national brethren
with smooth and secure transport.
In addition, the government has taken steps for development of the livestock breed-
ing and fishery sector. Myanmar is rich in fresh water fish and prawn as well as sea fish
and prawn. However, it is making sustained efforts with farsightedness to fulfil the fish
and prawn demand of the posterity. The number of fish breeding and prawn breeding
farms has increased significantly in the states and divisions which are blessed with
favourable conditions for this industry. It initiated the paddy plus fish project, and the
release of fingerlings of a wide range of fish species into the Ayeyawady River.
It has placed emphasis on conservation of present forests as well as planting of
trees to form more forests. It is implementing the project for greening of the 13 districts
in the Upper Myanmar, which were once called the arid zone of the nation.
Based on the success in the agriculture, livestock breeding, regional greening and
transport sectors, it is putting into motion the master plan for building an agro-based
industrialized country. It has also helped emerge computer-aided industrial zones and
factories in the country.
For the national progress, the government, under the close supervision of the Spe-
cial Projects Implementation Central Committee headed by the Head of State, is doing
its utmost to open a bridge in a month and 12 dams in a year in order to bring fruits of
rapid development to the national people in a short time. So, a lot of new towns, roads,
bridges and factories have been added to the nation's map.
In addition to building of more infrastructures in various areas for the future nation,
it has laid down many education promotion projects for enabling the national people to
enhance their intellectual power in the knowledge age. It has broadened the scope of the
education sphere by means of opening more and more basic and higher education schools
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 15
for the entire national people to enjoy equal rights in their pursuit of education and for
upgrading the nation's education standard. Under the 24 Special Region Development
Project, it has established new universities, colleges and 200-bed hospitals in respective
regions.
Simultaneously, it is implementing the five rural development tasks for elevating
the living and social standards of the rural society.
During the more-than-16-year period of the Tatmadaw government, the nation has
been able to reach again the list of top paddy-producing nations, play a leading role in
producing beans and pulses among ASEAN nations, stand as a nation, in which forests
16 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
are conserved and the environment protected well, inexhaustible gas deposits discovered,
water resources effectively harnessed for the nation's power sector. It has also caught up
with other ASEAN nations in the education and health spheres. Therefore, the nation is
now on its way to a new state with bright prospects.
The above-mentioned fruitful results well matched with the speech delivered by
Head of State Senior General Than Shwe during his inspection tour of Shan State in April
2002, saying that as the national races who live in 14 states and divisions are indeed
the brethren, the government is making relentless efforts to ensure equitable devel-
opment of all parts of the nation.
“Simultaneously, the government is taking all possible measures for progress
of the national races and brighter future of the nation. All national people are the
brethren of the nation, so the government really wants to see all national races enjoy
fruitful results of development equally, he said.
“According to the area, natural resources and population of the nation,
Myanmar will become a modern and developed one before long if the national
people make efforts with added momentum in harmony for national development,’’
he said.
Other measures of the government for the seven states and seven divisions will be
presented.
18 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Forest Conservation
The government paid attention to conservation of forests in Kachin State. So the area
of forests has risen nearly thirty times. The area of afforestation has surged nearly 70
times. In 1988, a total of 10,000 saplings were planted in mass activities. Now, over 7.2
million saplings have been grown in the region.
Besides, the government is implementing the project for greening and long-lasting of
Indawgyi Lake in Indawgyi Wildlife Sanctuary in Mohnyin Township. It designated
299.32 square miles including the area of the lake (14 miles long and five miles wide)
as Indawgyi Wildlife Sanctuary.
22 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Transport Sector
In the past, with poor transport, the region had to mainly rely on railway and airway.
At that time, Shwebo-Myitkyina Road was not a fine one, and the remaining roads were
in poor condition. So, local people had to cross Ayeyawady River first by boat if they
wanted to travel from Myitkyina to Bhamo, and to Waingmaw on the east bank of
Ayeyawady, and then to Chibwe and Sawtlaw in the northern part.
In the time of the Tatmadaw Government, 2,688-foot-long Bala Min Htin Bridge
across Ayeyawady River in Myitkyina was opened in 1998, resulting in better transport
in the region. The opening of Sinkhan Bridge on Mandalay-Tagaung-Bhamo-Myitkyina
Road took place in Shwegu Township, Bhamo District, Kachin State, on 13 January 2005.
It is the 178th of the bridges with 180 feet and above in length in the nation.
Now, the people can choose the 350-mile-long Mandalay-Shwebo-Myitkyina Road on
the west bank of Ayayawady River, or the 302-mile-long Mandalay-Mogok-Momeik-Mabein-
Mansi-Bhamo Road on the east bank of Ayayawady River and the 115-mile-long Bhamo-
Myitkyina Road to travel from Mandalay to Myitkyina. The government has constructed
the 375-mile-long Mandalay-Myitkyina Union Highway along the east bank of Ayayawady
River.
The 460-foot-long Sinkhan Bridge is the 12th of the bridges with 180 feet and above
built by the government in Kachin State.
After 1988, Tapein, Tabetchaung, Bala Min Htin, Nantmyitkha, Maliyan, Namsanyan,
Mole, Tanai, Hopin, Mogaung and Mohnyin bridges emerged in Kachin State. Now, the
government is implementing, Kyundaw bridge, Kaunghmulon suspension bridge, and Namti
bridge (Kanhla) projects in the region.
Moreover, it is upgrading the 78-mile-long Putao-Machanbaw-Phayukha-Nawngmon
Road, and the 228-mile-long Myitkyina-Namti-Tanai-Shinbweyan-Pansaung-Ledo Road.
It will also upgrade Myitkyina-Putao Road, and Myitkyina-Pansauk-Ledo Road. The table
shows the progress of transport sector in Kachin State.
Ayeyawady River crossing Bala Minhtin Bridge
Mogaung Bridge
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 25
* Completed two above 180 feet bridges **Three major bridges under construction
1. Bala Minhtin Bridge (across Ayeyawady river) 1. Kyundaw Bridge
2. Tanaing Bridge (Tanaing creek) 2. Kaunghmulon Bridge
3. Namti Bridge (Kanhla)
26 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Communication Sector
The government is taking measures for development of the communication sector of
Kachin State. The following table shows progress of the communication sector of the
region.
Electric Power
The government is taking systematic measures in order to effectively tap natural
resources in abundance in Kachin State. Hence, there was only a 0.168 megawatt small-
scale hydel power plant (Putao) in 1988. But three medium-scale hydel power plants have
emerged in the time of the Tatmadaw Government.
Therefore, the consumption of electricity in Kachin State has increased from 1.371
(million) unit in the past to 17.508 (million) unit at present. In addition, two large-scale
hydel power plants are under implementation to be able to consume more electricity. Upon
completion, the two hydel power plants will be able to generate 34.5 megawatt. Thus, the
present-hydel power plants in Kachin State will soon be able to generate 48.196 megawatt.
Industries
As efforts are being made for ensuring development of agriculture as the base and all-
round development of other sectors of the economy as well there have been good founda-
tions for industrial development in Kachin State. In the past, there were 601 private fac-
tories and workshops but there are now 175 private factories and workshops, 95 cottage
industries and 11 State-run factories.
Development in the industrial sector of Kachin State
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
Education
The government is striving in all seriousness in order to produce more intellectuals and
intelligentsia and to enhance the education standard of the whole region. More basic education
schools were opened in border areas. In the process, there have emerged 137 basic education
schools in border areas, where altogether over 280,000 students are pursuing education. The
strength of teachers has doubled.
The special 24 development regions have been designated and are being implemented to
enable the national race youths to pursue education within their reach. In the past, there was only
one degree college in Kachin State but there are now one university, two degree colleges and
one college. Hence, there were only over 1,000 students who were able to access higher
education in 1988. But there are now 18,035students who are able to do so in the region.
-Computercolleges college - 2 2
Myanmar Gems
Health
In an effort to ensure uplift of health, fitness and education standards of the entire nation
the government has been providing health care services to local people in Kachin State like
other states and divisions. The number of hospitals has increased from 35 in the past to 46
to date. Likewise, the strength of health staff has increased from 716 in the past to 1,130
to date. There were 121 doctors in 1988 but there are now 271. One traditional medicine
hospital and five dispensaries were added for ensuring better health care services.
34 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
striving for improvement of socio-economic life of the local people. The length of urban
roads including tarred roads, gravel roads and laterite roads has increased from 215 miles
In the past, measures were taken for ensuring water supply to two towns in Kachin State.
At present, efforts are being made for ensuring water supply to another seven towns. The
length of village-to-village roads has increased from 468 miles in the past to 915 miles to
date for regional development. This includes 53 miles and 2 furlongs of tarred road. To
ensure potable water supply to rural regions, 886 tasks for water supply were carried out
Development regions
-Kachin special region-1 region - 2 2
-Kachin special region-2 region - 1 1
Road and bridge
-Earth road mile - 319/6 319/6
-Gravelled road mile - 201/4 201/4
-Tarred road mile - 2/1 2/1
-Road maintenance mile - 216/1 216/1
-Bridge(large, small,suspension) bridge - 8/196/26 8/196/26
Health care service
-Hospital hospital - 11 11
-Clinic clinic - 30 30
-Rural health centre centre - 24 24
38 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
180-feet and above major bridges built in Kachin State after 1988
Length Width
Sr Bridge Road Township River/Creek
(feet) (feet)
1 Tapain suspension bridge Bhamo-Myitkyina Moemauk Tapain river 320 18
Agriculture
In 1988, Kayah State could not even produce enough food to feed its own people. The
Tatmadaw Government has changed the agricultural patterns and water supply programmes
of the state. It has built Dawtacha Dam in 1997 to irrigate 1,000 acres of crops in
Bawlake Township; and Loik-nan-hpa Dam in Demawhso Township to irrigate 2,150
acres of land. In addition, it has built water pumping stations and small-scale dams to
increase the sown acreage of the state.
The table shows the development of agricultural sector in Kayah State:
Forest Conservation
The state grew about 90,000 saplings in 1988. But it planted over 3,810,000 saplings
this year. The table shows the extent of forest conservation work in Kayah State.
Development in the forestry sector of Kayah State
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
Communications
The table shows the development of the communication sector of Kayah State.
Electricity
Kayah State, with many falls and rapids, had the large 168-megawatt Bilu Creek
Hydel Power Plant and the small-scale 0.108-megawatt power hydel power station at
Hpasawng before 1988. The Tatmadaw Government built a new 28-megawatt power
plant on Bilu Creek. Power consumption of the state has risen to five times the amount
it did in 1988. The table shows the development of electricity sector of the state:
Industrial Sector
Seven State-owned industries, 33 cottage industries and 270 private industries are
running in the state. The government has given priority to the further development of the
sector.
Development in the industrial sector of Kayah State
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
Subject Count 1988 31-12-2005 Progress
Upgrading of industrial power
Private industry plant 270 270 -
-Cottage industry plant - 33 33
State-owned industry plant 4 7 3
Health
Health services of the state are also developing as in all other states and divisions. The
150-bed hospital in Loikaw has been upgraded to a 200-bed facility, and it has been
reinforced with more specialist surgeons. The state has doubled the number of doctors
working in it and added hundreds of health staff of other levels to the related facilities.
It has one traditional medicine hospital and nine traditional medicine dispensaries. The
following table documents progress of the health sector:
Development in the health sector of Kayah State
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
Subject Count 1988 31-12-2005 Progress
Upgrading of hospital hospital 15 16 1
- 200-bed hospital - 1 1
- 150-bed hospital 1 - upgrading
- 25-bed hospital 4 7 3
- 16-bed hospital 2 - upgrading
- Station hospital/ Branch Tsp hospital hospital 8 8 -
Health Centres centre 32 36 4
- Rural Health Centre centre 24 28 4
- Maternal and Child Health Centre centre 6 6 -
- Local Health Centre centre 1 1 -
- School Health Team team 2 2 -
Health Staff staff 351 570 219
- Doctor (Specialist/Assistant) doctor 125 271 146
- Nurse nurse 177 462 285
- Health staff staff 24 28 4
- Midwife midwife 137 162 25
- Skilled labour labour 5 7 2
- TSP Health Assistant assistant 14 28 14
- Health Assistant-1 assistant - 18 18
- Health Assistant assistant 40 51 11
- Superviser 1,2 superviser 29 65 36
Traditional medicine
- Traditional Medicine Hospital hospital - 1 1
- Traditional Medicine Clinic clinic 4 9 5
Training School school - 1 1
- Nurses Training School school - 1 1
Agriculture
The fertile soil, the assistance provided by the Government, and the efforts of the
local people have enabled Kayin State to see a sustainable development in agriculture.
Thanks to five river pumping stations and small scale dams, the state can grow 60,000
more acres of crops and put 80,000 acres of land under multiple cropping.
Now the state can even grow nearly 100,000 acres of paddy in summer. In the past,
summer paddy was not cultivated in the state. As the state can double its paddy produc-
tion, it can now enjoy surplus food.
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 59
The following table shows the sustainable development in cultivating beans and
pulses, edible oil crops, rubber and coffee, in addition to paddy:
Forest Conservation
Kayin State is protecting and conserving its forests. It has extended the areas of
reserved forests, sanctuaries and protected public forests. As a public movement, the state
has grown over 600,000 saplings. It has also set up village forest plantations for fuel and
economic purposes in rural areas. It has also conserved the watershed areas to maintain
the waterway systems of natural watercourses. Please see the table showing the forestry
sector to know the state’s forest conservation endeavours:
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 61
Railways
- miles of railroad mile 16.00 16.00 -
- miles of railtrack mile 16.75 16.75 -
- passenger 1X1000 - - -
- passenger/mile mile - - -
- Goods Ton (1x1000) - 92.27 92.27
Communications
The table of communication sector indicates the development of the sector in Kayin
State:
Development in the communication sector of Kayin State
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
cantly increase its power consumption. One is the 25-megawatt Dayaing Creek (Paingkyon)
Hydel Power Project and the other is the Hatgyi Hydel Power Project that will generate
400 megawatts in the first stage, and 200 megawatts in the second stage. Now, I will
present the state’s electricity sector with the table.
Industries
The state now has 489 private industries, up from 409 in 1988. The number of cottage
industries in the state is 110. Three new State-owned industries have been commissioned
into services in the state to generate more job opportunities. The state already had six
State-owned industries in the past.
Development in the industrial sector of Kayin State
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
Education
The education policy of the Government covers developing the education sector of all
states and divisions and producing human resources. Kayin State is also producing bril-
liant human resources that will serve its interest in the future.
At present, there are 146 high, middle and primary schools in Kayin State, and over
5,000 teachers. The number of students is over 200,000. In 1988, there was only one
college in Kayin State. Now the state is one arts and science university and one education
college. In the past only a few hundred students pursued higher education. Now the
number has increased fifty-folds.
Kayin State is now enjoying significant increase in the school enrolment rate and adult
literacy rate while reducing the school droput rate. The table shows the readers the
development of the state’s education sector.
Hpa-an University
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 71
Health
The Government’s health care services also cover Kayin State. More hospitals have
been opened and the existing ones upgraded. Under the 24-development zone project,
Hpa-an has got a 200-bed hospital. Nine more hospitals and eight more health care
centres have been opened in the state since 1988.
The Government has been appointing more health staff including specialists to the
state. In addition to the existing midwifery school, a new nursing school has been
opened in the state. One traditional medicine hospital and nine dispensaries are taking
care of the health of locals in the state. The table reflects the Government’s goodwill
towards Kayin State concerning the health sector:
Kayin State is covered by the Tatmadaw Government’s border areas and national races
development drive. The entire nation is seeing with pleasure the regional development in
the state due to the harmonious efforts of the Government and the national race groups
that have returned to the legal fold.
In addition to opening opportunities for local youths to pursue arts and science subjects
and computer science and technology of the higher learning, the Government has also
opened a vocational training centre and a youth development training school in Hpa-an.
The Government is gaining success in warding off the evil legacies of the past. It
is reinforcing new strength for development of border areas and national races. The table
shows the Government’s endeavours.
74 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
-e-Library library - 1 1
A Mobile Library in Hpa-an
Agriculture
The Government is making utmost efforts for the local people to utilize the land and
water resources of the mountainous region, with very few plains, to the most effective
degree.
It built Laingva Dam in Falam Township and opened it on 6 April 1994 to irrigate 500
acres of crops. In many cases, man has the ability to accomplish, what was assumed
impossible. The Government had to overcome many difficulties in building the Laingva
Dam on the uneven terrain. The dam is now contributing towards progress of the state’s
agriculture.
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 79
The Government has targeted to set up over 1.1 million acres of highland farms in the
mountainous regions where crop cultivation was difficult. The state itself had reclaimed
1,276 acres of highland farms.
The Tatmadaw is also rendering assistance to cultivate crops that grow well in the
state, and implementing the project to turn Chin State into a major tea growing region.
The state can now increase tea sown acreage to 35 times from merely 158 acres in 1988
to 10010 acres at present.
The Manipura Multipurpose Dam Project in Falam Township will irrigate large stretches
of land and generate electricity. Annually, seven million acre-feet of water is flowing into
the Manipura Dam.
The table shows the sustainable development of the agricultural sector in Chin State.
Development in the agriculture sector of Chin State
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
Subject Count 1988 31-12-2005 Progress
Land resource
- Sown acreage acre 376031 220349 116405
Water supply task
- dam, lake, reservoir, drain - - 2 2
- Task completed - 1 1
- Task to be carried out* - 1 1
- Benefited acres - 500 500
Damming creek - 68 68
- Average benefited acres - 174 174
Total benefited acres - 674 674
Extended paddy cultivation 2696 13718 11022
- Monsoon paddy acreage acre 86781 120002 33221
- per acre yield basket 32.52 66.5 33.99
- Summer paddy acre - 315 315
- per acre yield basket - 62.00 62.00
- Total production basket in
thousand 2805 4297 1492
- Regional rice sufficiency percent - 81 81
Progress in acreage of
beans and pulses acre 26787 44314 12527
- cotton acreage acre - 1474 1474
- sugarcane acreage acre 335 757 422
- maize acreage acre 64383 90037 25654
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 81
* Dam to be Built
1. Manipura Dam, Falam Township, Benefited acres (100000)
Forests Conservation
Thanks to the cooperation of the Government and the local people, forest conservation
and plantation in the state is gaining more progress than that in the past. Many new
protected public forests have been set up and tree plantation in the state shows encour-
aging signs of improvement.
The past mass movement managed to grow only about 50,000 saplings. At present
more people are taking part in the task. The state has planted 6030,000 saplings. I would
like to prove the state’s progress in the forestry sector with the table.
Tiddim Bridge
Communications
The table indicates the development in the communication sector of the state including the
rise in the number of telephones.
Development in the communication sector of Chin State
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
Subject Count 1988 31-12-2005 Progress
Post office office 58 64 6
Telegraph office office 16 18 2
Facsimile 1 37 36
Computer telegraph - 2 2
Telephone
-telephone office office 11 29 18
-telephone line line 2526 8689 6163
-exchange exchange 11 21 10
-direct line line 2401 8128 5727
-auto/manual phone phone 2401 7908 5507
-telephone density 1X1000 1.29 3.01 1.72
Microwave station station - 10 10
Rural telephone
exchange exchange - 11 11
e-Mail/Internet - 4 4
Satellite station
-VSAT station - - -
-iPSTAR station - 4 4
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 85
Electricity
The effective utilization of land and water resources in the state has helped develop the
power generation capacity of the state.
In 1988, the state has four small scale hydel power stations — the Zarlwi in Tiddim
Township, the Daungvar in Haka Township, the Ngasitvar in Falam Township, and the
Paletwa in Paletwa Township. The Tatmadaw Government has built another four diesel
power stations and six new hydel power plants, helping increase the power consumption of
the state.
The four new hydel power plants are: the 0.2-megawatt Namhlaung Creek plant in Matupi
Township, the 0.6-megawatt Laingva plant in Falam Township, the 0.2-megawatt Htweehsaung
plant in Tonzang Township, and the 0.2-megawatt Chichaung plant in Mindat Township.
The Manipura Multipurpose Dam Project will be implemented in Chin State. The Table
informs the reader about the development of the state’s electricity sector.
Development in the electric power sector of Chin State
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
Industrial Sector
Due to the facilitation of the transport and communication sectors and increase in the
power generation in the state, many new private industries have emerged in the region. The
state now has 496 private industries, 153 more than 343 in 1988. The number of State-
owned industries has now reached eight from five in the past. The Government has been
striving to develop the industrial sector of the state which will become a major tea-growing
region in the future.
Education
The education sector of the state, with a population of only over 500,000, is witnessing
significant progress due to the Government’s assistance and encouragement. One-fifth of the
population or over 100,000 are students attending classes at basic education schools.
The Government has opened 91 new schools to open more opportunities for the youths
to pursue basic education. An arts and science university has been opened in the state for
students to be able to pursue higher education studies in their own region. Thus, the school
dropout rate goes down in the state.
The table shows the development of the state’s education sector covered by the 30-year
education promotion plan of the nation.
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 87
Health
The health sector of the state is developing in harmony with the population growth. A 150-
bed hospital has been installed with advanced equipment. Moreover, a 25-bed hospital has
been upgraded to a 50-bed facility, and a 50-bed hospital to a 100-bed one. Six new station
hospitals have been built in the state. The number of specialist physician and doctors working
in the state has increased two folds. Over 200 more nurses have been assigned to the state.
Seven traditional medicine dispensaries are treating patients. A nursing school has been
opened to increase the number of nurses working in the state. The Government has been
improving the life expectancy of the state to catch up with other regions. The table offers the
readers to study the health development of the state.
90 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
-Wood bridge - 4 4
-Conduit conduit - 21 21
Rural Development
Agriculture
The Government is reclaiming more land and cultivating more crops in Mon State,
where agriculture is the base of its economy.
Ardent implementation of irrigation projects to introduce year-round cultivation sys-
tem has added nearly 450,000 more acres in the state, which in the past had only about
150,000 irrigated acres. The outcome of the project is the emergence of nearly 200,000
acres of double-cropping farms.
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 97
In 1988, there were only Kazaing Dam, benefiting 300 acres in Bilin Township, and
Phanon Sluice Gate irrigating 290 acres in Kyaikmaraw Township. The Tatmadaw Gov-
ernment has built Azin and Winphanon dams in Mudon Township, Wapa Dam and
Zaikkaye and Kyonhtaw sluice gates in Thaton Township, Shwenattaung Dam in
Mawlamyine Township, and Bilin Dam in Bilin Township, and the facilities are irrigating
over 60,000 acres of land.
Paddy production in Mon State has exceeded the local demand thanks to the cultiva-
tion of over 100,000 acres of summer paddy in addition to monsoon paddy.
Kadaik Dam, with 10,000-acre irrigation capacity, in Paung Town-ship and Katon
Sluice Gate, which will irrigate 20,000 acres of crops, are under construction at present
in the state, and the Hsandawtaung Dam is in the planning stage.
Eleven units of waterworks are pumping water from Attaran, Bilin, and Gyaing rivers
for irrigating nearly 600,000 acres of crops in Mon State, which had not a single river
water pumping project in 1988. Two more river pumping stations are under construction.
Apart from paddy, beans and pulses sown acreage is increasing in the state, and all-round
assistance of the Government has tripled rubber sown acreage to 268243 acres. Likewise,
pepper cultivation has increased over 100 times.
The table offers readers to study the agricultural development of Mon State during the
time of the Tatmadaw Government.
Land resource
- Sown acreage acre 969516 1403524 134008
Water supply task
- dam, lake, reservoir, drain - 76 86 10
- Task completed 76 83 7
- Task under implementation* - 2 2
- Task to be carried out** - 1 1
- Benefited acres acre 149760 243560 93800
River water pumping station station - 13 13
-Task completed station - 11 11
-Task under implementation station - 2 2
98 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Forest Conservation
The area of reserved forests, protected public forests and wildlife parks is increasing.
Kyaikhtiyoe wildlife sanctuary has emerged in Kyaikto Township and Kelatha wildlife
sanctuary, in Bilin Township. The state has seen 700 per cent increase in forest planta-
tions, and in the meantime it has grown over four million saplings during the time of the
Tatmadaw Government thanks to the public participation. The mass movement in the
past could grow only about 100,000 saplings in 1988.
The table indicates the development of forest conservation and plantation in the state.
100 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
11,575-foot (over two miles long) rail-cum-road Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine), the
longest and most impressive bridge in Myanmar and a milestone in the road transport
sector of Mon State and the Union itself.
Bordering Bago Division, Kayin State and Taninthayi Division, Mon State is a place
where the Asian and ASEAN highways will pass through. Please study the the table to
know the development of road and transport sector in the state.
*Three major bridges built under special project **Bridges under construction
1. Attaran bridge (Mawlamyine) 1. Koemine bridge (Ye)
2. Sittoung bridge (Bilin) 2. Kyoedan bridge (Ye)
3. Thanlwin bridge (Mawlamyine) 3. Sittoung bridge (Motpalin)
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 103
Communications
The government is ensuring a harmonious development of the communication facili-
ties in the whole nation, and the table shows the communication development of the state.
Development in the communication sector of Mon State
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
Electricity
The government is effectively harnessing the water resources of the regions for their
all-round progress. Apart from irrigation, dams are being built to generate power, which
has been contributed to the national grid to supply power to all regions fair and square.
Like in all other states and divisions power generation and consumption are increasing
in Mon State, and the table has detailed data about the electricity sector.
Development in the electric power sector of Mon State
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
Industrial Sector
The Government is increasing the power output of the state as well as its industrial
production. It is introducing industries to the regions which had less industries and laying
sound foundations in the regions with better industrial base. In this way, it is building an
agro-based industrial nation.
Mawlamyine Industrial Zone is included in the 19 industrial zones the nation has set
up. There is more room for the private and cottage industries to develop in the state, and
33 State-owned factories are manufacturing goods. The table will tell you about the
industrial development in Mon State.
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 105
Health
Thanks to the improvement in public education, the people of Mon State are enjoying
good health. The Government has built seven station hospitals, upgraded two 16-bed
hospitals to 25-bed facilities and constructed a new 50-bed hospital in the state, which
now has 29 hospitals including a 300-bed facility and a 100-bed facility.
It has also built two more rural health centres, two new regional health centres, ap-
pointed 415 more health staff and built one traditional medicine hospital. The number of
traditional medicine dispensaries has reached 12. The state in running a nursing school and
a midwifery school. Please see the table to know the education development of the state.
Development in the health sector of Mon State
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
Subject Count 1988 31-12-2005 Progress
- 300-bed hospital 1 1 -
- 100-bed hospital 1 1 -
- 50-bed hospital - 1 1
- 25-bed hospital - 7 7
Traditional medicine
Energy
-Towns/village - 1 1
Public relations
Communications
-Telephone - 2 2
-e-Library library - 9 9
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 113
114 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Agriculture
Paddy can be cultivated only on one-fourth of the state’s land area, but the Govern-
ment is trying to develop its agricultural sector, making arrangements to grow crops on
all cultivable land, increase per acre yield, and boost agricultural production. In 1992, it
introduced summer paddy cultivation to the region, which cultivated only monsoon paddy
before that time.
The Government has built Gyogyakwin Dam in Taungup Township, and Kanthaya
and Rahaikwin dams in Gwa Township for irrigation, and Hinywet Dam in An Township
to supply potable water. Pyaingchaung Dam, with the capacity to irrigate 4,000 acres of
land, in Kyauktaw Township is under construction, and Zeechaung Dam is in planning
stage.
Large and small dams and waterworks have extended the area of mixed-cropping in
the state more than ten times. Food sufficiency of the state has reached 143 per cent. The
state can put more land under beans and pulses and edible oil crops, and is extending
pepper and rubber plantations, with the assistance of the Government, to grow them on
commercial scale.
As the Government has been providing necessary infrastructures and assistance, Rakhine
State, with favourable soil and weather for cultivation, is witnessing the emergence of
more sound foundations in the agricultural sectors than in 1988. The table will prove it.
Development in the agriculture sector of Rakhine State
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
Subject Count 1988 31-12-2005 Progress
Land resource
- Sown acreage acre - 1576903 681503
Water supply task
- dam, lake, reservoir, drain - 26 32 6
- Task completed 26 30 4
- Task under implementation* - 1 1
- Task to be carried out** - 1 1
- Benefited acres 82691 87141 4450
River water pumping station - 3 3
-Task completed - 1 1
-Task to be carried out - 2 2
-Benefited acres - 600 600
Damming creek - 74 74
- benefited acres - 4925 4925
Total benefited acres 82691 92666 9975
Double cropping acreage 28401 361936 333535
Extended paddy cultivation
- Monsoon paddy acreage acre 790990 1100632 309642
- per acre yield basket 52.27 68.31 16.04
116 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Forest Conservation
The forest conservation project of the state is developing alongside other sectors. The
state has been setting up more reserve forests, public protected forests and natural parks.
It now has over 550,000 acres of forest plantations, up from just 1,000 acres in the past
because of the ardent participation of the local people. The mass movement in 1988
managed to grow only 100,000 saplings, but now the local people have planted over
eight million saplings. The table has something more to tell readers about the develop-
ment in forest conservation and plantation of the state.
118 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Communications
The Government has developed and facilitated the transport and communications sectors
of the state. The table compares the present situation and that of the 1988.
Development in the communication sector of Rakhine State
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
Subject Count 1988 31-12-2005Progress
Post office office 61 81 20
Telegraph office 19 25 6
Facsimile 1 30 29
Computer telegraph - 3 3
Telephone
-telephone office 17 43 26
-telephone line 1850 7335 5485
-exchange 17 35 18
-direct line 1621 6306 4865
-auto/manual phone 1621 6305 6306
-telephone density 1X1000 0.85 2.12 1.27
Microwave station 7 14 7
Rural telephone
exchange - 8 8
e-Mail/Internet - 3 3
Satellite station
-DOMSAT - 1 1
-VSAT - - -
-iPSTAR - 5 5
Industrial Sector
The Government has been laying sound foundations for the progress of the state’s
industrial sector. The state now has 1,585 private industries, up 1,143 from only 442 in
1988. Twenty-six cottage industries and 28 State-owned industries are also manufactur-
ing goods in the state.
Education Sector
The Government is implementing human resources development programmes region-
wise. The special national education promotion project has helped raise the education
standard of Rakhine State to a higher stage than it was in 1988.
The state has opened 325 new basic education schools, an arts and science university,
an education college and an arts and science college. Over 450,000 students are pursuing
basic education and higher education in the state.The table serves as the education indi-
cator showing the sector’s development.
Health
The number of hospitals in Rakhine State has reached 42 — one 200-bed hospital,
three 100-bed hospitals, one 50-bed hospital, seven 25-bed hospitals, five 16-bed hospi-
tals and 26 station hospitals. In the past it was 36.
The Government has assigned 105 more doctors and 382 extra health staff to the state.
A 50-bed traditional medicine hospital and 12 traditional medicine dispensaries are treat-
ing patients in the state. There are now two nursing schools in the state.
The table attests to the health development of the state.
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 125
Of the 17 town water supply projects, 11 have completed. A total of 612 units of
waterworks have already been erected in 470 villages. The entire project covers the task
of supplying clean water to 922 villages.
Agriculture
Although various kinds of crops were grown paddy was not priority in Shan State in
the past. The government is striving for development of agricultural sector for ensuring
self-sufficiency in rice and edible oil and boosting the production of industrial crops and
pulses and beans for export. For development of agriculture of Shan State Zawgi Dam
in Yaksawk Township and Humon Dam in Lashio Township were built. At the same
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 131
time, hybrid paddy that suits to the region were grown and they are now thriving. The
per-acre yield of summer paddy has increased up to about 100 baskets. There has been
self-sufficiency in rice in the region as paddy production has doubled.
Kaukkwe Dam in Lashio Township, Myogyi Dam in Ywangan Township and Wanpon
Dam in Namhsam Township are under construction and arrangements are being made for
implementing the Kenghkam Dam project plus one river water pumping project. Progress
in agriculture sector may be seen in Tables.
Forest Conservation
Measures are being taken for development of the forest sector in Shan State to keep
pace with development of agriculture and livestock breeding. As efforts are being made
for development of agriculture, meat and forest sectors the area of protected public forest
and natural forest has been on the increase. In 1988, the government in cooperation with
the people had been able to grow only over 500,000 saplings but in the time of the
Tatmadaw government over 51 million saplings have been planted. Extended establish-
ment of forest plantations is being launched with added momentum.
Catchment areas were extended for greening of the environs of Inlay Lake and pres-
ervation of rivers and creeks. The forest sector of Shan State covers commercial planta-
tions, plantations for village use, plantations for industrial raw materials and Thitseint
plantations.
Development in the forestry sector of Shan State
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
Subject Count 1988 31-12-2005 Progress
Reserved Forest sq/mile 3404 101174 6770
Protected public forest sq/mile - 463 463
Natural land area sq/mile 300.04 475.20 175.16
Establishment of forest plantation acre 9962 162099 152137
-Commercial plantation acre 2280 55226 54946
-Village firewood acre 3481 46561 43080
-Industrial plantation acre 600 14155 13555
-Watershed plantation acre 3601 46157 42556
-Thitseint plantations acre - 3550 3550
Mass tree planting Tree
(in Million) 0.51 51.18 50.67
Transport Sector
The government is making efforts in all seriousness for ensuring better transport in
states and divisions while striving for improvement of socio-economic life of the entire
national people. There were only Mandalay-Nawnghkio-Kyaukme-Lashio route and
Meiktila-Thazi-Shwenyaung route as gateways of Shan State in 1988. People in the
region had to rely mainly on rail transportation as there were only two modes of trans-
port— motor road and railroads. Shan State marked by a series of rivers and creeks has
mountains and forests in abundance. These natural barriers prevent national brethren to
get closer but remain distant. The Tatmataw Goverment, on its part, is determined to
overcome these barriers.
In the time of the Tatmadaw government a network of roads and bridges were built
and upgraded in Shan State. As a result, the Hsipaw-Namlan-Panketu road and the
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 135
Communications
The government is making all-out efforts for development of the communications
sector of Shan State. At a time when information and communications are making progress,
systematic steps are being taken for development of communications sector of states and
divisions to enable the nation to stand tall among the global nations.
The table indicates comparison of figures in the past and present.
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 137
Electric Power
Electric power plays a key role in boosting the national economy. Shan State con-
sumed only 24 megawatt of electricity in 1988. In the time of the Tatmadaw government
measures were taken so that Shan State can consume nine times of electricity.
In the past, there were three hydel power plants in Shan State—the 0.3 megawatt
Nanhkam small-scale hydel plant, 0.192 megawatt Muse small-scale hydel plant and 1.2
megawatt Tatgyi medium-scale hydel power plant. At present, there are 12 small- and
medium-scale hydel power plants. There are the Namhmyaw, the Namhsaung Ngaung,
the Pakyethaw, the Namhsaung Chaung, the Zawgyi-1, the Zawgyi-2, the Namshan Chaung,
the Namhtok, the Meipan, the Mongla, the Namlap and the Silu. Shweli hydel power
plant to generate 400 megawatt in Shan State (North) and Kengtawng hydel power plant
to generate 54 megawatt in Shan State (South) are under implementation. Arrangements
are being made for implementing Tahsan (Thanlwin) hydel power project in Shan State
to generate 7,110 megawatt.
The table compares figures in 1988 and the present.
138 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Industry
In building the nation into a modern and developed one, the government based on
agriculture and industry is striving for the Union to become an industrialized nation. In
the process, priority is being given to development of private industrial sector.
Therefore, Taunggyi (Ayethaya) Industrial Zone in Shan State has emerged. With
theinvestment of K 637.59 million, the industrial zone has 670 industries and K 1,112.03
million of production value. With the assistance of the government, it is in the process
of establishing modern foundries and mould shops like Mandalay and Monywa industrial
zones. The table shows progress at present compared with that in 1988.
Development in the industrial sector of Shan State
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
Health
The government is striving for the entire national people to be free from diseases, to
be healthy and fit, and to enjoy longevity. With this end in view, public health care
services are being provided in the whole Shan State.
The table indicates progress.
I have presented the government’s unremitting endeavours and activities for bringing
equitable progress to the hilly regions and the plains of the nation and harmonious
development of all sectors in the interests of the nation and the people. I would also like
to present development of the seven divisions in which various national races live in
unison and harmony, comparing the conditions in 1988 and those at present starting with
Sagaing Division.
Sagaing
In the east of Sagaing Division are Kachin State, Shan State and Mandalay Division,
in the south Mandalay Division and Magway Division, and in the north Chin State. With
a total area of 36,535 square miles, the Division is like a mini union in which a diversity
of national races such as Bamar, Shan, Naga, Chin, Gadu and Ganan have been living
in unity. Its population is around 5.945 million and population density is 163 per square
mile.
Its northern part is more populous. Its southern part has small mountain ranges and
plains. Its north-west part shares border with India, and along this border line are more-
than-10,000-foot-high Patkwaing Mountain Range and about-8,000-foot-high Naga Moun-
tain Range, on which the 12,553-foot-high Mount Sarameti lies. There are other moun-
tain ranges such as Pontaung and Ponnya. The Ayeyawady River, the Chindwin River
and the Mu River flow through the region. Among the plains in the region, Shwebo Plain
is the largest, and such plains as Homalin, Kabaw valley, Myittha valley, Monywapale,
Meza valley and Katha are famous.
Agriculture
Sagaing Division is located between the Ayeyawady and Chindwin rivers and the
region is long if compared with its width. Its lower part was a region where water was
scarce in the past. It gets only a little rainfall, and there was shortage of water in sup-
plying water to the farmland even in the rainy season.
However, the government has been able to upgrade the agricultural sector of the
region, and now it has become the granary of the Upper Myanmar. The government
reclaimed the virgin and fallow lands of the region. It has constructed water pumping
stations, dams and diversion weirs with the agricultural purpose.
In the past, there were more than 3.7 million arable acres in the region and now the
sown acreage has increased to more than 7.4 million in total. In olden days, the region
had only 16 irrigation facilities.
Over the one-year period after the Tatmadaw had taken State duties, it was able to
launch 18 projects of irrigation facilities — the underground water tapping project, Zedi
Diversion Weir, Letyetma Dam, Wetshu Diversion Weir, Tonegyaw Diversion Weir,
Nwekhway Dam, YeU Dam, Thazi Dam, Ywathaya artesian well, Htanzalok Dam, Kindat
152 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Dam, Kyepinet Dam, Letpan Dam, Ngwetha Dam and Salingyi Dam one after another.
These facilities benefit 369,944 acres of farmland. The multiple-cropping acreage of
irrigated farmland has increased close to 1.5 million, up from 1 million in the past.
Sagaing Division has got river water pumping stations, which had never been in the
past in Myanmar. So far, altogether 49 water pumping projects have been completed,
seven projects are under way, and four projects will be launched in the region. In con-
sequence, the region can put another two million acres under crops, and the region is
greening all-year round.
The opening ceremony of the Thaphanseik Dam, the region’s greatest showcase that
enhances the prestige of the nation, took place on 17 April 2001. Head of State Senior
General Than Shwe graced the occasion with his presence and delivered a speech to the
ceremony, saying “It took more than 40 years for previous governments just to carry out
feasibility study for construction of the Thaphanseik Dam, but they could not put the
project into reality due to various reasons. Yet, we set up a robust determination to see
to that, and now the over-40-year-long dream has come true. We have realized the project
with the confidence that if we do so, local people will be able to carry out double or triple
cropping and they can elevate their living and social standards cumulatively,” he added.
The speech reflected the Tatmadaw Government’s firm commitment to this project,
the genuine goodwill to the nation and the people, and a prudent provision for the
nation’s future.
With 108 feet high and 22,587 feet (more than four miles) long earthen embankment,
the dam is the largest of its kind in the nation. And the facility’s embankment is the
longest of its kind in South-East Asia. It benefits more than 500,000 acres of crops in
Shwebo, KhinU, Kanbalu, Daze, YeU, Dabayin, Budalin and Ayadaw townships all-year
round.
The table shows the agricultural progress of Sagaing Division.
Development in the agriculture sector of Sagaing Division
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
Subject Count 1988 31-12-2005 Progress
Land resource
- Sown acreage acre 3721145 7435117 3713972
- Virgin and vacant land acre 989067 367673 increase in
cultivable land
Water supply task
- dam, lake, reservoir, drain - 16 39 33
- Task completed 16 34 18
- Task under implementation* - 3 3
- Task to be carried out** - 2 2
- Benefited acres 420434 798628 378194
River water pumping station - 60 60
-Task completed - 49 49
-Task under implementation - 7 7
-Task to be carried out - 4 4
-Benefited acres - 206128 206128
Damming creek - 118 118
- benefited acres - 19382 19382
Tubewells - 2805 2805
-Benefited acre - 50202 50202
Total benefited acres 420434 1074340 653906
Double cropping acreage acre 456059 1478936 1022877
Extended paddy cultivation
- Monsoon paddy acreage acre 1039502 1611321 571819
- per acre yield basket 55.61 71.93 16.32
- Summer paddy acre - 375000 375000
- per acre yield basket - 80.00 80.00
154 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Forest Conservation
The regional development tasks and environmental conservation are interdependent.
Only when the nation’s natural resources are well conserved and protected, will the steps
be taken effectively for national progress. So, it is needed to prevent the people from
cutting down the trees indiscriminately so as to avert the deforestation, while growing
trees for forming new forests.
Strictly following the guidance of the Head of State, Sagaing Division has managed
to conserve forests and set up new forests annually in the region. It has planted trees on
156 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
all the vacant lands on Sagaing Mountain and speeded up implementation of the project
for the greening of Minwun Mountain.
The tables show the region’s progress in implementing the nine districts greening
project in cooperation with local authorities, service personnel and the locals.
Development in the forestry sector of Sagaing Division
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
Subject Count 1988 31-12-2005 Progress
Reserved Forest sq/mile 3404 10174.85 6770.85
Protected public forest sq/mile - 1445 1445
Natural land area sq/mile 1013.89 2086.48 1072.59
Establishment of forest plantation acre 9962 162099 152317
-Teak special plantation acre - 11000 11000
-Commercial plantation acre 4850 64985 60135
-Village firewood acre 3481 46561 43080
-Industrial plantation acre 600 14155 13555
-Watershed plantation acre 3601 46157 42556
-Thitseint plantations acre - 3550 3550
Mass tree planting Tree
(in Million) 0.505 51.18 50.675
Timber and Timber product Kyat in Million 133.51 2710.61 1374.10
- Myanma Timber Enterprise Kyat in Million 486.96 1605.44 1118.48
- Private Kyat in Million 849.55 1105.17 255.62
Saw mill and furniture factory factory 23 140 117
-State-owned factory 23 17 (-)6
-Private factory - 123 123
Transport Sector
Being large and mountainous and endowed with rivers and creeks, Sagaing Division
had poor transport in the past. In the time of the Tatmadaw Government, Sagaing-
Monywa Road, Monywa-Kale Road, Tagaung-Shwegu Road, Tamu-Zedi Road, Hkamti-
Lahe Road ( 56 miles), Htamanthi-Leshi Road (41 miles), Kalewa-Monywa Road (115
miles), and Kyepin-et Dam bypass (10 miles and three furlongs) section of Swebo-
Myitkyina Road were upgraded.
The total length of the road in the region has increased to 2,132 miles including 1,038
miles of tarred roads, compared to only 1332 miles in 1988. The region is now enjoying
better transport.
Besides, new bridges emerge one after another. In the past, there were only 17 bridges,
each of which is more than 180 feet long. Now, the region has got 12 more such kind
of bridges including 465-foot Meza Bridge (Indaw), 2,330-foot Shweli Bridge (Katha),
4,730.2-foot Chindwin Bridge (Monywa), 1,320-foot Myittha Bridge (Kalewa) and 4,957-
foot Shinbyushin Bridge (ChaungU). Phainglin Bridge and Kangyiwa Bridge projects on
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 157
Tamu-Zedi Road in Tamu Township are under construction. Yetpha Creek Bridge (408
feet) Project on Thetkekyin-Phaungpyin-Homalin-Hkamti Road and Nantsalein Bridge
(320 feet) on Hkamti-Lahe Road will be launched in future.
With respect to the bridge projects implemented in Sagaing Division by the govern-
ment, it can be noted that only the two large bridges spanning Chindwin River were
constructed. Up to 1988, there were no bridges across the river and the region’s transport
sector was poor in the past.
The government is opening transport facilities one after another in the region includ-
ing two large bridges — Chindwin Bridge (Monywa) and Sinbyushin Bridge (ChaungU).
Sinbyushin Bridge lies on ChaungU-Pakokku-Gangaw-Kale railroad, which is contribut-
ing towards all-round development of Sagaing Division.
The 277.34-mile ChaungU-Kale railroad links east banks and west banks of the
Ayeyawady River and the Chindwin River in Sagaing Division. The facility was built
with the aim of ensuring all-round progress of Pakokku, Gangaw and Kale regions and
Chin State. The 146-mile ChaungU-Kyaw railroad section was inaugurated in April 1997
and the 105.34-mile Kale-Yaymyetni railroad section in July 1997. The two sections have
70 stations. Yaymyetni-Kyaw section is under construction. In order to complete this
section, the officials have to overcome many natural barriers including the construction
of the 5,610-foot-long Pontaung-Ponnya tunnel.
Chindwin Bridge (Monywa) is 4320 feet long and it spans Chindwin River in
Monywa Tonwship, Sagaing Division
158 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Communications
The region’s communication sector is making progress in parallel with other sectors.
The table reflects the State’s capabilities for progress of the region in external and local
communication.
Development in the communication sector of Sagaing Division
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
Subject Count 1988 31-12-2005 progress
Post office office 158 157 (-)1
Telegraph office 32 45 13
Facsimile 1 53 52
Computer telegraph - 8 8
Telephone
-telephone office 23 85 62
-telephone line 2040 18871 16831
-exchange 23 64 41
-direct line 1842 17484 15642
-auto/manual phone 1842 17004 15162
-auto radio phone - 114 114
-CDMA - 95 95
-Cellula - - -
-DECT - 271 271
-GSM - - -
-telephone density 1X1000 0.42 2.75 2.33
Microwave station 4 22 18
Rural telephone
exchange - 4 4
e-Mail/Internet - - -
X.25 line line - - -
Micro link link - - -
Satellite station
-DOMSAT - 2 2
VSAT - - -
-iPSTAR - 9 9
Local auto exchange project under implementation
1. Monywa (extension) 256 lines
2. Tamu 750 lines
3. Wuntho 400 lines
Total 1406 lines
160 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Electric Power
The government is taking measures for supply of more electricity for the region. In
1988, the region’s electricity consumption was more than 87 million units only. At that
time, there was not a single hydropower plant. But, after that period, the region was
facilitated with the 30-megawatt Thaphanseik hydropower plant, the 1.26-megawatt
Zeegyaung hydropower plant, and the 0.05-megawatt hydropower plant Lahe hydropower
plant, increasing the figures of the units to 297.33 million.
The capacity of generators has risen to 38.837 megawatt, up from 11.888 megawatts
in 1988. The government is never content in serving the interests of the nation and the
people.
Industry
Sagaing Division is enjoying cumulative progress in the industrial sector. In the region
are Monywa, Shwebo and Kale industrial zones.
With a total investment of K 599.33 million, Monywa Industrial Zone is made up of
615 enterprises. Its annual turnover is K 1,809.83 million. Shwebo Industrial Zone con-
sists of 453 industries with a total investment of K 326,57 million and an annual turnover
of K 556.70 million. And Kale Industrial Zone comprises 243 industries with an invest-
ment of K 236.85 million in total and annually produces goods valued at K 715.11
million.
The number of private factories and plants has grown to more than 3,000 alongside
360 small-scale industries and 70 State-owned industries. The table represents progress
of the region’s industrial sector.
Industrial zones - 3 3
Education
Sagaing Division is contributing towards the government’s drive for producing more
intellectuals and intelligentsia and outstanding educated persons so as to enable the nation
to exist forever and ensure national progress. So far, the government has opened 1022
more post-primary schools to help local youths pursue education constantly. The figures
of basic education schools have increased to 976 including 139 basic education middle
schools and 162 basic education high schools.
The government opened an institute of economics, and a university in Monywa, a
university of education in Sagaing, a university in Kale, a degree college in Shwebo, and
an education college each in Sagaing and Monywa, to enable local people to pursue
education in respective regions. The number of students of higher education has surged
40 times.
The table depicts the region’s progress in the educational sector.
Health
The State has upgraded 10 hospitals in the region to provide better health care services
for the people. The figures of hospital have stood 89 including two 200-bed hospitals,
five 100-bed hospitals and two 50-bed hospitals. It also opened six more health care
centres, 22 traditional health care centres and two traditional medicines hospitals. A total
of nearly 600 health staff including 91 specialists and assistant surgeons have been
appointed in these health care facilities. It also opened a nurses training school along with
a midwifery training school to produce nurses and midwives.
The table shows progress of health staff in the region.
166 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Human Resources
The government established the University for Development of National Races to
bring progress to the Union and to help locals participate in the project for progress of
border areas and national races and to create opportunities for the teachers, produced by
the institute for development of national races, shouldering duties across the nation to
pursue education in the university and to lift their lifestyle by themselves.
170 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
The training centres for development of youths are nurturing the youths in such
border regions in Sagaing Division as Kale, Hkamti, Leshi and Lahe. The Institute of
Agriculture has been established in Shwebo to disseminate agricultural methods to local
farmers in the region. The table indicates progress in the field.
Development of the Union and Human Resource Development in
Sagaing Division
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
Subject Count 1988 31-12-2005 Progress
University for Development of
National Races university - 1 1
-Number of teacher teacher 64 130 66
-Number of student student 3147 8905 5758
Cooperatives College college - 1 1
-Number of teacher teacher - 30 30
-Number of student student - 113 113
Youth Development Training School* school - 4 4
-Number of teacher teacher - 20 20
-Number of student student - 1527 1527
Agriculture Institute institute 1 1 -
-Number of teacher teacher 26 26 -
-Number of student student 107 730 623
*Youth Development Training School
1. Kale 2.Hkamti
3. Layshi 4. Lahe
Information & Public Relations
The Tatmadaw Government is employing the public mass media to ensure oneness of
the parts of the nation and the national races sharing the same views and outlooks. The
table shows progress of the information sector in the region.
Development in the information and public relations sector of Sagaing Division
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
“Whatever difficulties the nation is facing, the united strength, and the strength, which
comes out from the firm community peace and stability and the rule of law, are of vital
importance for the nation. And the two strengths will enable the nation to overcome all
kinds of difficulties it is facing.”
The developments of Taninthayi Division stand witness to the fact that with the two
strengths, the Tatmadaw manages to build grand bridges one after another in the nation.
Taninthayi Division
Bordering Mon State in the north, Taninthayi Division is the southernmost region of
the Union. On its 16,736-square-mile territory live Bamar, Kayin, Mon, Rakhine, Shan
and Salon national races. Forming a union within the Union, the division has a population
of about 1,537,000 and, on average, 92 persons are living in every square mile of the
region.
Generally, it can be said a mountainous region, for, the mountain ranges with eleva-
tions reaching up to nearly 3,000 feet stand as a long wall alongside the thin stretch of
plains facing the Andaman’s Sea in the west. Of the many rivers, Dawei, Taninthayi and
Lenya rivers are famous. The coastal sea is dotted with many islands.
174 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Kawthoung archipelago
Agriculture
In the past, Taninthayi Division’s economy relied mainly on rubber plantations. But
now, its agricultural patterns have totally changed. Thanks to the assistance provided by
the government, it is cultivating other species of crops that grow well in the division that
is now producing adequate amount of rice for its population.
Over 400,000 acres of land have been reclaimed, and waterworks and small scale
dams are irrigating over 90,000 acres of crops. Yinwa Dam has been built in Kawthoung
Township, and Anyabya Dam is being built in Dawei Township to irrigate 3,200 acres
of crops.
The Government has been implementing projects to turn Chin State into a major tea-
growing region, Rakhine State into a major pepper-growing region, Mon State into a
major rubber-growing region, Sagaing division into the rice bowl of upper Myanmar, and
Taninthayi Division into an oil bowl. It is laying down long-term plans to meet the
domestic edible oil demand, and has put over 100,000 acres of land under oil palm in the
Taninthayi Division to this date.
Emerging together with the development in oil palm cultivation of the division is the
national entrepreneurs’ tradition of adhering to the Government’s policy and responding
to its goodwill. Vast oil palm farms of the national entrepreneurs are emerging along the
Union Highway in the division. Thus, the division will have an abundant supply of edible
oil and rice and also natural gas from offshore drilling plocks. Rubber and pepper plan-
tations are also being extended in the division. The table has more.
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 175
In accord with the guidance, greater efforts are being made to conserve and protect the
division’s forest resources for their everlasting existence. Over 2,000 square miles of
wildlife parks have been set up in the region. The table shows the development of forest
plantation and conservation in the division with the participation of the local people.
Development in the forestry sector of Taninthayi Division
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
Road Transport
Rakhine State and Taninthayi Division were called backward coastal regions in the
past due to their geographical conditions. Both are thin stretches of land lying between
the mountain ranges and the sea. Thus, they lacked development in the past.
The Tatmadaw Government has been able to beautify and develop all regions whether
their geographical conditions are of the same type or not. It is building roads and bridges
in every region.
The Government is like a gardener nurturing every plant in the garden to become
beautiful with blossoming flowers. Thanks to a network of roads and bridges, the division
now is easily reachable from other states and divisions. There is now easy access by road
from Putao in the northern point of the Union to Kawthoung in Taninthayi Division at
the southern tip.
Dawei-Myeik-Thanithayi-Bokpyin-Kawthoung road has become an all-weather facil-
ity. The division now has over 740 miles of motor roads including over 436 miles of
tarred roads. The present length of roads is 343 miles and two furlongs longer than that
of the past.
In addition to the Union Highway passing through the division, 14 over-180 bridges
have emerged in it. Of them seven have been covered by special projects. The famous
bridges in the division are: the 500-foot Winwa Bridge in Thayetchaung Township, the
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 179
500-foot Palauk Bridge and the 600-foot Palaw Bridge in Palaw Township, the 3,612-
foot Kywegu-Kyaukphya Bridge and the 810-foot Pathoung Bridge in Myeik Township,
the 1,360-foot Taninthayi Bridge in Taninthayi Township, and 860-foot Lenya-Mandaing
Bridge in Bokpyin Township. The railroad which ended in Ye in Mon State in the past
has been extended to Dawei in the division that is 102.38 miles from Ye. Ye- Dawei
railroad was launched in March 1998. Airports in Kawthoung and Myeik have been
upgraded to become facilities that can handle landing and taking off of passenger jets.
Four more wharves have been erected in the division. The division bordering Thailand
in the east and touching the sea in the west is enjoying sound transport development. In
future, the Asian highway and the ASEAN highway will pass through the region.
The table stands witness to the transport development of the division during the time
of the Tatmadaw Government.
Development in the transportation sector of Taninthayi Division
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
Railways
- miles of railroad mile - 87.47 87.47
- miles of railtrack mile - 95.68 95.68
- passenger 1X1000 - 35.5 35.5
- passenger/mile mile - 1894.4 1894.4
- Goods Ton (1x1000) 0.5 4.5 4
- Goods/mile mile - 186.9 186.9
- Station station - 20 20
Airways
-Airfield field 4 6 2
- above 5000 ft runway airfiled field 2 4 2
- under 5000 ft runway airfield field 2 2 -
Jetty (Inland) jetty 7 11 4
Extension of motor road mile 397/0 740/2 343/2
- tarred road mile 213/0 436/1 223/1
- gravel road mile 5/0 205/4 200/4
- hard road mile 136/0 27/0 upgrading
- earth road mile 43/0 74/5 28/5
180 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Electricity
Although it is rich in land and water resources, Taninthayi Division was like an
ordinary flower without any hue throughout the past eras, as there was no one to develop
the region.
It has started to shine since the Tatmadaw Government’s assumption of the State
duties. Now it will add beauty to the Union. Up to 1988, the division had only 0.154-
megawatt Myitnge hydel power station. But after 1988, the Government built the 0.15-
megawatt Kattalu hydel power station and the 0.192-megawatt Yetagon Creek hydel
power station in the division.
Soon, the 600-megawatt Taninthayi River hydel power plant, the 25-megawatt
Theinkhun Creek hydel power station and the 20-megawatt Thakyet Creek hydel power
station will emerge in the division. The hydel power stations of the division will serve
as the nation’s strength in the future. Table F will tell the reader more about the electric-
ity sector development of the region.
Development in the electric power sector of Taninthayi Division
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
Subject Count 1988 31-12-2005 Progress
Electricity consumption unit (in million) 3.502 6.616 3.114
Maximum power megawatt 4.567 8.718 4.151
Extened generating of electricity
- Completed hydel power plant* plant 1 3 2
-Small (up to 1 megawatt) plant 1 3 2
-Installed power megawatt 0.154 0.496 0.342
Project under implementation** project - 3 3
-Heavy( above 10 megawatt) plant - 3 3
- Installed power megawatt - 645.000 645.000
Other power plants
-Recycling plant plant - - -
-Steam plant - - -
-Natural gas plant - - -
-Coal plant - - -
-Diesel-used plant plant 23 38 15
Installed power megawatt 7.612 14.5 6.919
-Installted power in the future megawatt 12.404 687.957 675.583
*Completed hydel power plant **Hydel power projects under implementation
1. Myitnge (1988) 0.154 megawatt (small) 1. Taninthayi 600 megawatt (heavy)
2. Kattalu 0.150 megawatt (small) 2. Thakyetchaung 20 megawatt (heavy)
3. Yetagunchaung 0.192 megawatt (small) 3. Theinkunchaung 25 megawatt (heavy)
182 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Industry
The industrial development pace of Taninthayi Division is gaining speed as the gov-
ernment encourages the efforts to realize the goal. Although there are just 19 enterprises
in Myeik industrial zone, the investment has hit K 593.9 million, with a production value
of over US$ 9 million and K 633.26 million. The number of factories related to marine
resources, minerals, rubber and oil palm is likely to rise. Even now, the number of private
factories has increased to 489 apart from existing 72 cottage industries and 12 State-
owned factories. The table shows industrial development of the division.
Development in the industrial sector of Taninthayi Division
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
Subject Count 1988 31-12-2005 progress
Upgrading of industrial power
Industrial zones - 1 1
Industries - 19 19
Private industry plant 331 820 489
-Cottage industry plant - 72 72
State-owned industry plant - 12 12
Energy
In the time of the Tatmadaw government, all the states and divisions in the Union are
developing to an extent that it is difficult to say whose progress is greater than whose.
All the flowers are now blooming as a result of the goodwill of the gardener whose
wishes are to enable all the flowers to be in full bloom.
There have now emerged off-shore oil fields as if it seemed to be possible to create an
aphorism that would go “Mottama is famous for Yadana, Taninthayi for Yetagon, and
Rakhine Offshore for gold”. They are in fact the treasure bequeathed by ancestors to
posterity. It will not be wrong to assume that these gas fields guarantee inexhaustible
exploitation till many a generation to come. Encouraging are the development in energy in
Taninthayi Division in the time of the Tatmadaw government. They are shown in the table.
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 183
Education
For a nation, education is the best means of investment. With this end in view, the
Tatmadaw government is taking measures to promote the level of education in Taninthayi
Division.
“The task for the establishment of a modern and developed nation that can face the
challenges likely to arise in future is based on the development of human resources.
After drawing up a special plan for promotion of national education, measures are
being taken to develop human resources as well-rounded individuals essential for the
country”, said Head of State Senior General Than Shwe at the Annual General Meeting
of Union Solidarity and Development Association on 19-2-2002.
Progress made in the past and the present in the education drive to ensure equal
learning opportunity in Taninthayi Division can be seen in the table.
Health
In this age, health has been given top priority. Hospitals are being built and upgraded
across the country to carry out health care on an extensive scale.
A new 200-bed hospital was built in the region, and the 100-bed hospital upgraded
into the 200-bed one. Moreover, three 50-bed hospitals were also opened there, alongside
nine station hospitals and two rural health centres.
Another 121 specialists and assistant doctors were employed there. Now, the region
has 952 medical staff, up from 503 in the past. A traditional medicine hospital was also
opened there to give treatment with traditional medicines. Now, the traditional medicine
dispensaries are eight in number. Apart from the existing midwifery school, a nursing
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 187
school was also constructed with the aim of producing more nurses within the region.
Efforts are under way to bring about economic growth and social advancement in the
region. The figures related to the health sector of the region are stated in the table.
Development Affairs
With the growing economic and social infrastructures, Taninthayi Division has be-
come a developed region. The gradual development of the living standard of local people
can be seen in the table.
“All the states and divisions are in the process of developing themselves more and
more. Only if the individuals strive to develop themselves and their own communities,
will the nation be able to continue its development drive well. As the onus is on the
present generation for the betterment of the new generations, all must be dutiful.”
The whole Union is invigorated with new energy thanks to the encouragement given
to shine all the regions. And it is the sincere efforts of the Tatmadaw Government that
have beautified and developed Bago Division where large stretches of paddy fields and
a number of magnificent bridges have emerged. Now, I will present the situation of the
past and present of Bago Division.
Bago Division
Lying in the south portion of the central plains of Myanmar, Bago Division is sharing
a common land border with Magway and Mandalay Divisions in the north, Kayin and
Mon states in the east, Yangon Division in the south and Rakhine State and Ayeyawady
Division in the west. The 24,793-square-mile region is home to Kayin, Bamar, Mon,
Chin, Rakhine, Shan and Pa-O national races living in unity since yore. A union within
the Union, its population is 5,555,000 and its population density is 224 persons per
square mile.
Except Bago Yoma, a mountain range, running from north to south in the central part
of the division, its eastern and western regions are plains. Ayeyawady River flows in the
western part, and Sittoung and Bago rivers in the east.
Agriculture
With innovative efforts, the Government has been adding value to land and water resources.
It is building regulating dams to prevent floods, and reservoirs to irrigate crops. It is developing
the division to become a reliable agricultural region of the nation.
Of the 3.1 million acres of crops fields of the division, 40 dams and 55 waterworks are
irrigating 1.5 million acres. Up to this day, the nation has built Natmaw Dam, irrigating 8,000
acres of land, and Shwedaung Dam, irrigating 1,200 acres of land, in Shwedaung Township,
Singuchaung-gaung Dam, irrigating 1,500 acres of land, in Okpo Township, Taungmauk and
Kyeepin dams in Padaung Township, two dams by the same name ‘South Nawin Dam’ irrigating
67,000 acres of land, in Paukkhaung Township, Minye Dam, irrigating 2,000 acres of land, and
Sittoung Dam, irrigating 7,000 acres of land, in Ottwin Township, Mataungta Dam, irrigating
10,520 acres of land, in Pyay Township, Seikphutaung and Kanni dams, each irrigating 2,000
acres of land, in Toungoo Township, Yebo Dam, irrigating 2,000 acres of land, and Taungnyo
Dam, irrigating 50,000 acres of land, in Nattalin Township, Zalathtaw Dam, irrigating 2,000 acres
of land, Mazin Dam, irrigating 6,500 acres of land, Shwepyi 3 Dam, irrigating 1,250 acres of
land, Zaungtu Dam, irrigating 36,250 acres of land, and Pathi Dam, irrigating 4,000 acres of land,
in Bago Township, Ngamwechaung Dam, irrigating 500 acres of land, in Phyu Township, Bawni
Dam, irrigating 6,000 acres of land, in DaikU Township, Weigyi Dam, irrigating 45,000 acres of
land, in Paungde Township, Maungkaing Dam, irrigating 3,000 acres of land, in Pandaung Town-
ship, Kangyigon Dam, irrigating 1,400 acres of land, in Pyay Township, Thedaw Dam, irrigating
12,000 acres of land, Letpadan Township, Shangaing Dam, irrigating 25,000 acres of land, in
Waw Township, Hswachaung Dam, irrigating 35,000 acres of land, in Yedashe Township, Thonze
Dam, irrigating 50,000 acres of land, in Thayawady Township, Paingkyone Dam, irrigating
30,000 acres of land, in Kawa Township, Bawbin Dam, irrigating 30,000 acres of land, in
Gyobingauk Township, Kantinbilin Dam, irrigating 25,000 acres of land, in Minhla Township,
Kawliya Dam, irrigating 24,500 acres of land, in DaikU Township, Tawa Dam, irrigating 32,000
acres of land, in Thanatpin Township, Alaingni Dam, irrigating 10,000 acres of land, in Bago
Township, Gamon and Minhla dams, each irrigating 15,000 acres of land, in Okpo, Chaungmagyi
(Myohla) Dam, irrigating 3,000 acres of land, in Yedashe Township, Shwehla Dam, irrigating
35,000 acres of land, in Kawa Township, and Khawa Dam, irrigating 2,000 acres of land, in
Padaung Township.
Fifty-five river water pumping stations, 12,063 small dams and 7,093 tube-wells have also
been built in the division. The irrigation facilities have doubled the double-cropping of paddy to
over 1.5 million acres. The division has put 550,00 acres of land under monsoon paddy and
175,000 acres of land under summer paddy. The division is producing food more than twice the
amount of local consumption. It is distributing half the amount of its rice production to other
regions.
Beans and pulses cultivation is showing encouraging signs. The division is cultivating about
1.3 million acres of beans and pulses, over 300,000 acres of edible oil crops, and nearly 50,000
acres of rubber, which has ready markets abroad.
But the prospering Bago Division and its energetic people are not content with the present
developments. The land has natural resources, manpower and bright prospects. The Tatmadaw
Government has been helping people get available land and water resources ready for use.
Yenwe Dam, which will irrigate 118,500 acres of crops, in Kyauktaga Township, Pyuchaung
Dam, which will irrigate 120,000 acres of crops, in Pyu Township, Khaboung Dam, which will
irrigate 135,000 acres of crops, in Ottwin Township, and Moeyungyi Dam, which will irrigate
40,000 acres of crops, in Waw Township are under construction at present. The table shows the
developing agricultural sector of the division.
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 197
Forest conservation
Land, water and climate are the nation’s basic natural resources. In accord with the
guidance, which said, “We must conserve and protect our forests as their destruction will
damage the soil and water that will cause adverse changes in the climate”, the division
is conserving and protecting forests and establishing forest plantations.
200 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Local people are also conserving and protecting forests and planting trees in their
communities. The table indicates the development of the division's forestry sector.
Railways
- miles of railroad mile 354.84 371.09 16.25
- miles of railtrack mile 754.35 772.23 17.88
- passenger 1X1000 5024.0 5356.5 332.5
- passenger/mile mile 342796.0 352133.4 9377.4
- Goods Ton (1x1000) 87.4 136.8 49.4
- Goods/mile mile 10087.6 17259.7 7172.1
- Station station 94 99 5
Airways
-Airfield field 2 3 1
- above 5000 ft runway airfiled field 1 2 1
- under 5000 ft runway airfield field 1 1 -
Extension of motor road mile 815/0 1065/7 250/7
- tarred road mile 707/0 747/7 40/7
- gravel road mile 24/0 65/3 41/3
- hard road mile 80/0 149/5 69/5
- earth road mile 4/0 103/0 99
Bridge
- Public Works
- Above 180 feet bridge 36 56 20
- completed bridge bridge 36 52 16
- under construction bridge - 1 1
- bridge to be built bridge - 3 3
Three above 180 feet bridges built under One bridge under construction
special projects 1. Kawa bridge (Kawa)
1. Nawade bridge (Pyay) (Ayeyawady river crossing) Three bridges to be built
2. Khabaung bridge (Toungoo) 1. Sittoung bridge (Natthangwin)
3. Sittoung (Shwegyin-Madauk) 2. Bago bridge (Circular road)
3. Bago bridge (Urban road)
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 203
Communications
With socio-economic life enjoying a quantum leap throughout the country, steps are
being taken to ensure a parallel development in the communication sector. “Communi-
cation and transport are central to economic growth. A better transport system should be
carried out to boost economy”. They are the success achieved in the efforts to develop
the communication and transport sector of Bago Division. In the table, figures are shown
in comparison with the conditions in 1988 and those at the present.
Line extension of auto phone exchange department Local auto phone exhcange
(under implementation) (under implementation)
1. Gyobinkauk 500 lines 1. Shwegyin 500 lines
2. Nattalin 500 lines 2. Thanatpin 500 lines
3. Paungde 500 lines Total 1000 lines
4. Zigon 500 lines
Total 2000 lines
DECT Telephone project first phase (under implementation)
Bago (East) 1000 lines
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 205
Electricity
The Union of Myanmar did not merely bear over 100 national races. She also be-
queathed her offspring with hilly regions, mountain ranges, valleys, coasts, rivers and
creeks, wetland, sea, and islands.
‘The eldest son is responsible to assume the duty of father’, so goes a Myanmar
saying. Now, the Tatmadaw is assuming that duty and doing its best to preserve and
better what has been left on its shoulders.
Untapped energy is exploited and put into use. Thus, Zaungtu Hydel Power Project
came into being in Bago Division. There was no hydel power station in the region till
1988. Power Grid and diesel-powered factories were then the reliable things.
The Bago River is well-known because of Zaungtu multi-purpose project. And Zaungtu
Dam can feed over 36,000 acres of farmland with irrigation water. It can also prevent the
floods in Bago and its vicinity. It also generates 20 megawatts of electricity.
Other hydel power projects like Zaungtu are under way to place them in service of
national interests. They are Shwegyin (75 megawatts), Kun Creek (60 megawatts), Pyu
Creek (40 megawatts), Khabaung (30 megawatts), and Yenwe (25 megawatts). They will
produce 230 megawatts of electricity in total.
Sandalwood cannot be found in every forest, just as ruby cannot be found in every
mountain, so goes a saying. In the time of the Tatmadaw government, arrangements are
being made to establish at least one hydel power in every state and division. Now, Bago
Division is in the prospect of producing more electricity. The contrast of development
between the past and the present in Bago Division can be seen in Table.
Mineral resources
Bago Division can be said to be a gold mine in the golden land. In the past, there was
only a gold mine in the region. But, the number has now increased to 11. In 1988, the
region could produce just 9.52 troy-ounce of gold, but now it can produce 78.24 troy-
ounce of gold. Asbestos was discovered and has been produced 326.87 metric ton.
208 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Energy
Crude oil, also called black gold, can also be produced in Bago Division. Natural gas
is being exploited on a greater scale at Pyay oil field. A pipeline with a length of 173.20
miles has also been laid to distribute natural gas. The natural gas will contribute much
to the drive for the replacement of diesel or petrol cars with Compressed Natural Gas
(CNG) kits. Progress is shown in the table.
Development in the energy sector of Bago Division
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
A CNG Station
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 209
Education
The promotion of education is of vital importance for the lasting existence and stabil-
ity of a race. Students are being nurtured to become educated persons who will serve the
interests of the country in the future.
As part of the efforts to ensure constant learning, there have been opened 578 primary
schools, 119 middle schools, and 132 high schools in Bago Division. Two more arts and
science universities and one more degree college were also opened there, given the vast
area of the region. As a result, the number of students of basic education has reached nearly
800,000, while that of students of higher education has exceeded 60,000. It is therefore
encouraging to see in the table the growing number of students in Bago Division.
Pyay University
210 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
- Preprimary school
Teachers’education
- Degree college - 1 1
- College 2 2 -
e-learning centre - 5 5
Health
District-level hospitals are staffed with specialists who will give lectures on six
specializations, and state- and division-level hospitals with specialists who will give
lectures on 12 specializations to provide public health care on a greater scale.
Now, Bago Division possesses two 200-bed hospitals, one 150-bed hospital, two 100-
bed hospitals, 17 25-bed hospitals, four 16-bed hospitals, and 52 station hospitals. The
total number has seen an increase of 25 hospitals when compared with that of 1988.
Besides 199 health centres, there also emerged another 16 health centres. The region also
now has one traditional medicine hospital and 26 dispensaries.
A total of 2,545 health staff including 399 specialists and assistant doctors have been
employed in the region. In the past, the region had only two midwifery schools. Now,
the region gets two more nursing schools.
The table indicates progress in the health sector.
Development Affairs
Among the historic projects of the country are urban and rural development projects.
Success has been achieved in these projects as a result of the combined efforts made by
the government and the people.
In the past, rural areas lagged behind in development. Even cities lacked urban char-
acteristics. However in the time of the Tatmadaw government, there emerged roads
linking one village and the other, one town and the other, and one district and the other.
The table shows the achievements gained in the urbanization tasks being carried out in
Bago Division.
Development in the development affairs sector of Bago Division
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
“The Government is launching the development drive covering all parts of the nation
despite many difficulties it is facing. It is carrying out the task with the conviction of
developing the nation and the race.
“The developments are the result of united and cooperative efforts of the Government
and the people. And the national developments stand witness to the fact that unity is
success. The Government, the people and the Tatmadaw should continue to safeguard
and build the nation with harmonious efforts.”
Both the history and the present-day developments prove that unity is success. With
its many developments resulting from the successful endeavours of the Government, the
people and the Tatmadaw, Magway Division proudly declares that unity is strength.
Magway Division
Located in the central part of the nation, Magway Division is sharing a common land
border with Sagaing Division in the north, Mandalay Division in the east, Bago Division
in the south, and Chin and Rakhine states in the west. The 17,306-square-mile division
is home to various national races including Bamar, Chin, Rakhine, Kayin and Shan. As
it has a population of 5,118,000, its population density is 296 persons per square mile.
Ayeyawady River has formed large stretches of plains along its course in the division.
Its other regions are mountainous. Over 3,000-foot high Ponnya range runs from north
to south in the north-east sector. Minbu and Taungdwingyi plains are the largest in the
division, where a number of creeks including the Yaw, the Salin, the Mone and the Mann
are flowing.
Agriculture
In the past, Magway Division and some of its surrounding areas were known as the
arid region. Later they were called the dry region. The Tatmadaw Government has been
developing Magway Division to help it enjoy prosperity and adequate amount of water
supply for multi purposes. With goodwill, the Government has made efforts to ensure
abundant supply of water for the division. It has beautified the division's landscape and
built irrigation facilities for success of its agriculture. The phrase “a cluster of dams” is
popular in the division after 1988.
Three new dams in the division — the Kinbuntaung in Taungdwingyi Township, the
Salepakhannge in Chauk Township, and the Duringabo in Aunglan Township — now
irrigating 20,800 acres of land in 1991. The Government has been building more dams
in the division including Bokchaung Dam in Myothit Township, Pwetha Dam in Aunglan
Township, Theechauk Dam in Pauk Township and Myaingchaung Dam in Myaing Town-
ship in 1992, Gazunma Dam in Seikphyu Township and Taungkhayan Dam in Gangaw
Township in 1993, Hsinchaung Dam in Yesagyo Township in 1994, Natmauk Diversion
Dam and Natmauk Dam in Natmauk Township in 1995, Bangon Dam in Taungdwingyi
Township in 1996, Yaw Creek Dam 2 in Pauk Township in 1997, Hsadan Dam in
Myothit Township and Mann Creek Dam in Ngaphe Township in 1998, Ngamin Dam in
Taungdwingyi Township in 1999, and South Yama Dam in Myaing Township in 2000.
Kyetmauk and Leti dams in Myaing Township, Yanpe Dam in Taungdwingyi Township,
Sunchaung and Palin dams in Myothit Township, Salin Dam in Salin Township, Naga
Dam in Yenangyoung Township, Kyauktaga Dam in Natmauk Township and Bwetgyi
Dam in Aunglan Township are also helping develop the agricultural sector of the divi-
sion.
Mone Creek Multipurpose Dam, commissioned into service on 29 December 2003, is
the 33rd dam built by the Government. The facility is generating electricity and supplying
cool and clean water for the division. As the dam is irrigating over 100,000 acres of crops
year-round, the people of Magway are striving to double their crop production as they
now have adequate amount of water supply which is the most important requirement for
them.
And there are more. The four dams under construction — one each in Pwintbyu,
Kanma, Gangaw and Sedoktara townships — will irrigate over 22,000 acres of land, and
Myakhetaung Dam and a series of weirs on Yaw Creek will come out soon to add
irrigation capacity of the division. The facilities will bear fruits till posterity.
Dams, waterworks and other water supply projects have helped increase sown acreage
and per acre yield of the division. As farmers can grow rice in the region, its food
production can now fulfil 71 per cent of local consumption, up from only 50 per cent in
the past. Magway Division, renowned as the edible oil bowl of Myanmar, is extending
cultivation of other crops. The table has more about the agricultural developments of the
division coming out as another reliable region of the nation.
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 221
Progress in acreage of
beans and pulses acre 367770 1719597 1351827
Cotton acreage acre 95922 333313 237391
Sugarcane acreage acre 489 16091 15602
Maize acreage acre 70043 86155 16112
Progress in acreage of pepper acre - 714 714
Coffee acre - 259 259
Progress in acreage of
edible oil crop
-Groundnut acre 314773 372468 57695
-Sesame acre 1033374 1270467 237093
-Sunflower acre 35387 493702 158315
-Mustard acre 152 1516 1364
-Niger acre 4007 24089 20082
Forest Conservation
There is a saying, which goes, “A large and thriving tree can house 10,000 birds.” So
the one who destroys a forest while exploiting it is like a person who destroys his own
race. The Tatmadaw Government has been striving to conserve and extend forests and
increase the number of wildlife in the nation. Concerning the matter, Head of State Senior
General Than Shwe has given the following guidance:
“As the Nine-District Greening Project is a special project, it cannot be implemented
with ordinary efforts. Serious attention and energetic efforts are needed. We will not lose
our precious resources only if we see the project as a national task. Otherwise, the land
will become uninhabitable in 50 years. In this context, the Government will implement
the project without fail for the people to enjoy its benefits till posterity.”
In the past, Magway Division could be called a dry region receiving less amount of
rain annually because of the mountain ranges barring the monsoon winds to reach it. Now
the division is covered by the Thirteen-District Greening Project. The Tables show the
development of the division's regional greening project due to the harmonious progress
of the forestry sector and the fish and meat sector.
In the time of the Tatmadaw Government, a railroad linking Magway Division and the
western regions came into being. It is 146-mile-long ChaungU-Pakokku-Gangaw-Kale
railroad section. Soon, the extension of the railroad will be completed from ChaungU to
Kyaw, then from Kale to Yaymyetni, and then to the scheduled region. The facility has
prospects to be extended from Kale to Tamu then to the border of Myanmar and India.
In the past, there were small airports in Magway, Gangaw, Saw, Htilin, Lanywa, Pauk
and Sedoktara in Magway Division. The government opened Magway Airport on 6-6-
2003, Kyaukhtu Airport on 10-7-2004 and Pakokku Airport on 5-9-2004, and jets can use
them.
All the States and Divisions have witnessed dramatic development in a short time. The
table shows the progress of the transport sector of Magway Division.
Communications
The region has also achieved cumulative development in the communication sector.
The table indicates the progress of its communication sector.
Electric Power
The government is also taking measures for further development of the region through
the electric power sector. It implemented the Mone Creek Multi-purpose Dam Project.
The table depicts the progress of the electric power sector.
Industry
The national development absolutely relies on national unity. With speedy construc-
tion tasks, the nation is now on the path to development. And with the achievement in
the electric power and energy sectors, the region has prospects for industrial develop-
ment.
The government organized industries and enterprises into Yenan-gyoung and Pakokku
Industrial Zones. The former is made up of 82 enterprises with a total investment of K
118.25 million and an annual turnover of more than K 170 million. The latter comprises
247 enterprises with a total investment of K 477.06 million and an annual turnover of
nearly K 550 million.
The number of private factories has increased to 2,115. The region has got 168 cottage
industries in total along with 64 State-run factories. The table reflects the region’s indus-
trial progress.
Energy
The government has upgraded the 10 oilfields and discovered three more oilfields.
They are Ayadaw, Chauk, Lanywa, Yenan-gyoung, Mann, Yaynanma, Htauksharpin,
Kanni, Petpe, Kyaukkhwet, Letpanto, Thagyidaung and Sabei oilfields. The table repre-
sents the progress of the energy sector of the region.
234 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Education
The government is upgrading Magway to the capital of the central Myanmar and
Pakokku to the capital of the regions on west bank of the Ayeyawady River. Magway
Division has become famous for its better education standard. The Ministry of Education
has opened 549 basic education schools with 7085 teachers. More than 600,000 students
go to these education facilities. It has also opened two arts and science universities, a
degree college and two education colleges. The number of higher education students has
risen to nearly 60,000, up from 3,488 in the past. In addition, it has established the
Institute of Agriculture, the Cooperative Training School and the Youths Development
Training Centre. The table shows progress of the education sector.
Magway University
236 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
- Degree College 1 1 0
- College 2 2 0
e-learning centre - 5 5
Wide area network - - -
Number of WAN sites - 6 6
Teaching programmes 8 66 58
Number of teacher 240 593 353
Number of student 3488 59769 56281
Human Resource Development Centre - 3 3
Health
The government is taking steps for better health care concerns for enabling the entire
people to enjoy fitness and longevity and to be free from diseases. It is taking preventive
measures against diseases especially malaria, tuberculosis and AIDS, giving medical
treatments and raising the health standard of local people in Magway Division.
The government has built a teaching hospital and a 200-bed specialist hospital in the
region. Now, there are two 100-bed hospitals, six 50-bed hospitals, five 25-bed hospitals,
11 16-bed hospitals and 11 station hospitals numbering 66, accounting for 10 more
hospitals in the region.
A total of 244 specialists and assistant surgeons and 1,222 health staff have been
appointed in these medical facilities. Seven health care centres, a traditional medicine
hospital and 18 dispensaries have emerged in the region.
The government has constructed an institute of medicine and a university of primary
health in Magway with a view to producing physicians and medical experts. The table
reveals an increase in the number of the health staff and medical facilities of the region.
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 239
Development Affairs
The urban and rural development sector is making progress in parallel with economic,
education and health sectors of the region. The length of roads has increased to 463miles
and one furlong including more than 132 miles of tarred roads. The five rural develop-
ment tasks are in full swing in the region. The length of rural roads has risen to 2,735
miles.
The water supply project has thoroughly covered 21 out of 25 towns so far. The
government is also implementing the fresh water project effectively for supply of water
to the villages in the division. Up to now, the project has benefited 1,333 out of 1,469
villages. The table indicates progress of roads and water supply projects in Magway
Division.
Development in the development affairs sector of Magway Division
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
“At the same time, the government and people in tandem have committed themselves
unswervingly to the successful implementation of the State’s economic objectives aimed
at enabling the Union of Myanmar to keep pace with the world nations in terms of
modernization.”
The concerted efforts between the Tatmadaw and the people have resulted in aston-
ishing development in all sectors of all regions. Plans are under way to enable the country
to stand on its own feet after contemplating the possible future challenges. A thorough
thought will provide vivid pictures. To enable the people to take enjoyment from such
pictures of development, the author here presented the development trends of Mandalay
Division on its march to a golden land of unity and amity.
Mandalay Division
Mandalay Division is situated in central Myanmar. In the south lie Bago Division and
Kayin State; and in the west, Sagaing and Magway Division. The division is 14,294
square miles wide. National races such as Bamar, Shan, Danu, Lisu, Palaung, Kayin and
Chin live in the Union as small Unions. It is an area of dense population and has a
population of 7,627,000. The population density is 534 per square mile. In the east there
are mountain ranges whose heights are over 6,000 feet. In the south west is Bago Yoma.
In the north of the Bago Yoma is Mt Popa, which is 4,981 feet high. In the west, there
is Ayeyawady Plain, in the east, Mandalay-Kyaukse plain and in the south Sittoung plain.
The Chindwin River joins the Ayeyawady River near Myingyan.
The Dokhtawady River or Myitnge River and its tributary, Panlaung River, join the
Ayeyawady River near Innwa.
Agriculture
As the division is in the arid zone, ancient Myanmar kings built many dams and creeks
for supply of water. Cultivation was made through irrigation in Kyaukse and its environs.
The region was renowned as the granary of Myanmar in those days. The cultivation
acreage of the whole country was only half a million acres during the annexation of
Myanmar by the imperialists.
After over a hundred years, Mandalay Division was a region where rice was insuffi-
cient and cultivation of other crops also decreased. There was no cultivation with no rain
and no dams.
The Tatmadaw government is fulfilling the requirements of the people. The Tatmadaw
born of the people never forgets the people’s lives and difficulties of every region.
Therefore, after taking up the State duties, it is fulfilling the requirements of the people.
At the opening of North Pinle Dam on 13 April 1996, Senior General Than Shwe said
that he was born and brought up in those areas. He had realized the hardships of the
farmers in the areas since childhood.
They needed no gold but water. If water was available in the areas, it means they
possessed gold. That is why water availability and regional development tasks are being
implemented after the government had taken up State duties. He spoke of the need to
work harder.
There are 45 dams in the division in 16 years. Hsinthe and Kintha dams were built
in Tatkon, Thaphangyoung,Hsindewa, Welaung and Kyauktalone dams in Taungtha,
Samon and Thettaw dams in Thazi and Chaungkauk dam in Pyawbwe. Sitha, Hsinlan and
Dokwin were built in Pyin OoLwin, Soonlun, South Pinle and North Pinle in Myingyan,
Kinta in Kyaukse and Chaung- magyi dam in Pyinmana, Lebyu in Yamethin, Thebyu in
Lewe, Myakan in Nyaung U, Thapbyeyo in Wundwin, Zidaw in Nahtogyi, Thittetkon in
Myittha, Thinbon, kwintha and Ponmakyi in Mahlaing, Myotha, Natthadaw and Phaung-
kataw in Ngazun, Yanaungmyin in Lewe and Chaungmanet in TadaOo.
Seven river water-pumping projects were implemented to irrigate the farmlands of the
division. To ensure the greening of the division, regional development and regional self-
sufficiency of food, nine river-water pumping projects are being implemented and plans
are under way to carry out seven others. In addition, more dams and reservoirs will be
built to improve the living standard of farmers in Mandalay Division.
248 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Eight dams have been constructed in the division — the Paunglaung in Pyinmana
township benefiting 35,000 acres of farmland, the Madan and the Chaungmange in Leway
township benefiting 8,000 acres each, the Sedawgyi Ye Ku in Mataya benefiting 127,000
acres, the Marlenattaung in Sinku benefiting 8,000 acres and the Ngathayauk in NaungU
benefiting 2,000 acres. Moreover, Kani Dam and Shanmange Dam will be built soon.
Thanks to the efforts of the people alongside the assistance of the State, Mandalay
Division has hugely boosted the cultivation of crops and paddy, helping improve the
economy of the State.
Forest Conservation
More than 18 million of people live in Mandalay, Sagaing and Magway Divisions,
accounting for one-third of the nation’s population.
These regions’ dense population is detrimental to environmental conservation, causing
an undesirable impact on regional climate. These had suffered adverse effects on the
agricultural works for more than 100 years. If the situation remains unchanged for next
50 years, some deserts will appear on the map of Myanmar. Therefore, the government
had to construct many irrigation facilities and plant trees to form forests in the regions.
It has also realized the special regions greening project in the Central Myanmar. The
taables show progress of the project.
Transport
Superficially, Mandalay seemed to be a region enjoying smooth transport because of
roads linking one city and another. But, it still has many requirements and needs if
compared tasks to be carried out for cementing relations and friendship among the na-
tional races in the region, national and regional development.
With a lofty aim to ensure smooth transport of the entire nation and emergence of a
modern and developed nation, the government is making unremitting endeavours to
construct Union Highways, district-to-district roads, town-to-town roads, village-to-vil-
lage roads alongside roads in border areas in collaboration with respective departments
and organizations.
It has upgraded Mandalay-Tagaung-Bhamo-Myitkyina Road, Magway-Namauk-Pyaw-
bye Road, Twinnge-Momeik Road, Mandalay-Mogok-SiU-Bhamo Road, Mandalay-
PyinOoLwin-Wetwun-Nawnghkio Road, Mandalay-Sagaing-Monywa Road, Mandalay-
Meiktila Road, and Magway-Taungdwingyi-Kyaukpadaung-Meiktila Road. Altogether
seven large bridges have emerged in the region — two 210-foot-long bridges across
Zawgyi River on Yangon-Mandalay Highway in Kyaukse Township, 700-foot-long
Dokhtawady Bridge across Dokhtawady River on the road leading to Mandalay-TadaU
International Airport, 300-foot Panlaung Bridge spanning Panlaung Creek, 300-foot
Samonpauk Bridge spanning Samonpauk Creek on Myingyan-Yaywun road section in
Myittha Township, and 300-foot-long Tangar Bridge spanning Chaungmagyi Creek on
Mandalay-Mogok road section in Madaya Township.
The six bridge projects are under way and on completion, each bridge will be more
than 180 feet long. Before long, there will emerge five more bridges — Panlaung,
Myitnge and Pincha bridges in Singaing Township, Panunglaung Bridge in Pyinmana,
and KyaukO Bridge in Mogok Township. Besides, there also emerged the 5,604 feet long
Yadanabon Bridge across Ayeyawady River near Inwa Bridge (3,960 feet) in Amarapura
Township.
The British colonialists annexed the nation and exploited Myanmar for nearly 124
years, but they built only one bridge across the 1,000-mile-long Ayeyawady River. They
never took into account the progress of the regions on the west bank of the Ayeyawady
River as well as the border areas and far-flung areas. In contrast, the Tatmadaw Govern-
ment has constructed seven Ayeyawady River crossing bridges in 16 years.
They practised the divide-and-rule policy and drove a wedge between the hilly regions
and the plains, and exploited natural resources of the nation. But, the government has
built a network of roads and bridges to enhance amicable relations among the national
races. Table shows progress of the region’s transport sector.
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 255
Communications
The government has also upgraded the communication sector of the region in propor-
tion with its population and trade. The table indicates progress of the region’s commu-
nication sector.
Development in the communication sector of Mandalay Division
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
Electric power
The government is making all-out efforts to boost generation of electricity for the
people. Now, it is implementing 12 hydropower projects simultaneously.
One of the 12 projects is Ye Ywa Hydropower Project, 31 miles south-east of
Mandalay. In the time of the Tatmadaw Government, there have emerged Sedawgyi
hydropower plant (25 megawatts), Paunglaung hydropower plant ( 210 megawatts) and
Mogok hydropower plant (4 megawatts) in Mandalay Division, increasing the capacity
of electricity generation to 180 megawatts, up from 45 megawatts in 1988.
On completion, Ye Ywa Hydropower Plant will be able to generate 790 megawatts.
It is also implementing Ahtet Paunglaung Hydropower Project and completion, it
will be able to generate 140 megawatts.
In his inspection tour of Ye Ywa Hydropower Project on 18 December 2004,
Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance to the officials, saying that it is necessary to
complete the project as soon as possible to be able to meet the electricity demand of the
State. Measures are to be taken in accord with the set standard.
And serious attention is to be paid to the project as it is a huge one.
In 1988, the electricity consumption of Mandalay Division was 183.59 million
units. Now, the region can consume 519.935 million units. Upon completion of Ye Ywa
and Paunglaung hydropower projects, the region’s electricity generation will increase
four times.
Therefore, the local people will be able to enjoy better economic and living stand-
ards. The table reflects progress of the electric power sector of Mandalay Division.
Industry
Boosting consumption of more electricity is helping promote the region’s industrial
sector along with the socio-economic life of local people.
So far, the government has established Mandalay, Myingyan and Meiktila indus-
trial zones in the region. Mandalay Industrial Zone consists of 1,155 enterprises with a
total investment of K 1,883.44 million. Its annual turnover has surged nearly nine times,
accounting for K 1,6091.25 million.
Myingyan Industrial Zone is made up of 310 enterprises with a total investment of
K 3,661.31 million and its an annual turnover has increased three times, accounting for
K 964.95 million. Meiktila Industrial Zone comprises 416 enterprises with a total invest-
ment of K 495.78 million. It has boosted production of goods valued at K 1,321.01
million.
During his inspection tour of Yenangyoung Industrial Zone on 22 December 2004,
Head of State Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance, saying that the establishment
of the industrial zones is to ensure the development of import-substitute industries in the
country, production of quality products with the use of modern equipment, creation of job
opportunities and use local-made products easily at reasonable prices.
In the initial period, the industrial zones were on the level only a bit better than
blacksmith’s forges. With the encouragement and assistance of the government and en-
deavours of the industrialists, significant achievements have been made in the znes.
He pledged that the government would constantly provide necessary assistance for
the development of the zones and their industries.
While encouragement is given to respective industrialists for the development of
their enterprises, emphasis is to be put on steps not to inflict harm to the interests of the
nation and the people. Now, the Industrial Development Committee has been formed to
constantly fulfil the requirements of the industrial zones.
The increasing number of private-run factories in Mandalay Division is heartening.
There were only 4,485 factories in 1988, and now there are 9,280 factories.
It has got 1,435 cottage industries so far. The table represents progress of the
region’s industrial development.
260 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Minerals
It is Mandalay Division that has a land of precious stones, namely Mogok. Nowa-
days, the division can accelerate the momentum of gems and mineral exploration because
of the State’s assistance.
Up to now, 245 gem mining blocks have been extended and 2639000 carats of
various kinds of gems mined. Gold, lead, tin and tungsten mining blocks are on the
increase.
Marble, antimony, sodium carbonate oxide, lime stone and other kinds of mineral
are also being mined.
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 261
Education
Nowadays, Mandalay Division has become a shining star in its education sector.
On account of the efforts to ensure the balanced development of the whole country,
Mandalay City of the Upper Myanmar now can be called a city of universities. Ministry
of Education has opened Mandalay University of Foreign Languages, Mandalay Univer-
sity of Distance Education, Yadanabon University, Meikhtila University, Miekhtila Uni-
versity of Economics and Kyaukse University in the division compared to the one in the
past, Mandalay University.
The number of people, pursuing higher education now has increased to nearly
140000 from only over 20000 in the past.
There are 4469 basic education schools where more than 1 million students are
learning. School enrolment rate of kindergarten has come to full percentage. The follow-
ing the table shows the educational index of Mandalay Division.
Health
The goverment now is serving the interests of the people according to the policies
on education and health in border and rural areas.
It is planning to establish cities of coffee, industry, education, business and health
under the 24 special region development projects.
In Mandalay Division, station hospitals and hospitals were opened and Mandalay
city will become a health centre of Upper Myanmar.
There are six health and medical universities, seven specialist hospitals and two
teaching hospitals. Health development of the division is shown in the table.
together through weal and woe in this country. For thousands of years all our nationals
have lived together as equal citizens from the moment of their birth. Our race has a long
tradition and throughout history it has shown great courage. You comrades are the inheri-
tors of history. You must cherish your mother country and people who possess great
tradition and the love for your nation must be ardent. You must maintain loyalty to the
State citizens. This is the spirit of the patriotic Tatmadaw”.
Present generation of Myanmars have inherited fine traditions of ancestors, and the
future generations will have to inherit the fine traditions of the present generation. Now,
the State, the people and the Tatmadaw are inheriting the fine traditions and handing
down them to new generation youths, while marching to the golden land of unity and
amity. I would like to present progress of Yangon Division as a living proof of the
combined efforts.
Yangon Division
Yangon Division is situated in the southernmost part of the central plain of Myanmar.
In the north and in the east of Yangon Division lies Bago Division; in the south, Mottama
Gulf; and in the west, Ayeyawady Division. With a total area of 3,927 square miles,
Yangon Division is like a mini-union where Bamar and other national races have been
living in unity. Its population is 6,369,000 and its population density is 1,622 people per
square mile.
Bago Yoma mountain range stretches from north to south in Yangon Division, and
so there are small laterite hills in Thanlyin, Twantay and Kungyangon townships. Passing
through the eastern part of Yangon Division, Bago River empties into the Yangon River.
Ngamoeyeik Creek in the central part of Yangon Division flows from north to south into
the Bago River. In the western part, Bawle River and Panhlaing River meet Hline River
into Yangon River. According to its geographical features, Yangon Division is desig-
nated as a delta. Yangon City, the Capital of Myanmar, lies at the confluence of Yangon
River and Bago River, 21 miles from the Sea.
Agriculture
Yangon Division is surrounded by fertile rural regions. In the past, the region could
not cultivate crops at its full capacity because there were no large dams in the region.
So, the government had to fulfil the region’s needs of food sufficiency, extended
cultivation of beans and pulses, and growing of industrial crops and perennial crops. The
government has constructed 15 dams in 16 years. Taunglonmyaung Dam was built in
1993 and Ngamoeyeik Dam in 1995 in Hlegu Township. Ngamoeyeik Dam benefits
70,000 acres of farmland. The government also built Tabuhla Dam that benefits 52,000
acres in Taikkyi Township, Zamani-in Dam that benefits 1,000 acres in Thanlyin, and
Zeebyugon Sluice Gate that benefits 7,500 acres in Twantay Township. Again in 2004,
the government completed Kungyangon Sluice Gate Project that benefits 21,400 acres in
Kungyangon Township and Moemakha Sluice Gate Project that benefits 40,000 acres in
Twantay. It also constructed Lagunbyin Dam (22,000 acres) in 2001, Kalihtaw Dam
(9,000 acres) in 2003, and Mahuya and Paunglin Dams in 2004 in Hlegu Township.
After 1988, the living standard of Yangonites became higher and its population was
on the increase. Therefore, the government established more new towns and villages.
That led to reduction of nearly 20,000 acres of farmlands. However, the government
managed to speed up the agricultural work in the division, so the multiple-cropping area
doubled. Measures were taken to put more than 160,000 acres under summer paddy and
to gain per acre yield of 80 baskets, boosting production in the region.
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 273
It has constructed eight water pumping stations in the region so as to extend mul-
tiple cropping. Three more water pumping stations are under way, and 12 more projects
will be launched soon. It has also constructed Kayan Sluice Gate that contributes towards
30,000 acres in Thanlyin Township, and Thongwa Sluice Gate that irrigates 29,000 acres.
Tatmadaw members and respective departments are lending themselves to the Yangon
City 30-mile Radius Greening Project to fulfil the requirement of kitchen crops and other
crops of Yangon Division. The table shows the progress of the region’s agricultural sector.
Forest Conservation
The government is growing trees and forming forests for greening of the Central
Myanmar including Mt Popa. At the same time, it is taking measures for greening of the
entire Yangon Division.
Transport
Yangon Division enjoyed smooth transport to an extent in the past. There are local
and international sea and air freights and trains and bus terminals in the division.
But, people have to rely on ferry services in the region as it is teeming with many
rivers and creeks. Thanlyin Bridge is one and only facility that links Yangon East and
West. Transport had been poor for a long time in the region.
The government is upgrading Yangon City which was famous in Asia in the past.
It has built Hline River crossing bridge and Aungzeya bridge and a new road to directly
links the region with Ayeyawady Division. It has also built many roads that lead to
Yangon-Mandalay Highway. There have emerged town-to-town roads and village-to-
village roads such as Kaddapana-Khanaung-Zwebar-gondan-Kwani-Kamar-kalok road.
278 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
A total of 23 bridges, each of which is more than 180 feet long, including six large
bridges have emerged in the division. Maha Bandoola Bridge (Pazundaung), Ngamoeyeik
Bridge (Thingangyun), Hline River crossing bridge (Shwepyitha), Hline River crossing
bridge (Myochaung), Bawle River crossing bridge (Yebawthoung) and Aungzeya Bridge
(Insein) have contributed towards better transport of the region. On completion of the
seven bridge projects, local people can travel by car to all parts of the country. The table
indicates progress of the region’s transport sector.
Communications
It is vividly visible that the entire nation has witnessed remarkable development in
numerous sectors. The government is taking steps for development of border areas and
rural regions and urban areas.
Now, it is putting into motion the border areas development project, the special
regions development project, the nine- district greening project, the 24 special regions
development project, and the five-task rural development project for national develop-
ment.
The Table depicts progress the region is making in the communication sector.
Electric Power
Yangon Division consumed 545.077 million units of electricity in 1988. However,
the Tatmadaw government has been able to increase the amount nearly six times, ac-
counting for 3,084.312 million units.
The region’s population has increased by 1.9 million. The living standard of local
people has become higher to a certain degree. In the past, on average a household could
use an electric apparatus, and now a citizen can use close to the rate of an electric
apparatus.
A careful analysis of increasing number of industrial zones and factories in the
region will reveal the electricity requirement that is interrelated with the nation’s im-
provement and changes for the better.
Now is the time when the government is making sustained endeavours for all-round
development of the nation. It has constructed irrigation facilities in the regions where
water was scarce for ensuring long-tern benefits of the nation and the people. Simulta-
neously, it is constructing Union Highways and bridges of various sizes and types across
the nation. It has also built universities, colleges, schools in addition to construction and
upgrading of hospitals and health care centres for raising the health standard of the
people.
So far, almost all the infrastructures have been constructed. Now, the government
is seeking all possible ways and means for boosting generation of electricity. The table
represents progress of the electric power sector of Yangon Division.
Industry
The goal “transforming the agro-based nation into an industrialized one” will come
true in the near future. The government has organized scattered factories into industrial
zones. It is giving encouragement to technical experts for the industrial development.
It is heartening to note that many requirements have been fulfilled for industrial
development of Yangon Division. It has established four industrial zones in the region
— Yangon East Industrial Zone, Yangon West Industrial Zone, Yangon South Industrial
Zone, and Yangon North Industrial Zone in the region. In each industrial zone are many
small enterprises.
In Yangon East Industrial Zone are Nos 1, 2 and 3 South Dagon Industrial Zones,
Dagon Myothit (Seikkan Township Industrial Zone, Yangon Industrial Zone, Shwepaukkan
Industrial Zone, North Okkalapa Industrial Zone, South Okkalapa Industrial Zone and
Thakayta Industrial Zone.
In Yangon West Industrial Zone, there are Mayangon, Hline, and Kamayut indus-
trial zones; in Yangon South Industrial Zone, Thanlyin, Kyauktan, and Kayan industrial
zones; and in Yangon North Industrial Zone, Hlinethaya, Shwepyitha and Mingaladon
industrial zones.
Yangon East Industrial Zone is made up of 1,136 enterprises; Yangon West Indus-
trial Zone, 621; Yangon South Industrial Zone, 382; and Yangon North Industrial Zone,
539, totalling 2,678.
The region has 5,786 private-run factories and 4,833 cottage industries alongside
241 State-owned factories. The table compared the region’s project of the industrial
sector in 1988 and that at present.
Energy
There has emerged an onshore oilfield (Aphyauk) in Yangon Division. The table
shows production of gas and oil of the oilfield.
Education
Thanks to the education promotion plan, the youths both the in the hilly regions and
in the plains have enjoyed better opportunities to pursue education. Regarding the basic
education sector, all school-aged children have enjoyed the opportunity to attend primary
school, and equality to continue to pursue middle and high school education.
The government has established 298 post-primary schools, and there are nearly 1
million basic education students in Yangon Division.
With respect to the higher education sector, a total of close to the number of two
million students go to Yangon University, Yangon Institute of Economics, Yangon In-
stitute of Education, Yangon University of Distance Education, Dagon University, Yangon
Univer-sity of Foreign Languages, Yangon East University, Yangon West University,
National Management College, Yankin Education College, Hlegu Education College, and
Thingangyun Education College in Yangon Division.
Now, the primary school enrolment rate of Yangon Division has risen to 99.30 per
cent and the adult literacy rate, 97.40 per cent. The table shows the division’s progress
of the education sector.
286 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Teachers education
- Education college college - 3 3
- Number of teacher teacher 85 154 69
- Number of trainees trainees 756 3809 3053
School enrolment rate percent 70.45 99.50 29.05
Adult literacy rate percent 90.44 97.40 6.91
School dropout rate
- Basic level percent 28.23 6.10 22.13
- middle level percent 39.93 4.13 35.80
Upgrading of higher education
- University, college, degree college 8 12 4
- Institute 5 2 -
-University 1 6 5
- Degree College 1 1 0
- College - 3 3
- University of Foreign Languages 1 - -
e-learning centre - 15 15
Wide area network - 1 1
Number of WAN sites - 25 25
Teaching programmes 76 355 279
Number of teacher 2927 3869 942
Number of student 90092 195270 105178
Human Resource Development Centre - 9 9
288 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Health
Nowadays, public health care services are being provided as a priority to give
medical treatment and take disease control measures. Hospitals (200-bed) have been built
in the 24 development regions. All hospitals have been upgraded into 200-bed ones
complete with all necessary facilities.
Hospitals in every township have also been upgraded. Public health care services
are being carried out by appointing specialists for 12 specialised subjects in all 200-bed
hospitals. The table shows the development of health sector of Yangon Division.
Development Affairs
The State and the people are making combined efforts for rural and urban
development. The people are now contributing to the supply of rural drinking water, rural
education sector and rural health sector by using their raised funds. The table shows the
development of rural regions in Yangon Division.
Urban development
- Urban roads mile 147/6 186/6 39
- Tarred road mile 31/7 58/0 26/1
- Gravelled road mile 10/7 4/0 (-)6/7
- Granite road mile 27/2 35/3 8/1
- Earth road mile 77/6 89/4 11/5
- Urban bridge bridge - 521 521
- Urban water supply task
Township where tasks to be carried out town 12 4 8
Completed work work 5 8 3
Rural Development
- Rural roads mile 239/4 949/2 709/6
- Tarred road mile 14/1 48/3 34/2
- Gravelled road mile 70/7 65/7 (-)5
- Granite road mile 33/5 295/2 261/5
- Earth road mile 120/7 539/6 418/7
- Rural bridge bridge - 277 277
294 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 295
Dalies
1. TheMyanma Alin
2. The Kyemone
3. The New Light of Myanmar
Ayeyawady Division marching to new
golden land of unity and amity
There is a saying, which goes, “Time and tide waits for no man.” And another
proverb says, “No opportunity comes twice to cross a river”. The proverbs symbolize the
changing situation in this world.
Ayeyawady River is flowing quietly and constantly day and night till reaching its
destination, which is the sea.
The Ayeyawady rises in Kachin State in the north of Myanmar. It meets with
Chindwin River in Sagaing Division. It also merges with a number of rivers and creeks
which originate in the mountains of Chin and Rakhine states. The mighty river has many
tributaries that rise in the Shan and Kayah states in the east. It passes though Mandalay,
Magway, Bago and Ayeyawady divisions and drains into the sea into which other rivers
and creeks flowing from Yangon Division, Mon and Kayin states and Taninthayi Divi-
sion also empty.
At the meeting No 2/2004 of the Central Committee for Development of Border
Areas and National Races held on 30 December 2004, Head of State Senior General Than
Shwe gave guidance, saying, “It is a common knowledge that the Central Committee was
founded with lofty aims. The Government has held negotiations with the armed groups
to come back to the legal fold, so that it will cooperate with nationalities of border areas
for national development, peace and stability.
299
“It has built mutual trust with the groups, while striving to develop the border areas,
to free the people of the areas from backwardness, and to improve the social standard of
the national races for flourishing of the consolidated Union.
“Thanks to the formation of the respective committees, with firm objectives, the
task is achieving success leading to promoting mutual understanding and amity among
the national people, and ensuring peace and stability in the border areas, and laying down
sound foundations for regional development. The Committee has laid sound transport,
health, education and economic foundations to raise the living standard of the locals.
“The task for progress of border areas must be accelerated in the regions where a
development drive is needed, without losing sight of the project’s objective of narrowing
the gap between one region and another in the whole nation. Greater efforts should be
made to develop the health, education, transport and economic sectors of the regions
which lag behind in development to a certain degree. The progress in border areas will
help the development drive reach the whole nation and further unify all the nationalities.
“Only if we can obtain constant progress phase by phase annually, will we be able
to development the whole nation and bring the nationalities closer as a unified strength.
“We will have to make harmonious efforts greater the following day than today in
launching the border areas development drive for the nation’s long-term interest, and
further cementing the national solidarity.”
The Tatmadaw Government is in the process of building the consolidated Union,
and a peaceful, modern and developed nation without fail.
“There will be greater development tomorrow, and the development must continue
throughout the future generations. The development drive must reach all the regions of
the Union. There must be solidarity among the nationalities.” And with those convictions,
the Government has been striving to develop the entire nation including the Ayeyawady
Division. Now, the developments of the division will be presented.
300 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Ayeyawady Division
Ayeyawady Division is located in the south-western part of the central plains of
Myanmar. The 13,567 square-mile division is sharing a common land border with Bago
Division in the east and north, Yangon Division in the east, and Rakhine State in the
north-east and touching the Bay of Bengal in the west and Andaman Sea in the south.
The majority of its people are Bamar, Kayin and Rakhine races. Its population is 7,511,000
and its population density is 554 persons per square mile.
On the west stretch the Rakhine Yoma ranges forming a thin coastal strip of land
facing the sea. As the division is a delta, it’s land surface is flat and criss-crossed by
numerous rivers and creeks. It has also a number of lakes. Of the rivers that branching
out from the mighty Ayeyawady, Ngawun, Pathein and Toe are famous.
Agriculture
As it is a delta region and its soil is fertile, Ayeyawady Division is a reliable region
for the nation in terms of economy. Production volume of its agricultural and fish and
meat industries is large. The division is renowned as the rice bowl of Myanmar. But in
the past successive eras, the division had not achieved progress as much as it deserved.
During his visit to the division on 14 November 2004, Head of State Senior General
Than Shwe said, “Human society never stops advancing at a place. We must always
make efforts for its development. As the nation’s population is growing annually, it will
have 100 million people in the next 30 years or so. From now on, we must systematically
extend sown acreage and raise the per acre yield to ensure sufficient food for the growing
population in the future.
“We will never let our new generations face anxiety rising from food insufficiency
when we are no more. Thus, we will have to do what we should do for the future
generations.
“In addition to the agricultural and fish and meat sectors, we will also strive to
develop the industrial sector of the division. The division has bright prospects to further
develop the agro-based industries, wood-based industries, and aqua-based industries.
“As the Government has used a large amount of financial power to build roads and
bridges in the division, it can now facilitate its transport and is achieving sustainable
development. As the government on its part has already rendered necessary assistance for
Ayeyawady Division, it should develop itself more by effectively utlizing the rich land,
water and forest resources. The division has an adequate number of human resources that
can add value to the natural resources. What the division needs is innovative efforts.”
If Ayeyawady Division serves the nation only as a rice bowl, the nation will not
advance. It should strive to increase its production volume many times. Only then will
the local people enjoy prosperity and progress. The Government has added value to the
natural resources of the division.
The Government has reclaimed wet lands and inundated areas, and built dams for
irrigation and sluice gates to store water the whole year.
It has built Panhlaing and Mezali sluices gates, each with 20,000-acre irrigation
capacity, in Nyaungdon Township, Nankathu Dam, with 14,000-acre irrigation capacity,
in Ingapu Township, Wadaw and Htani sluice gates, each with 15,000-acre irrigation
capacity, in Maubin Township. A total of 23 waterworks have been built in the division
to irrigate crops with river water.
302 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Land
- Sown acreage acre 4221126 7595164 3374038
- Virgin and vacant land acre 629692 181103 increase in
cultivable land
Water supply task
- dam, lake, reservoir, drain - 72 82 10
- Task completed 72 79
- Task being carried out - - 3 7
- Benefited area acre 1594508 1916929 3
River water pumping project - 35 322412
- Task completed - 23 35
- Task being carried out - 6 23
- Task to be carried out - 6 6
- Benefited acres acre - 98427 6
Damming creek - 73 98427
- Benefited area acre - 31229 73
Artesian wells - 726 726
- Benefited acres acre - 6169 6169
Total benefited area 1594508 2052754 458246
Double cropping acreage acre 571823 2322845 1751022
Cultivation of paddy
- monsoon paddy acreage acre 3132553 3600351 467798
- per acre yield basket 62.80 72.46 9.66
- Summer paddy acreage acre - 1421860 1421860
- per acre yield basket - 88.12 88.12
- Total production basket 188196 370493 182298
- local rice sufficiency percent - 296 296
304 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Forest Conservation
Ayeyawady Division is a delta adjacent to the Sea. It is conserving and protecting
mangroveforests for maintenance of the rivers and creeks. The table indicates local peo-
ple’s active participation in the tasks for forest conservation.
Transport
Before 1988, there were no bridges across Ayeyawady River in the region. Due to
many rivers and creeks, there was poor transport in the past. To make the matter worse,
the British colonialists did not pay any attention to construction of roads.
The Tatmadaw members always made reviews of their experiences wherever they
shouldered duties of national defence across the nation. Even local people did not notice
all the requirements of respective regions, but Tatmadaw members did.
The government has implemented water supply projects where water is scarce. And
it has restored peace and stability wherever there was lack of peace.
In consequence of its endeavours, Ayeyawady Division has enjoyed fruitful results
of better transport. So far, it has constructed 40 bridges in the region including Pathein
Bridge put into commission on 22-11-2004. There have emerged large bridges such as
Ngawun river crossing Ngathaingchaung Bridge, Myaungmya Bridge, Labutta Bridge,
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 307
Maubin Bridge, Bo Myat Tun Bridge, Gonnhindan Bridge, Shwelaung Bridge, Wakema
Bridge, Dedaye Bridge, and Dahka Bridge in the region.
Now, people can travel from Yangon to Pathein in comfort and ease. In 1988, there
were roads with a total length of only 440 miles. Now the length of the roads in the
region has increased to nearly 900 miles. On completion of the Pyapon Bridge Project
and the Myinkaseik Bridge Project, local people can travel by car from one place to
another in the region in a few hours. The table reflects progress of the transport sector
of Ayeyawady Division.
Communications
The communication network of the nation has covered even the rural areas at
present. The table indicates the development of communication sector in the division.
Development in the communication sector of Ayeyawady Division
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
Subject Count 1988 31-12-2005 Progress
Post office office 124 142 18
Telegraph office 31 42 11
Facsimile 1 66 65
Computer telegraph - 5 5
Telephone
- telephone office 31 94 63
- telephone line 4795 24344 19549
- exchange 31 66 35
- direct line 4389 20097 15708
- auto/manual phone 4389 18623 14234
- auto radio phone - 812 812
-teledensity 1X1000 0.78 2.66 1.88
Microwave station station 10 19 9
Rural telephone - 29 29
e-mail, internet - 3 3
Satellite station
- DOMSAT station - - -
- VSAT station - 1 1
- iPSTAR station - - -
- Submarine Cable
station station - 1 1
Extension of Auto Telephone Line Auto-exchange project under implementation
(under implementation) 1. Nyaungdon (700 lines)
1. Bogalay (500 lines) 2. Pantanaw (500 lines)
2. NgweHsaung (500 lines) 3. Kyaungkon (500 lines)
4. Wakema (600 lines)
3. Chaungtha (500 lines) 5. Mawlamyinekyun (700 lines)
Total (1500 lines) 6. Labutta (600 lines)
Total 3600 lines
310 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Electricity
The power consumption in the division in 1988 was 100.114 million units. The
present consumption is over 170.114 million units. Thanks to the national grid, more
All the sectors of the nation are developing rapidly because of the adoption of the
market-oriented economy. More farm machinery are being used at modern farms. The
number of private and State-owned industries is increasing. More towns have emerged
and the living standard is rising. Thus, electricity consumption of the nation is increasing
roughly at 15 per cent annually. Yangon consumes 450 megawatts, up from about 130
Plans are being implemented in accord with the guidance of the Head of State to
increase generation capacity to generate 2,000 more megawatts based on the nation’s rich
water resources. In accord with the head of State’s guidance, the nation is implementing
the 30-year power project and five-year short-term projects. The projects cover the 79-
megawatt Yeywa Hydel Power Project, the 280-megawatt Paunglaung Hydel Power Project,
the 60-megawatt Kunchaung Hydel Power Project, the 30-megawatt Khaboung Hydel
Power Project, the 40-megawatt Phyuchaung Hydel Power Project, the 75-megawatt
Shwekyin Hydel Power Project, the 25-megawatt Yenwe Hydel Power Project, and the
54-megawatt Kengtawng Hydel Power Project in southern Shan State are under construc-
tion. Efforts are being made for early completion of the 400-megawatt Shweli Hydel
Power Project in northern Shan State. A 60-megawatt turbine of the 120-megawatt Tikyit
Energy
Myanaung oil field was discovered in the division in 1964, Shwepyitha oil field in
1967, and Htantabin oil field in 1980. Two more new fields were found in 1960 and 1984
respectively, but they are not in operation at present. At present, Myanaung, Shwepyitha
and Nyaungdon fields are producing oil and gas.
The Yadana offshore oil and gas well was discovered in 1998. It is producing
natural gas. More offshore wells are being drilled at present. The table has more.
312 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe
inspects Nyaungdon Oilfield.
Industries
Like the parents who equally look after their children, the Tatmadaw Government
is striving to ensure equitable progress for all the 14 states and divisions of the Union.
The Government has been assisting the people of all the regions to become pros-
perous, developed and educated, as they are playing their own role in serving the national
interest, while having the fraternal spirit among them.
Thus, the Government has been building dams and irrigation facilities, roads, bridges,
hospitals, schools and is rendering assistance to set up commercial livestock and fish and
prawn farms. The Government has paved the correct way for all to march towards the
national goal.
The people have unitedly set up a number of milestones in their march to the
golden land of unity and amity. Now they are in the process of building an industrial
nation. Please see the table to know the industrial development of the division.
Education
The Government has been implementing a programme to reduce the number of
school dropouts due to certain reasons. The programme ensures youths to complete their
studies, while helping the family business.
The Government’s education plans include producing of teachers and professors at
their own regions, ensuring rural people to pursue vocational education at their native
areas and producing intellectuals and intelligentsia to help develop the motherland till
standing on a par with other nations.
The Tatmadaw Government has built Pathein University, Hinthada University,
Maubin University, Pathein Education College, Bogale Education Collage, and Myaungmya
Education College. The division now has 66,993 students of higher education, up from
4,920 in the past. There are now 6,324 basic education schools in the division. The
primary school enrolment rate and adult literacy rate are raising high in the division. The
table shows the education development of the division.
Health
The government is stepping up its efforts to uplift the health and fitness standard
of the entire people and to help the citizens to stay away from diseases. Its health care
concerns have thoroughly covered the whole nation. So, the Ayeyawady Division has
enjoyed fruitful results of better health standard. In 1988, there was only one 200-bed
hospital, but now the region has been facilitated with three 200-bed hospitals. It has
appointed more health staff in the medical facilities in proportion with the regions and
populations. The table reflects the government’s efforts to help local people of Ayeyawady
Division to enjoy longevity and be free from diseases.
- 200-bed hospital 1 3 2
- 150-bed hospital - - -
- 100-bed hospital 4 2
Upgrading
- 50-bedhospital 5 7 2
- 25-bedhospital 5 4 Upgrading
- 16-bedhospial 10 10 -
Development Affairs
In the past, many parts of Ayeyawady Division were, like islands, surrounded by
water. Now, with new roads and bridges, the region has developed remarkably. The total
length of its rural roads has risen to over 3,000 miles, up from 376 miles and two furlongs
in the past. It means the region has escaped from the position in which it had to rely
mainly on waterways. The table represents better transport the region is enjoying.
The population of Myanmar is increasing two per cent annually, and her current
population is about 54.7 million. As her population in 1988 was nearly 39.3 million, she
now has 15.4 million new-born under-16 youths.
A nation’s future is shaped by the past and present situations and future visions. The
Tatmadaw Governemnt has been discharging the State duties at present in accord with
the historical requirement. As the Tatmadaw Government is leading the nation towards
a new age, it has brought unprecedented developments to the nation during the period of
16 years.
At the graduation of Defence Service Technological Academy held on 24 December
2004, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of
Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe said, “Soon after the regaining of independ-
ence, the national unity faced grave deterioration and the nation experienced the lack of
peace and tranquillity. The agro-based national economy fell below the level at which
food and other necessities could not satisfy the growing population. At a time when other
countries had entered the industrial age, our nation lost its way, and was in backwardness,
without having any capital for progress. In the end, the political sector of the nation
reached beyond control resulting from the economic slump.
“In this regard, the Tatmadaw Government has laid down and implemented the eco-
nomic objective — Development of agriculture as the base and for all-round development
of other sectors of economy as well. Thanks to the collective efforts of the Tatmadaw,
the Government and the people, clusters of agricultural infrastructures have already been
built in all necessary places. More infrastructures will be built in the future also. Because
of the energetic efforts to extend sown acreage, increase per acre yield, and introduce
new crops, the nation now is enjoying surplus rice. “If a nation is able to produce enough
food for the people, it will have to establish an industrial nation for the prosperity of the
national people. But the setting up of an industrialized nation needs a large number of
qualified human resources. Hence, the Government has established 24 development zones,
the project covering the task to develop human resources simultaneously in the entire
nation. The rural development tasks are being attached to the project for development of
all regions of the nation. Now, all the nationalities have the opportunity to get access to
science and technological studies in their own regions. In addition, the Government is
giving priority to increased generation of electricity for industrial development.”
The Tatmadaw Government is laying an enduring foundation to build a peaceful,
modern and developed nation, with firm objectives and belief — The country must
become a real golden land. The national races of the land must be renowned in the world
as the people of the golden land.
326 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 327
328 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Agriculture
The total sown acreage of Myanmar was over 24.8 million acres. There remained 20.8
million acres of fallow and virgin lands in 1988 to be used for agriculture. Paddy sown
acreage them was only 11.5 million acres. As there was no progress at all in the farming
techniques then, the nation’s annual paddy output was stagnant at 653 million baskets.
But the population is increasing and 70 per cent of the nation’s population reside in
rural areas where agriculture is main livelihood. Thus, efforts were needed to double the
paddy production. Since 1992-93, the Government has been launching reforms in the
agricultural sector, and realizing them without fail. It has applied various means to grow
16 million acres of paddy — 12 million acres of monsoon paddy and four
million acres of summer paddy — to produce 1,000 million baskets. In 1988, there were
only 138 dams in the nation and they were irrigating 4.4 million acres of crops.
Only 3.5 million acres of land had been put under double-cropping. More water is
needed to use more land. Thus, dams are being built in all possible places. New dams
numbering 170 have emerged in a period of 16 years. Small dams, tube-wells and hand
pumps are irrigating crops in the areas beyond the reach of tributary canals of the large
dams.
To effectively use water from in the natural watercourses, the Government has built
171 waterworks up to date to increase irrigated acres.
Double-cropping has increased to 10 million acres.
With its 12 million acres of monsoon paddy fields and four million acres of summer
paddy fields, the nation can now stand tall again as a rice bowl of Asia. The present
year’s paddy output is expected to be 1,195 million baskets.
Thanks to the unprecedented progress in the agricultural sector, Myanmar is prosper-
ing as if the land yields gold everywhere.
The states and divisions that could not produce enough rice for their local consump-
tion in the past are now enjoying food sufficiency.
The nation is also witnessing greater increase in beans and pulses production for
export, cultivation of edible crops and industrial crops.
The Tatmadaw Government has been striving to further improve the means of live-
lihood of the growing population of future.
It is preparing to develop the agricultural and other sectors to be able to produce
adequate amount of food and other social items sufficient for a population of 100 million.
Within a short span of time the agricultural sector can see the unprecedented develop-
ments.
334 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 335
In addition, over six million hectares of land are covered by water for six to eight
months every year. The total area of natural lakes, reservoirs and other man-made lakes
is 1.8 million hectares.
Commercial-scale livestock farms have been set up to produce more meat. The table
shows the development of fish and meat sector of the nation.
Forest Conservation
The Tatmadaw Government has been nurturing and educating the people to become
forest lovers.
Forests cover 51 per cent of the nation’s land surface.
But we will face adverse consequences, if we cannot conserve and extend the forests.
Realizing this, the Government has been in the process of launching the project to
green the entire nation.
The Nine-District Greening Project covering Mandalay, Sagaing and Magway divi-
sions, involves the four tasks of finding water resources, conserving and extending for-
ests, establishing village fuel wood forests, and using more wood-substitute fuels.
Beginning 1994-95, the project has been expanded to cover 13 districts. And thanks
to the project, regions in the central dry are is receiving extra amount of rain annually.
For the people of the zone, water is precious even more than gold.
Development in the Forestry sector of Myanmar
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
Transport
The Tatmadaw Government has constructed a network of roads and bridges, resulting
in a smooth transport the length and breadth of the nation even in the hilly regions. The
number of small, medium and large bridges, roads and railroads across the country at
present has surged many times if compared to that in 1988.
There have emerged Mandalay-Myitkyina, Mandalay-Bhamo, Myitkyina-Putao, Hpa-
an-Zarthabyin-Mawlamyine, Taunggyi-Ywangan-Hanmyinmo, Pyinmana-Pinlaung,
Sittway-An-Minbu- Kawthoung-Dawei-Mawlamyine, Taungup-Ma-ei-Kyaukpyu,
Monywa-Hkamti Union Highways.
The government constructed Minbu-Seikpyu-Pakokku-Monywa Road and Minhla-
Thayet-Pyay Road to bring further development to the regions on the west bank of the
Ayeyawady River. It has also constructed many roads linking Natmauk and Magway;
Monywa and Kalewa, Toungoo and Pyay, Pyinmana and Taungdwingyi, and these trans-
port facilities link the eastern part and the western part of the nation.
People can travel from Pyay to Taungdwingyi through the central Yoma mountain
range with the use of Pyay-Aunglan-Taungdwingyi Railroad. People also can travel over
the Shan mountain range with the use of Shwenyaung-Taunggyi-Hsaikkhaung Railroad.
There have also emerged Pakokku-ChaungU railroad, Budalin-YeU-KhinU railroad, Pyay-
Aungban-Taungdwingyi-Padaung-Bagan-NyaungU railroad, Namhsan-Mongnai railroad,
Aungpan-Loikaw railroad, Ye-Dawei railroad, Yaymyetni-Gangaw-Kalay railroad and
Shwenyaung-Yaksawk railroad.
Such bridges spanning the Ayeyawady River as Maubin Bridge, Nawade Bridge,
Dedaye Bridge and Bo Myat Tun Bridge came into existence. The government also built
Bala Min Htin Bridge, Anawrahta Bridge, Ayeyawady (Magway) Bridge, and Yadanabon
Bridge (Mandalay). So far, it has constructed two bridges across Chindwin River, three
across Sittoung River and five across Thanlwin River.
With respect to the air transport sector, in the past, there were only six airports which
could serve jet aircraft. But, the number of such airports has increased to 17 in total. The
government has upgraded Heho Airport, Myeik Airport and NyaungU Airport and built
Homalin, Monywa, Magway, An, Pakokku and Kyaukhtu airports. Hkamti, Bhamo and
Lashio airport construction projects and Kengtung, Yangon and Pathein airport upgrading
projects, and Yangon and Anisakhan airport construction projects are under way.
The government has constructed 26 jetties for local vessels and 16 jetties for foreign
vessels. The transport facilities all over the nation help forge national solidarity and raise
the social and economic standards of the entire people. The table shows progress of the
nation’s transport sector.
346 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 347
348 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Communications
The government has been striving for the improvement of information technology in
the country to be on a par with the advanced nations the world over in the communication
sector. The table shows the nation’s progress in the communication sector.
Electric Power
Nowadays, the government is making a huge headway with the national development
undertakings. In the nation are many rivers and creeks with annual water flow of 870
million acre feet. If these water resources are harnessed effectively for construction of
267 hydropower plants, some 40,000 megawatts can be generated. The government has
been pouring investments into the irrigation projects. It has taken another step for na-
tional development through the electric power sector.
In 1988, the nation’s electricity consumption was only 1,518 million units. Now, the
electricity consumption has reached 5,461 million units. In order to meet the higher living
standard of the people, the government had to construct 30 hydel-power plants through-
out the country. On completion of 20 more power plant projects, the electricity genera-
tion will touch 5863 megawatts.
It is indeed about one/eighths of the total electric power that can be generated with the
use of all the water resources in the nation
Industry
The nation is rich in natural resources. Industrial crops thrive in the nation. Human
resources are being produced annually. The generation of electricity is on the increase.
The government has built a foundation to transform the agro-based nation into an
industrialized one.
It has constructed dams and reservoirs where water is scarce, and organized enter-
prises and factories, which scattered in respective regions, into industrial zones.
The government’s encouragement and assistance has helped establish 19 industrial
zones with 846 enterprises with a total investment of about K 300 billion and an annual
turnover of K 200 billion.
The number of private-run factories has grown up to 42,707 and cottage industries up
to 8,500.
The government has established 192 factories, accounting for 833 factories in total in
the nation. It is giving encouragement and providing necessary assistance in various
fields for the industrial development.
As a result, many job opportunities could be ereated for the people. The table shows
the industrial progress of the nation.
Development in the industry sector of Myanmar
Comparison between period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005)
Energy
The government is striving for extended exploration of oil. It has discovered offshore
oilfields in Mottama, Rakhine State and Taninthayi Division. The nation’s inexhaustible
natural gas deposits can contribute towards national development. The Table shows progress
of the energy sector.
Oilfields (onshore)
The government discovered seven more oilfields — Petpel, Aphyauk, Kyaukkhwet,
Letpanto, Thagyidaung, Zabei and Nyaungdon, and explored Laydaung, Pyay, Pyaloh,
Tetma, Ngashantaung, Phayagon (Seinhai), Phayagon (Kyakaik) and Htantabin oilfields.
Indaing oilfield was discovered in 1996 and closed in 2002, and Indaw oilfield was in
2002 and closed in December 2004.
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 355
Nyaungdon Oilfield
356 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Education
In an effort to contribute to brighter future of the nation, the government is nurturing
the new generation youths who can brave and cope with the challenges of the knowledge
age so as to produce more and more human resources.
It is also taking all possible measurers for the uplift of the education standard of the
people. It has established 156 universities and colleges all over the country to bring equal
opportunity to the youths to pursue education.
There were only 38 universities and colleges in 1988.
It has opened 6,744 basic education schools in the whole county, increasing the number
of the schools from 33,474 in 1988 to 40,521 now. It has also opened 4,739 post-primary
schools for enabling youths in rural regions to continue to pursue education in respective
regions.
Originally, Myanmar nationals are dynamic and are quick learners. With the qualifi-
cations of the national people, the nation can be changed itself from an agro-based nation
into an industrialized one and then into a knowledge power.
Adult literacy rate of Myanmar is one of the highest in South-East Asia. The table
shows the progress of her education sector.
Basic education
- number of schools school 33747 40525 6778
- BEHS school 722 1967 1245
- BEMS school 1696 2605 909
- Post Primary school - 5545 4736
- BEPS school 31329 30408 upgraded
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 357
Panglong University
360 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Health
Now is the time when measures are being taken to give priority to public health
care. Now, the number of hospitals has increased to 819 at present from 631 in 1988. At
the time of the Tatmadaw government, five medical universities and two dental univer-
sities have been opened. Moreover, two pharmaceutical universities, two paramedical
universities, and one medical university have also been added to the existing number. In
the past, there were only 28 nursing training schools. But now, they are 43 in number.
Specialists were employed at state-, division- and district-level hospitals to ensure better
public health care.
Traditional medicine
- traditional medicine hospital 2 14 12
- traditional medicine dispensary 89 237 148
Free from disease
- small pox free free free
- leprosy - free free
- polio - free free
Decrease of motality
- rural 9.9 7.1 2.8
- urban 8.9 6.2 2.7
Increase of longivity
- rural
- man 56.2 60.8 4.6
- woman 60.4 63.3 2.9
- urban
- man 59.0 61.5 2.5
- woman 63.2 65.6 2.4
Universities 4 14 10
- Medical Institute 3 4 1
- Dental Institute 1 2 1
- Institute of Nursing - 2 2
- Institute of Paramedical Science - 2 2
- Institute of Pharmacy - 2 2
- University of Community Health - 1
- University of Traditional Medicine - 1 1
Training school 26 43 17
- nursing training school 6 23 17
- midwifery school 16 16 -
- related school 4 4 -
366 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Development Affairs
Steps are being taken to raise the living standard of the national people. Roads and
bridges are being constructed in urban and rural areas. Furthermore, irrigation facilities
and river water-pumping projects are under way to ensure an adequate supply of drinking
water and irrigation water. Emphasis has also been placed on keeping every school-age
children at schools in rural areas with the aim of increasing the literacy rate.
Urban development
- urban road miles 2971/7 5449/5 2477/6
- miles of tarred road 945/5 2006/1 1060/4
- miles of gravelled road 768/2 2024/7 256/5
- miles of granite road 198/0 322/3 124/3
- earth road 1060/0 2096/2 1036/2
- urban bridges - 11245 11245
- concrete bridge - 5841 5841
- wooden bridge - 3706 3706
- conduit - 1411 1411
- other - 287 287
Water supply task
- Town in which tasks to be done 286 105 181
- completed work 48 181 133
Rural development
- Rural road 3940/6 25724/3 21784/1
- tarred road 295/0 1321/5 1026/5
- gravelled road 822/7 4422/5 3599/6
- granite road 730/5 1967/5 1237/0
- earth road 2092/2 18012/4 15920/2
- rural bridge - 6961 6961
- concrete - 1518 1518
- wooden - 3972 3972
- conduit - 1102 1102
- other - 369 369
Rural Water supply tasks
- village in which tasks to be done 23225 8264 14961
- completed work - 21594 21594
- rural housing - 1472 1472
368 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
Human Resources
Measures are being taken to develop human resources in all the spheres, especially
in education, health, science, and technology. In this process, one Union Nationalities
Development University, two Capacity Enhancement Degree College, 31 youth develop-
ment training schools, 27 cottage industries, and other Parahita (Boy) Schools were
opened in rural areas.
Training is provided to widen the knowledge of agriculture, livestock and forestry.
To ensure the emergence of marine scientists, marine universities were also opened.
370 Chronicle of National Development Comparison between
University/ College
University for Development of
National Races - 1 1
-Number of teacher teacher 64 130 66
-Number of student student 3147 8905 5758
CICS 1 3 2
-Number of teacher teacher 57 227 170
-Number of student student 1327 21354 20027
University of Culture university - 3 3
-Number of teacher teacher - 268 268
-Number of student student - 1061 1061
University of Forestry 1 1 -
-Number of teacher teacher - 33 33
-Number of student student - 579 579
Forest Training School school - 1 1
-Number of teacher teacher 10 12 2
-Number of student student 80 2058 1978
Human Resource Development Degree College - 2 2
-Number of teacher teacher - 98 98
-Number of student student - 797 797
Cooperatives College/Training 2 9 7
-Number of teacher teacher 12 200 188
-Number of student student - 2040 2040
Liquerware College college - 2 2
-Number of teacher teacher - 28 28
-Number of student student - 408 408
period preceding 1988 and after (up to 31-12-2005) 371
Institute
Training schools