THE
Union Government has been prioritizing the development of infrastructure,
including supply of electricity and road transport, which are the main
requirements for socio-economic progress of the people, said Vice-President
Henry Van Thio at the opening of the Ngawon Bridge (Laymyethna) in Hinthada
District of Ayeyawady Region.
“The
Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan 2018-2020 adopted in 2018 involves setting
up prioritized infrastructures that support sustainable development and
different businesses, under the three-goal framework of prosperity and
cooperation. The government’s national development drive endeavours to ensure
equitable development in all regions and states,” he said.
“As
the Ayeyawady Region lies on a delta, it is the rice bowl of Myanmar. With its
natural waterways, big and small, the region has rich water resources. The
region also has unspoiled sea beaches and offshore natural resources, such as
natural gas. With several rivers and streams running through it, the region
primarily relies on water transport, which is the cheapest form of travel, but
it is slow and, in some cases, people need other modes of transport to reach
destinations which are far from the port.
Thanks
to efforts made by successive governments, Ayeyawady Region now has intra-and
inter- road and waterway networks,” said the Vice-President.
“The
launching of an air trip between Yangon and Pathein, the capital of Ayeyawady
Region, has ensured further convenience to both local and foreign travelers.
The region now has 1,862 miles of roads and, with the opening of the 1,968-foot
Ngawon Bridge, it now has 99 bridges measuring more than 180 feet. Necessary
reinforcements will be made at Wakhema Bridge, Laputta (Pinlelay) Bridge,
Shwelaung Bridge, and Kyungon Bridge, to increase their longevity. The new
Myaungmya Bridge will be opened in April 2019. The completion of major bridges
will improve transport for regional people and bring development to multiple sectors,”
he said.
“The
Union Government is trying to use the most effective means, without financial
wastage, to implement projects in the interest of the nation, the regions, and
the states. Local people and officials concerned must cooperate to ensure there
is no wastage of public funds and the facilities offered are of good quality.
The President has already urged quality control in building infrastructure,” he
said.
The
Vice-President said the government is putting an administrative machinery in
place for shaping a democratic system. Administrative officials at all levels
must discharge their duties fairly, within the framework of law, and ensure
public freedom and security, he said. The administrative machinery should not
become a burden for the people, and they should strictly follow the directives
laid down by the President, he added.
“The
government has been implementing multi-sector reforms and development projects
in keeping with the slogans — ‘Time for a change’, ‘Together with the people’,
and ‘The strength of unity’. The success of the reforms will depend on full
support from the people. So, the people of the Ayeyawady Region are urged to
continue their involvement in the government’s reforms. Officials concerned
must take responsibility and ensure accountability for the quality of the
infrastructure being constructed for national development, as taxes paid by the
public are being used. The people should also lend a helping hand in
maintaining the infrastructure. All ethnic brethren must strive in harmony and
unison in building a democratic federal union with solidarity, consolidation,
and love,” said the Vice-President.
Afterwards,
Union Minister for Construction U Han Zaw explained the salient points of the
bridge project, and the Chief Minister for Ayeyawady Region U Hla Moe Aung
highlighted undertakings for regional development.
Thereafter,
the Vice-President and officials watched students perform traditional dances.
Then, the Union Minister for Construction and the Chief Minister for Ayeyawady
Region and other officials formally opened the bridge. This was followed by the
Vice-President and the attendees posing for documentary photos.
After
the Vice-President unveiled the stone plaque, he and other officials sprinkled
scented water on it. At the briefing hall of the project, the Vice-President
heard a report on completed bridges, bridges under construction, and future
projects in the region for the fiscal year 2018-2019.
Measuring
1968.5 feet, the Ngawon Bridge (Laymyethna) is located on Laymyethna-Khattu-Pandawgyi
Road in Hinthada District, Ayeyawady Region. Its foundation was laid with
1.2-me-tre bored piles, its body was built with reinforced concrete, the main
structure was erected using steel box girders and paved with reinforced slabs.
The
bridge has a 24-foot wide road, flanked by 3.5-foot walk-ways. The bridge’s
clearance area is 173 feet wide and 20 feet high. It can withstand loads of up
to 75 tons. The bridges department under the Ministry of Construction began
building the bridge on 18 November, 2016.
In
the afternoon, the Vice President inspected bank erosion in Zalun Township,
Hinthada District, and visited the place where a new bank will be built. At the
briefing hall, the Vice President and party heard a report on preventive
efforts, building of a new bank to stop erosion, preventive measures against
bank erosion near a village in Zalun Township, pest infection of corn fields in
Ayeyawady Region and spraying of pesticides.
In
response, the Vice President said the number and rate of bank erosions has
increased in the region. So, the regional government must take preventive
measures, curb illegal production of sand and stones in the watercourses and
complete the new bank before the onset of monsoons.
MNA
(Trs:
TMT)
Photo:
MNA
Ref:
The Global New Light of Myanmar
No comments:
Post a Comment