Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, accompanied by Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win, Members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, left here by helicopter and arrived in Pyinmana of Mandalay Division yesterday evening.
Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party were welcomed by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Maj-Gen Ko Ko, ministers, deputy ministers, Brig-Gen Win Myint of Pyinmana Station and officials.
This morning, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye attended the ceremony to inaugurate Paunglaung Multi-purpose Dam Project near Kyitaung-Khawma Village of Pyinmana Township as a gesture of hailing the 60th Anniversary Armed Forces Day.
Also present on the occasion were Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win, Members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Maj-Gen Ko Ko, ministers, Assistant Governor of Yunnan Province Mr Tang Lilu and Chinese Ambassador Mr Li Jinjun, officials, local authorities, social organization members and local people.
The ceremony to open the Paunglaung Multi-purpose Dam Project was held at the pandal near the dam.
Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win said that Mandalay Division is one of the most important regions of Myanmar as well as her economic hub. Because of the dry weather, agriculture is a hard work in the most populous region of the states and divisions of the nation. After studying the flow of water in the rivers and creeks of the division, dams and diversion weirs have been built in the region to harness the water resources to the most possible degree, and hydel power stations attached to them if possible. Mandalay Division now has 42 dams and 70 water pumping stations.
Head of State Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance, saying, “There cannot be any development if the nature is left unattended. And there will be development only if we add value to the nature with human labour. Development undertakings and the natural environment have interrelations. We cannot carry out regional development endeavours as we wish unless there is a good natural environment, so we will have to protect and conserve the forest, water and land resources.” As the Government has been building dams and implementing electric power development projects, the people on their part, should accept the words as a guideline and should collectively protect, conserve and develop the forest resources.
The 56-megawatt Kinta Hydel Power Dam and the 25-megawatt Hsedawgyi Hydel Power Dam have already been opened in the division. Paunglaung, Kinta and Hsedawgyi hydel power stations are covered by the national grid.
At 280-megawatt generation capacity, the Paunglaung is the largest hydel power plant in Myanmar, and even larger than the 196-megawatt Lawpita Hydel Power Station harnessing the waters of Balu Creek.
A number of underground tunnels were built to harness the Paunglaung flowing 3.3 million acre-feet of water annually. Hardships were faced in building the power station according to its design. Advanced heavy machinery were used in building it. The rock fill dam is 430 feet high. As the work volume was large, the project needed sophisticated technology. Jointly implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and the Ministry of Electric Power, it is an important project for the nation, built with the constant supervision of the State level officials.
In addition to the high rock fill dam, the A&I Ministry had built the four-step spillway with much difficulty. The EP Ministry had built two diversion tunnels, the intake structure and the power plant and cables including 37 large and small underground tunnels. The Paunglaung Multi-purpose Dam Project is the symbol of engineering development in Myanmar to reach the higher level of technology. The victory was achieved not with individual talent, but through cooperation of all institutions concerned. Starting from the coming rainy season, the project will generate power at full capacity and the electricity will be distributed through the national grid. Arrangements are under way to build the spillway and feeder canals. The project will help create 35,000 more acres of crops in the surrounding areas of Pyinmana and together with Yezin and Ngalaik dams, it will green large acres of Pyinmana region. The Paunglaung will benefit both the nation and the region.
It is a common knowledge that the Government has been striving to the best of its ability to fulfil the nation’s power requirement in accord with the guidance of the Head of State. There are projects being implemented by other ministries in addition to the ones under construction by the A&I Ministry and EP Ministry.
Upstream the Paung-laung River is the Ahtet Paunglaung Hydel Power Project, being implemented by the EP Ministry to generate 140 megawatts and supply water to the present Paunglaung Dam down stream the river. The ministry is also implementing the Yeywa Hydel Power Dam Project on Dokhtawady River, which will become the largest power station in Myanmar at 790 megawatts.
It is sure that hydel power projects larger than the Paunglaung and the Yeywa will emergence in the near future. Dreams will come true as the 7,100-megawatt Tarhsan Dam Hydel Power Project will be implemented on Thanlwin River, and the 1,200-megawatt Htaman-thi Dam Hydel Power Project, on Chindwin River.
Covered by the Paunglaung Project are the 75-megawatt Shwekyin Hydel Power Project, 30-megawatt Khaboung Hydel Power Project, the 40-megawatt Phyuchaung Hydel Power Project, the 60 megawatt Kunchaung Hydel Power Project, and the 25 megawatt Yenwe Hydel Power Project, being implemented on the Sittoung basin.
The Tigit coal-fired power station in Shan State will be opened soon. And implementation of Shweli Project and Kengtawng hydel power Project in Shan State, Buywa and Kyion-Kyiwa hydel power projects in Magway Division are gaining momentum.
Now the Government has started to materialize the motto “Lets us built a haven on this earth with electricity”. As a hydel power project consumes time and capital, the people should understand the Government, and should collectively strive for strengthening the nation’s financial power.
The energy sector is important for the national economy. So also, the new hydel stations can be built only if the economy is robust. Thus, what is important is just to strengthen the national economy. Rather than placing reliance on outside assistance, the nation should do its best with her own capital and strength. Only then will she be able to enjoy has higher dignity and greater strength. Thus, the most important national duty at present is to march to the national goal with the united strength of the entire people. The local people should love, protect and conserve the trees, and in this way they will help maintain the hydel power station.
Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo delivered an address, saying that nowadays, Paunglaung Multi-purpose Dam Project has emerged as a development symbol for Mandalay Division.
The dam was opened as an act of public welfare activities to supply not only water but power far the local people in Pyinmana Township.
As Myanmar is rich in water resources, environmental conservation tasks are being carried out for long term to be able to uplift of socio-economic standard of the people.
On completion of the diversion weir and feeder canals, the dam can irrigate 70,000 acres of various crops including 35,000 acres of monsoon paddy. The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation plans to carry out increase of agricultural produces in the respective regions.
Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut spoke on the occasion. He said that power consumption increases with momentum annually according to the evidences on extension of factories, construction of housing estates, implementation of the river water pumping projects and use of modern electronic equipment of the people.
The Ministry of Electric Power had opened Zaungtu Hydel Power Plant on Bago River near Bago, Thaphanseik Hydel Power Plant on Mu River in Sagaing Division and Mone Creek Hydel Power Plants in Magway Division totalling 30 hydel power plants including the newly-inaugurated Paunglaung Hydel Power Plant.
The Paunglaung Hydel Power Plant is the first underground hydel power plant in the country. All sizes of tunnels stretching 3.29 miles were jointly built by the Ministry of Electric Power and the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation with the use of modern technique and heavy machinery. The plant can generate 280 megawatt. So, it is bigger than Lawpita Hydel Power Plant which produces 198 kilowatts. Actually, the Paunglaung Dam will store water this monsoon season. Senior General Than Shwe gave a guidance that it is necessary to complete the projects as soon as possible and it must be served interest of the people.
Out of the projects being implemented in the third five year plan period, Yeywa Hydel Power Project in Mandalay is being implemented to produce 790 megawatts and Shweli Hydel Power Plant in Shan State (North) to generate 400 megawatts. At the same time, Kun Creek, Phyu Creek, Khabaung Creek, Yenwe Creek and Shwekyin Creek are also under construction. But hydel power plant cannot produce power with full capacity in the rainy season. So, Ahtet Paunglaung Hydel Project is being implemented on Paunglaung River, 32 miles from the today’s project.
In his address, Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint said that Mandalay Division has a dense population and it is producing all the 10 main crops of the State. Thanks to 42 dams and 70 river water pumping projects implemented by the government, numbers of sown acreage increase in Mandalay Division year after year. In future, Mandalay Division can be upgraded from food insufficiency region to a food sufficiency one.
Experiences from the Paunglaung Project can contribute towards implementation of Yeywa Hydel Power Project in Mandalay Division. And, all the people in Mandalay Division are to safeguard the dam and plant.
Next, U Khin Maung Htay of Kyitaung Village in Pyinmana Township express thanks for opening the project.
Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye made a speech. He said that the State Peace and Development Council has been exerting utmost efforts for the emergence of a peaceful modern and developed nation, adding that in the process, is taking systematic measures in line with the 12 political, economic and social objectives while placing in the fore Our Three Main National Causes that are the national policy.
Meanwhile, the 24 special development zones have been designated and work is well under way to bring about harmonious and equitable development the length and breadth of the nation. In addition, steps are being taken for development of education, health and transport sectors. The government has laid down and is implementing projects for development of border areas and national races who are residing in border areas which had made little headway in the past to narrow development gap among the regions.
Moreover, the five rural development tasks have been laid down and are being implemented for enhancing socio-economic life of the rural people who are the majority of the population.
Remarkable progress has been made across the nation as a result of integrated and combined efforts of the people and the government.
In the agricultural sector, the paddy production in the nation has surpassed the amount the population to consume and plans are under way to meet the demand of growing population of about 30 years to come.
Paunglaung Multipurpose Dam Project have emerged from the 30-year long-term project that is being implemented, with the aim of ensuring all-round development in the nation.
The successful implementation of the long-term project will contribute much to emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation.
Prevalence of peace and tranquillity in the nation enables the government and the people to make concerted efforts for national development.
In conclusion, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye called on local people and officials concerned to strive for running of the hydel power plant with full capacity and to safeguard it for its durability.
Vice-Senior General Maung Aye presented cash awards for the staff who participated in the dam construction to Director U Vita of Construction-5 of the Irrigation Department. Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party cordially greeted the assistant-governor of Yunann Province of the PRC, the Chinese Ambassador, officials and those present. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party took position in front of the stone inscription of Paunglaung multi-purpose dam project. Next, he formally unveiled the stone plaque.
Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, the Prime Minister and member sprinkled scented water on it. Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Minister Maj-Gen Htay Oo and Minister Maj-Gen Tin Htut formally opened the dam by cutting a ribbon. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party viewed round the dam and cordially greeted those present at the ceremony. They also inspected the spill way, underground power plant and control tower. On arrival at the underground power plant, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party were greeted by the technicians of the YMEC and officials.
At the opening of Paunglaung underground power plant, the Prime Minister formally unveiled the stone inscription, and Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, the vice-governor and officials sprinkled scented water on it. Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Minister Maj-Gen Htay Oo, Minister Maj-Gen Tin Htut, and Vice-Governor Mr Tang Lilu formally opened the plant. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party posed for a documentary photo together with the vice-governor and officials before the plant.
At the hall of the plant, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party inspected the scale model of the plant. The vice-governor formally opened a signboard which reads ‘Perpetual flow of Paunglaung River and perpetual amity between Myanmar and Paukphaw’ written in Myanmar-Chinese bilingual. Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and the Chinese vice-governor exchanged the souvenirs. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party inspected generating of electricity by the use of four turbines, and the control tower. Minister Maj-Gen Htay Oo and Minister Maj-Gen Tin Htut reported on implementation of Paunglaung multi-purpose dam project. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye next gave instructions on conservation of the forest and plants growing in the environs of the dam and measures to be taken for generating the full capacity of electricity.
Paunglaung multi-purpose dam was built at Paunglaung River near Kyitaung-Khawma, about ten miles from the east of Pyinmana, Yamethin District, Mandalay Division. The dam is 3,100 feet in length and 430 feet in height. The power plant can generate 280 megawatts of electricity and the dam will benefit 35,000 acres of farmland. Water storage capacity of the Paunglaung Dam is 560,000 acre feet. The project was implemented by the Construction-5 of the Irrigation Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and the Construction-1 of the Hydro Electric Power Department, Ministry of Electric Power.
After that, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party went to the site of Ahtet Paunglaung hydel power project. First, Deputy Minister for Electric Power U Myo Myint reported on facts about the project and construction work and Minister Maj-Gen Tin Htut on the area where the project is being implemented, condition of transport and purchase of machinery. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye gave necessary instructions. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party inspected the construction work. The project is being implemented at Paunglaung River, 32 miles from Paunglaung Dam project. The hydro-electric power project is being implemented by the Construction-1 of the Hydro Electric Power Department. It will generate 140 megawatts of electricity and support water for Paugluang dam. Later, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party arrived back here in the evening after inspecting the project work.