The 20th day of the third regular session of the third Pyithu Hluttaw was held yesterday at the Hluttaw Building in Nay Pyi Taw, attended by Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker U Khin Yi, Deputy Speaker U Maung Maung Ohn, and members of Parliament.
The session covered seven questions concerning riverbank protection, commercial tax collection, regional road and bridge upgrades, and budget allocations, alongside a motion to stimulate national tourism.
Responding to a question regarding flood prevention in Nyaungdon, Deputy Minister for Transport U Tun Lu stated that a 3,795-foot pile-based retaining wall was erected between the financial year 2009-2010 and the financial year 2025-26, with an additional 250 feet slated for construction in FY 2026-27 to safeguard against riverbank erosion along the Pan Hlaing River. Emergency protections, including a 1,000-foot geotextile revetment and steel wire groynes, have also been put in place, while channel stabilization and water diversion works will continue during upcoming low-water periods.
Addressing tax administration, Deputy Minister for Finance and Revenue U Kyaw Htin reaffirmed that the government maintains its policy of expanding the tax base across taxpayer and business categories rather than increasing commercial tax rates on the public and businesses.
Union Minister for Border Affairs Lt-Gen Phone Myat detailed border infrastructure developments, noting that a steep 1.5-mile stretch of the Ahkhe-Wankaung road in Mongkhat Township will be upgraded to concrete under the FY 2027-28 budget. Regarding proposed road upgrades in Loikaw Township, Kayah State, he explained that field assessments and implementations are temporarily on hold due to security conditions, but proposals will be submitted once regional stability returns.
Deputy Minister for Construction U Myo Myint answered multiple queries on regional road and bridge works. In Myothit Township, a one-mile stretch of the Htanaungkwin road will be gravelled in FY 2027-28 before undergoing future concrete upgrades. Along the Kyaukse-Taso-Kyauksauk corridor, four furlongs of asphalt overlay, resurfacing of the 250-foot Samon Bridge and approach roads, and three box culverts are underway in FY 2026-27, with further resurfacing planned for FY 2027-28. In Ngaputaw Township, a combined budget of K4,852 million, comprising K2,306 million from Union funds and K2,546 million from regional funds, has been allocated in FY 2026-27 for township road and bridge maintenance.
Later in the meeting, U Than Tun from the Pathein constituency tabled a motion urging the Union Government to develop the tourism sector to revitalize the national economy, supported by Dr Nanda Hla Myint from the Kalaw constituency. The Hluttaw agreed to deliberate on the proposal in coming sessions.
The meeting adjourned in the afternoon, with the 21st day of the session scheduled to reconvene on 28 October. — News Team/ST
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