The 27th day of the third regular session of the Third Pyithu Hluttaw convened at the parliament building in Nay Pyi Taw at 10 am yesterday, attended by Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker U Khin Yi, Deputy Speaker U Maung Maung Ohn, deputy ministers, and MPs. The session addressed 14 starred questions covering round-the-clock electricity supply, school infrastructure upgrades, transport corridors, public housing, and regional medical facilities.
Responding to a question on whether Bagan’s Shin Izzagawna Cave Pagoda could be renamed “Maha Thamangyi Cave Pagoda,” Deputy Minister for Culture, Hotels and Tourism U Aye Tun explained that heritage titles registered with UNESCO cannot be casually altered without protracted negotiations. Furthermore, the pagoda’s patron advisory monks advised maintaining the revered title. Authorities instead plan to display the original donor inscription alongside informational plaques clarifying the historical context.
Regarding national electrification queries, Deputy Minister for Electricity and Energy U Aye Kyaw stated that Myanmar is pursuing a balanced generation mix. A pre-feasibility study conducted with Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation has concluded plans for a 110 MW small modular reactor plant comprising two 55 MW units, in accordance with International Atomic Energy Agency standards. He also highlighted commercial generation from 500 MW liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants in Yangon’s Thanlyin and Thakayta townships, alongside 30 ongoing feasibility studies for 5,108 MW of wind power.
Deputy Minister for Education U Nay Myo Hlaing addressed school upgrades across Ayeyawady and Magway regions. Damaged brick structures at Shwe Dahgon Primary and Kawek High schools in Myaungmya, as well as Suudaungkwin Primary School in Kyaunggon, will be rebuilt as single-storey reinforced concrete buildings based on regional capital budget allocations. Meanwhile, a self-reliance school in Hpokegon village, Myothit, does not yet meet criteria for government-school status due to its proximity to an existing branch high school. Addressing connectivity, Deputy Minister for Construction U Myo Myint detailed road resurfacing and bridge modernizations. Repair works along the Kalewa-Kyigon-Kalay corridor and the PutaO-Machanbaw-Nawngmun route will proceed across the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 financial years. Road maintenance and culvert projects are also underway in Wundwin Township. Regarding housing queries, U Myo Myint noted that public rental housing depends on state budget allocations and land availability, while squatters occupying rail, road, and high-voltage transmission easements are being lawfully cleared.
Deputy Minister for Health Dr Tin Tun answered queries concerning hospital operations in Mon, Shan, Kayah, and Magway. Due to specialized equipment and human resource constraints, advanced radiotherapy remains centralized in Yangon, Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, and Taunggyi before expanding to 500-bed regional hospitals like Mawlamyine. In Loikaw, following the general hospital’s reopening in May 2024, staff strength stands at 192, supported by regular shipments of pharmaceuticals and a newly appointed oncologist. Meanwhile, Mongpon Station Hospital in Loilem will receive building and housing upgrades in the 2028-2029 financial year, and Sinbaungwe Hospital in Magway will shortly receive a 100-mA conventional X-ray machine. — News Team/ST
#TheGlobalNewLightOfMyanmar