27 Jan
Vice-President U Myint Swe chaired the 5th coordination meeting yesterday on the completion of renovation works at ancient temples, pagodas and religious buildings in the earthquake-stricken Bagan and Nyaung-U areas.
In his opening speech, the Vice-President explained the works of the steering committee, the formation of two work committees and five sub-committees, as well as consultant and expert teams which are working with the international cooperation committees, renovating the sacred sites hit by a major quake on 24 August 2016.
He also said that a total of 388 damaged temples and stupas have been renovated in the past four years and that the extensive renovation to Thatbinnyu temple will be carried out under the nine-year project with assistance from the People’s Republic of China. Some restoration works were also conducted at the other 110 temples and pagodas in the same period.
The Vice-President also advised on the proper management of funds donated by local and foreign well-wishers for the renovation works at the religious sites to ensure resistance against future disasters, and to strengthen security measures in the Bagan ancient heritage site.
He also expressed thanks to all the individuals and organizations concerned for their participation in the renovation efforts.
Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture Thura U Aung Ko, secretary of the steering committee, reported on renovation works conducted in collaboration with the relevant ministries, UNESCO, local and foreign experts, and volunteer groups, followed by a video presentation about the restoration works.
Chief Minister of Mandalay Region Government Dr Zaw Myint Maung discussed tourism promotion plans and development works for the Bagan area.
Permanent Secretary U Tun Ohn and Director-General from the Department of Archaeology and National Museum from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture reported on works completed during the past four years, the formation of a management committee on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bagan, plans to develop the Safe City Solution for Bagan, funds and expenditures for the renovation works.
Officials from the respective committees also reported on future plans in their respective sectors.
The Vice-President gave advice and comments based on the discussions to ensure coordination at the meeting which resulted in nine resolutions, including the resolution to change the name of the committee to ‘Cultural Heritage Renovation Steering Committee on World Heritage Site in Bagan’.
MNA (Translated by Aung Khin)
