The handover and opening ceremony of the Hopone Town Spring Water Supply System in Hopone Township, Shan State and the Kalaw Town Spring Water Supply System in Kalaw Township, Shan State took place on 31st October 2014 and 1st November 2014 respectively.

These ceremonies were attended by Mr. Yusuke MATSUOKA, First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, U S’ Aung Myat, Chief Minister of Shan State, U Kon San Lwin, Chairperson of the Leading Body of Pa-O Self-Administered Zone, committee chairman, committee members and local residents.

At the ceremony of Hopone Town Spring Water Supply System, U S’ Aung Myat, Chief Minister of Shan State, expressed his sincere thanks to the Japanese Government and people for the water supply system construction. He said local residents in Hopone will be able to access water at home without spending time and energy to fetch water. Therefore, supplying this water system directly enhances their lives. Moreover, this will indirectly be a benefit to the health, education and socio-economic activities of local residents.

Following that speech, Mr. MATSUOKA, stated that the Hopone Town Water Supply System would provide sufficient water for local residents. He urged the water supply committee to set up specific rules and regulations for the long-term sustainability of the facility. Then, he appreciated the efforts of the construction committee, company and the people concerned for the implementation. He concluded the speech wishing for a long-lasting Japan-Myanmar friendly relations.

The Japanese Government provided US$293,863 under its Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme for the construction of the Hopone Town Spring Water Supply System in Hopone Township, Shan State and for the construction of the Kalaw Town Spring Water Supply System in Kalaw Township, Shan State. The Government of Japan, under its GGP Scheme, is planning to continue various assistances in the future. The Japanese Government anticipates that this assistance will further strengthen existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar, which marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.

Opening speech by U S’Aung Myat,Chief Minister of Shan State	Speech by Mr. Yusuke MATSUOKA,First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan	Ribbon cut ceremony of Hopone Town Spring Water Supply System	Mr. MATSUOKA with Danu Ladies at the opening ceremony of Kalaw Town Spring Water Supply System