On March 5, 2014, the hand-over and opening ceremony of Road and Bridge between Shwe Taw and Kaw Lone Sein Villages in Hpa-an Township, Kayin State constructed under the Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) was held at the project site.

Mr.Masahiro FUJIKAWA, second secretary of the Embassy of Japan, U Maung Maung Aye, Shwe Taw Village Tract Administrator, committee chairman and committee members of the construction project and local residents attended.

At the ceremony, Mr. FUJIKAWA said, I have heard that the previous bridge was wooden and short, and thus it used to block out villagers’ transport access during rainy seasons. I hope the improved road and newly constructed steel motorable bridge should bring easier access to the entire village people for their socio-economic activities.

On behalf of U Saw Khin Maung Myint, Minister for Transport of Kayin State, U Maung Maung Aye, Shwe Taw Village Tract Administrator, said that Myanmar was at the transition stage at the moment, and the Government of Kayin State also made a positive change to its development tasks, not only education and health sectors, but also transportation sector. Therefore this project has really contributed to the local residents for their livelihood, and we really appreciated for the assistance from the Japanese government and its people in the reform of transport sector.

The Japanese Government granted USD 121,564 for Road and Bridge between Shwe Taw – Kaw Lone Sein Villages in Hpa-an Township, Kayin State. It is expected that this assistance will further strengthen existing friendly relation between Japan and Myanmar in the year of 60th anniversary for establishment of diplomatic relation.