The Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, granted US$85,196 for a humanitarian program entitled “The Project for Construction of Community Bridge in Sittaung Sanpya Village, Mon State”. The hand-over ceremony of the newly constructed bridge in Kyaik Hto Township, Mon State was held on 22 May 2012.

The ceremony was attended by U Ohn Myint, Chief Minister of Mon State, Mr. Go Nakaya, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, U Kyin Pe and U Htay Lwin, Speaker and Vice Speaker of Mon State Hluttaw, U Khine Aung, Director General of the Department of Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana, other responsible officials from respective organizations and residents of Sittaung Sanpya and nearby villages.

Sittaung Sanpya Village is a main village with twelve surrounding villages located near the junction of Kha Wha creek and Sittaung river. Since the village is divided into two parts by Kha Wha creek and residents of nearby villages have to cross the creek daily, villagers constructed a wooden bridge across the creek in 1982. The bridge eventually became old and villagers have had to repair it frequently. For a secure and smooth transportation in the area, a stronger and safer bridge had been awaited for long time.

In order to help provide better access to essential facilities such as schools and clinics for local residents including school children, the construction of a 260-feet long girder bridge was funded under the GGP/GGA scheme. It is expected that this assistance will contribute to the all-round development of the area and will further strengthen existing friendly relation between Japan and Myanmar.