The Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, granted US$84,775 for a humanitarian program entitled “The Project for Construction of Water Supply System in Mobye Village Tracts in Shan State”. The hand-over ceremony of the newly constructed Water Supply System in Mobye Village in Pekhon Township, Shan State was held on 22 May 2012.

The ceremony was attended by Mr. Hideaki MATSUO, Counsellor of the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, U Law Yinn, Minister for Kayan Ethnic Group of the Government of Shan State, township administration officials, officials from respective organizations and residents of Mobye Village Tracts.

Mobye Village Tracts is situated in the most southern part of Shan State, adjoining Kayah State, and has a population of about 10,000. There are only 8 dug wells in the village tracts and the residents of the villages also have to rely on water from Baluchaung River for domestic consumption. Villagers have to spend large part of their daily income to purchase fetch water from Baluchaung River and is also a big burden for women and children since it consumes much of their time.

In order to help provide better access to safe and affordable water, the Government of Japan granted under the GGP scheme the necessary funds for the construction of a main water tank of 100,000 gallons, four sub water tanks, a pipe water distribution network stretching up to one and a half miles, one pump house with water lifting pump, one transformer and electrical installation. It is expected that this assistance will contribute to the all-round development of Mobye Village Tracts by enabling residents to have better access to water, and will further strengthen existing friendly relation between Japan and Myanmar.