The Government of Japan, under it’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects(GGP) Scheme, decided to extend assistance of US$632,466 for a humanitarian assistance program entitled “The Project for Reconstruction of Bridges in Hlaingbwe Township, Kayin State”.

Mr. Ichiro MARUYAMA, Minister-Counsellor/Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and U Kyaw Kyaw Win, Chairman of Hlaingbwe Township Road and Bridge Supervision Committee, signed the grant contract on September 28, 2012.

The four wooden bridges located between Hlaingbweand Kamawkechu Village are very important for the access between PaingkyonSub-Township and Hpa-an, the capital city of Kayin State, through Hlaingbwe Township.Not only the local people in HlaingbweTownship and PaingkyonSub-Township, but also returnees from the neighboring countries who are living in the resettlement area in Paingkyon Sub-Township have been benefiting from these bridges forthe economic development of the area.

However, these wooden bridges constructed in the 1980s are in bad condition which have been hinderingthe logistics of commodities between Hpa-an andPaingkyon Sub-Township.

In order to improve the transportation of local people and those coming back from the neighboring countries, the four bridges will be reconstructed by using reinforced concrete, which will be funded under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects(GGP) Scheme.