The Government of Japan, under it’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects(GGP) Scheme, decided to extend assistance of US$122,456forconstruction of the road between Taung Sa Lone and La Tain Villages in Phekkone Township, Shan State.

Mr. Ichiro MARUYAMA, Chargé ď Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Japan, and U Win Bo, Chairman of TaungSa Loneand La Tain Road Construction Committee, signed the grant contract on November8, 2012.

The existing road between TaungSa Loneand La Tainvillagesis an important route for local ethnic community to get access to the township educational and health care centers as well asfor local agricultural producersin order to access to the market and other parts of Shan State and Kayah State.

The existing dirt road gets often heavily muddy in rainy season and is bumpy and dusty in dry season, hampering the villagers’ daily activities and accecess to Phekkone Town. In rainy season, the road condition is so bad that even 4WD cars cannot get access to PhekkoneTown and all agricultural producers cannot be transported to the marketscausing the poverty of the local people. In particular, students, elders, sick people and pregnant women who need to travel to Phekkone Town for various reasons face difficulties in transportation. Moreover, poor infrastructure limits community development.

In order to provide a secure and better access road for those villagers, the Government of Japan, under the GGPProgramme, will provide funding for construction of a six kilometers long and three meters wide road furnished with onefive meter byfour meterconcrete bridge. It is expected that this assistance will contribute to all round development of the area and to strengthen traditional friendship between Japan and Myanmar.