The Government of Japan, under it’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects(GGP) Scheme, decided to extend assistance of US$121,564 for a humanitarian assistance program entitled “The Project for Construction of Road and Bridge between Shwe Taw and Kaw Lone Sein Villages in Hpa-an Township, Kayin State”.

H.E. Mr. Mikio NUMATA, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and U Saw AungHtun Yi, Chairman of Shwe Taw and Kaw Lone Sein Villages Road and Bridge Construction Committee, signed the grant contract on January 10, 2013.

7,400 feet long Shwe Taw - Kaw Lone Seinearthern road was constructed by the local residents in 2001 to connect with the main road. After some years, the road was degraded and some portions were inundated in rainy seasons.In wet seasons, local residents are dependent on boats as their mode of transportation while they have to use the earthern road and temporary bamboo bridge across the Pa-un Creek in the open seasons to access the main road.

Because of this situation, the local people including students and elders are inunsafe condition for their daily activities to get access to the schools, markets, hospital for many years. However, they are facing financial difficulty for repairing the flooded road sections and building all-weathered durable bridge across the tidal tributary of Thanlwin River called Pa-un Creek. By recognizing the difficult and unsafe condition of local residents, the Embassy of Japan has decided to assist for construction of the raised laterite road (2,000 feet long) and pernmanent RC bore pile bridge(75 feet long and 12 feet wide) with steel girderby its GGP Scheme.

It is expected that this assistance will contribute to the all-round development of the local ethnic peoplein Kayin State in their education, health and socio-economicenvironment and further strengthen the existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.