The Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, granted US$632,466 for a humanitarian program entitled “The Project for Reconstruction of 4 Bridges in Hlaingbwe Township, Kayin State”. The hand-over and opening ceremony of these Bridges in Hlaingbwe Township was held on June 22, 2013.

H.E. Mr. Mikio NUMATA, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, H.E. U Kyaw Lwin, Union Minister for Construction, H.E. U Zaw Min, Chief Minister of Kayin State and members of Hlaingbwe Township Road and Bridge Supervision Committee together with Township Peoples attended the ceremony.

The original 4 wooden bridges located between Hlaingbwe and Kamawkachu Village had been constructed in 1980s and deteriorated in recent years, hindering the people and logistics of commodities between Hpa-an and Paingkyon Sub-Township. Therefore, in order to improve the transportation of the people and commodities, the 4 bridges have been reconstructed with RCC (reinforced cement concrete) structure, funded by the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme.

Moreover, it is expected that not only the local people in the area, but also returnees from the neighboring countries who are living in the resettlement area in Paingkyon Sub-Township are able to benefit from those newly reconstructed 4 bridges for their improvement of socio-economic lives.

It is also expected that this assistance will contribute to further strengthen the existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.