H.E. Mr. Mikio NUMATA, Ambassador of the Embassy of Japan and Chairmen of the Committees from State and Region concerned, signed the grant contracts for eight projects today, under its Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects(GGP) Scheme, totaling US$1,502,515 as listed below:

• 1. The Project for Construction of Moe Ganein Basic Education Branch Middle School in Kawa Township, Bago Region (US$116,644)
• 2. The Project for Construction of Thamanya Village Basic Education Post Primary School in Hpa-an Township, Kayin State (US$262,711)
• 3. The Project for Construction of New Building for Thaw Ka Myaung Youth Development Center and Monastic Middle School in Bilin Township, Mon State (US$121,025)
• 4. The Project for Construction of Thamine Basic Education Primary School in Hinthada Township, Ayeyarwady Region (US$118,122)
• 5. The Project for Bridge Construction of Nyaung Wine Village in Hinthada Township, Ayeyarwady Region (US$308,324)
• 6. The Project for Construction of Mya Kan Thar Basic Education Post Primary School in Hopin Sub-Township, Kachin State (US$221,689)
• 7. The Project for Construction of Obstetrics and Gynecology Ward at Bamaw General Hospital in Bamaw Township, Kachin State (US$221,737)
• 8. The Project for Construction of Khaung Phu Village Basic Education Post Primary School in Myitkyina Township, Kachin State (US$132,263)

The five schools and one monastic school projects in Kawa Township, Hpa-an Township, Hinthada Township, Hopin Sub-Township, Myitkyina Township and Bilin Township will benefit total of over 2,400 students, who are now studying under insufficient learning environment in old school buildings. The fund will be used for constructing new R.C buildings with sufficient classrooms, toilets and purchasing of school furniture.

In Ayeyarwady Region, Nyaung Wine Village in Hinthada Township is in need of a permanent RC bridge since the thirty-six villages in the area are seeking the better access for their socio-economic activities. Under such circumstances, the fund will fulfill villagers’ needs to solve the difficulties of students, farmers, patients and community people by newly constructed 240 feet long bridge.

In Kachin State, pregnant women of Bamaw Township, who do not have access to appropriate facilities to deliver their babies, will benefit from the new obstetrics and gynecology ward to be constructed by the project. The fund will be used to construct new ward building and provide medical equipment for the Bamaw General Hospital.

The Government of Japan has assisted 685 various grass-roots projects in Myanmar under this GGP scheme since 1993. Among them, 311 education projects, 31 transport projects and 175 health care projects are included. It is expected that these assistance will further strengthen existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relation between the two countries.