On 29th November, 2014, H.E. Mr. Tateshi HIGUCHI, Ambassador of Japan to Myanmar, Mr. Mitsunobu NAKAO, Program Advisor and Ms. Kyoko TERADA, General Director of Society for Promotion of Japanese Diplomacy (SPJD) , U Htay Oo, Vice Chairman of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), U Nyunt Hlaing, Amyotha Hluttaw Representative, Dr. Thein Soe, Ayeyarwady Region Parliament Representative, U Soe Myint, Ayeyarwady Region Forestry Minister, U Than Tun, Deputy Chairman of Satchuparlardeet Foundation and local residents attended the handover ceremony of two garbage trucks for the strengthening of garbage collection services that was held in Hinthada Township, Ayeyarwady Region.

The two garbage trucks were donated by the SPJD to the Satchuparlardeet Foundation and recondition and transport cost were covered by the GGP Scheme worth US$53,348 through a humanitarian assistance program entitled “The Project for Strengthening of Garbage Collection Services in Hinthada Township, Ayeyarwady Region.”

Satchuparlardeet Foundation has been cooperating with people in Hinthada Township in the work of cleaning the town, collecting used plastic bags and garbage every Saturday. However, the existing number of garbage trucks did not meet the demands. Under such circumstances, SPJD donated two garbage trucks and the GGP scheme supported the reconditioning and transportation of the two garbage trucks from Japan to Myanmar. The project will benefit a total population of 110,000 from 21 wards in Hinthada Township.

The Japanese Government has conducted 700 various grassroots projects in Myanmar under its GGP scheme since 1993. The number consists of 320 education projects, 176 healthcare projects, 136 public welfare and environment projects, 32 infrastructure projects and 36 projects in other fields. It is anticipated that this assistance will further strengthen existing friendly relations between Myanmar and Japan, which marks its 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.