H.E. Mr. Tateshi HIGUCHI, Ambassador of Japan to Myanmar, and Chairmen of the Committees from the State and Region concerned signed the grant contracts for four projects today. Under these contracts, Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme will provide a total of US$437,551 as listed below:
1. The Project for Upgrading the Medical Equipment in Tanai Township Hospital, Kachin State (US$98,222)
2. The Project for Construction of Madam Shan Gaung Village Basic Education Branch Middle School in Putao Township, Kachin State (US$149,743)
3. The Project for Construction of Sub Rural Health Center in Hkakaranyang Village, Sumprabum Township, Kachin State (US$118,920)
4. The Project for Construction of Sub Rural Health Center in Yaw Let Pan Village, Saw Township, Magway Region (US$70,666)

Tanai 50 bedded Hospital is situated 193 kilometers away from Myitkyina Township, the capital city of Kachin state. Not only Tanai Township residents but also migrant workers from Nantyon Township, north part of Khan Tae and Sha Du Zwam villages in Pharkant Township are relying on this hospital. Established in 1962, the medical equipment and facilities are outdated and many are of unusable conditions. Under such conditions, the Japanese Government under its GGP scheme will support procurement of medical equipment in Tanai Township Hospital. The project will directly benefit 61,469 local Kachin residents.

Madam Shan Gaung Village Basic Education Branch Middle School is situated in Putao Township, Kachin state. The school building does not have a boarded ceiling and there are holes in the galvanized iron (GI) sheet roof. Under such condition, the Government of Japan and its people will support construction of a new reinforced cement concrete (RCC) building with full sets of furniture. The project will directly benefit 298 students and indirectly benefit 1,080 people in 192 households.

The current Hkakaranyang Sub Rural Health Center (SRHC) is a very old bamboo building and is heavily damaged. The village is located in the middle of Sumprabum and Myitkyina Townships and it is difficult to transport referral patients out of the village using the muddy road. Thus, basic health care of nearby villages is completely dependent on this SRHC. Under such conditions, the Government of Japan under its GGP scheme will support construction of a new SRHC building including a staff quarter. The project will benefit the local Jingphaw people who are the main sub group of the Kachin people.

Yaw Let Pan village is situated in the north-eastern part of Saw Township, Magway Region. Located 50 kilometers away and having no car road from Saw Township, it can only be accessed by foot during the wet seasons. Yaw Let Pan Sub Rural Health Center is the only center for the three nearby villages to rely on for treatment of various kinds of diseases and medical conditions including bearing babies. Established in 1986, both the building and medical equipments are very old. Under such conditions, the Government of Japan under its GGP scheme will support construction of a new SRHC building with a staff quarter.

The Government of Japan has assisted 704 various grass-roots projects in Myanmar under the GGP scheme since 1993, the number consisting of 321 education projects, 179 healthcare projects, 136 public welfare and environment projects, 32 infrastructure projects and 36 other projects. It is anticipated that these assistances will further strengthen the existing friendly relations between Myanmar and Japan, which marks its 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.