H.E. Mr. Tateshi HIGUCHI, Ambassador of Japan to Myanmar, and Chairmen of the Committees from the States concerned, signed the grant contracts for six projects as listed below today. Under these contracts, Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme will provide a total of US$422,246 for five Sub/Rural Health Centers and US$135,802 for the cost of shipping, maintenance and training for two fire engines donated by New Kansai International Airport Company Limited (NKIAC) as listed below:

1. The Project for Construction of Rural Health Center in Ann Lant Village, Tiddim Township, Chin State (US$112,038)
2. The Project for Construction of Sub Rural Health Center in Chun Chone Village, Hakha Township, Chin State (US$97,533)
3. The Project for Construction of Sub Rural Health Center in Lay Ein Su Village, Ngaphe Township, Magway Region (US$70,166)
4. The Project for Construction of Sub Rural Health Center in Kan Pauk Village, Ngaphe Township, Magway Region (US$71,117)
5. The Project for Construction of Sub Rural Health Center in Ta Kaung Net Village, Mindon Township, Magway Region (US$71,392)
6. The Project for Strengthening of Fire Services on Local Airports in Myanmar (US$135,802)

The Rural Health Center building in Ann Lant Village, Chin State and the Sub Rural Health Center buildings in Chun Chone Village, Chin State and Lay Ein Su, Kan Pauk, Ta Kaung Net Villages, Magway Region are outdated with no delivery rooms, no medical storage rooms, and insufficient medical equipment. Under such circumstances, the Japanese Government, under its GGP scheme, will support construction of Rural and Sub Rural Health Center buildings with staff quarters, lavatories, medical equipment and full furniture. It is expected that the project will benefit local people in Chin State and Magway Region with better healthcare facilities.

There are no fire engines in Ann Airport in Rakhine State and Mawlamyine Airport in Mon State. In case of emergencies involving aircrafts, it is necessary to equip the airport with specialized fire engines for quick extinction of fires. Under such circumstances, the Japanese Government, under its GGP scheme, will support the cost of shipping, maintenance and usage training for two fire engines donated by New Kansai International Airport Company Limited (NKIAC). The project will contribute to the safe aviation network of Myanmar. The project will also directly benefit 30,000 airplane passengers per year and indirectly benefit 410,000 residents of Ann Township and Mawlamyine Township.

The Government of Japan has assisted 726 various grass-roots projects in Myanmar under the GGP scheme since 1993, the number consisting of 328 education projects, 192 healthcare projects, 138 public welfare and environment projects, 33 infrastructure projects and 35 other projects. It is anticipated that these assistances will further strengthen the existing friendly relations between Myanmar and Japan.