The Japanese Government, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, has granted US$308,324 for a humanitarian assistance program “The Project for Bridge Construction of Nyaung Wine Village in Hinthada Township, Ayeyarwady Region.”

The handover and opening ceremony of the project took place in Nyaung Wine Village in Hinthada Township, Ayeyarwady Region on 7th May 2015. Ambassador of Japan to Myanmar H.E. Mr. Tateshi HIGUCHI, Vice Chairman of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) and Chairman of Phithu Hluttaw Committee U Htay Oo, Ayeyarwady Region Ministers, governmental officials, Committee Chairman, committee members of the construction projects, and local residents attended the ceremony.

The local residents in 36 nearby villages of Nyaung Wine Village in Hinthada Township, Ayeyarwady Region had used a brick bridge for transporting products such as rice, beans and flowers, for students going to upper schools as well as for transferring patients to the Hinthada hospital. Because of floods that occurred in 2004 and 2006, the brick bridge was destroyed and washed away by the water. The villagers built a bamboo bridge but no cars could cross. Under such circumstances, the Japanese Government under its GGP scheme provided funding for construction of a 240 feet long R.C.C bridge with an approach road. The project will benefit about 50,000 residents including students, patients, farmers and vendors from 36 villages. The bridge will contribute not only to the basic social welfare but also the rural economy in the area.

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.