H.E. Mr. Tateshi HIGUCHI, Ambassador of Japan to Myanmar, U Win Khant, Managing Director of Inland Water Transport (IWT), Ministry of Transport and Chairman of the Committee from Ayeyarwady Region, signed the grant contracts for two projects today. Under these contracts, Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme will provide a total of US$283,107 as listed below:

1. The Project for Construction of Inland Water Transport Jetty in Bogale Township, Ayeyarwady Region (US$155,599)
2. The Project for Construction of Ywa Oo Basic Education Branch High School in Hinthada Township, Ayeyarwady Region (US$127, 508)

The Bogale Jetty constructed by IWT in 1991 has been used as an important water transportation facility for the residents of Bogale Township and 8 nearby village tracts. However, there are many cracks and holes in the current pontoon and it is not safe to walk on, especially during high tide. The Japanese Government will assist constructing of a new 120 feet (36.6 meters) jetty including a concrete walkway with 17 bole piles, a movable bridge with two slope ways and sponsor pontoon, and repairing of the current pontoon (35×6 meters) on the site. It is expected that the project will benefit 70,943 residents in the surrounding 8 village tracts.

There are 3 buildings in Ywa Oo Basic Education Branch High School, with 431 students from the 11 neighboring villages. As the number of students increases year by year, the students had to study in congested classrooms with no partitions. The Japanese Government will support construction of a one-storey R.C.C building with 5 classrooms, full furniture, and two toilets with a water supply system. It is expected that the project will benefit 437 students and 23 teachers.

The Government of Japan has assisted 731 various grass-roots projects in Myanmar under the GGP scheme since 1993, the number consisting of 331 education projects, 192 healthcare projects, 138 public welfare and environment projects, 35 infrastructure projects and 35 other projects. It is anticipated that these assistances will further strengthen the existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.