H.E. Mr. Tateshi HIGUCHI, Ambassador of Japan to Myanmar, and Chairpersons of the Committees from the States and Regions concerned signed the grant contracts for five projects today. Under these contracts, Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme will provide a total of US$739,262 as follows:

1. The Project for Construction of Ein Du Kindergarten in Hpa-an Township, Kayin State (US$94,713);
2. The Project for Construction of Pin He Village Basic Education Branch Middle School in Mohnyin Township, Kachin State (US$231,077);
3. The Project for Construction of Hnaring Village Basic Education High School in Tan Ta Lang Township, Chin State (US$204,235);
4. The Project for Upgrading of Tha Yet Pin Kwin- Gyo Gone Village Road in Einme Township, Ayeyarwady Region (US$111,178); and
5. The Project for Construction of Boe U Sein Village Basic Education High School in Waw Township, Bago Region (US$98,059).

The existing Kindergarten in Ein Du Village is aging and the wooden poles, struts and rafters are decayed. There are some holes in the GI sheets and the children are not protected from the wind and rain. Moreover, there is only one lavatory and it cannot cover the needs of all 93 children. Under such circumstances, the Japanese Government will support construction of a two-storey R.C.C building with full furniture and lavatories. The project will benefit 93 children of the kindergarten.

Two school buildings in Pin He Village Basic Education Branch Middle School are aging and not safe for the students. Due to leaking, students get wet in the classrooms when it rains. Under such circumstances, the Japanese Government will support construction of a two-storey R.C.C building with 14 classrooms, full furniture and lavatories. The project will benefit 603 students of the school.

Hnaring Village Basic Education High school is the only high school for 9 surrounding villages, and the number of students are increasing year by year. There is not enough room for the students and they have to study in congested classrooms. Under such circumstances, the Japanese Government will support construction of a two-storey R.C.C building with 8 classrooms, full furniture and lavatories. The project will benefit 435 students of the school.

The existing road that connects Tha Yet Pin Kwin Village and Gyo Gone Village is earthen and not paved. Since the road gets muddy and slippery when it rains, cars and trucks cannot drive between villages in rainy season. It is also dangerous for children, students and the elderly to walk on. Moreover, it is difficult to transfer goods and patients to the nearest town. Under such circumstances, the Japanese Government will support upgrading the 5.5 kilometers - long road with 14 culverts. The project will improve the education, health and economic environment of 13,818 residents.

The number of students at Boe U Sein Village Basic Education High School is on the rise, but they do not have enough classrooms and school furniture is not enough either. There are more than 60 students in each classroom. Under such circumstances, the Japanese Government will support construction of a one-storey R.C.C building with 6 classrooms and full furniture. The project will benefit 754 students of the school.

The Government of Japan has assisted 770 various grass-roots projects in Myanmar under the GGP scheme since 1993: the number consisting of 365 education projects, 195 healthcare projects, 138 public welfare and environment projects, 37 infrastructure projects and 35 other projects. It is anticipated that these assistances will further strengthen the existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.