The Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, has granted US$ 178,535 for the Project for Construction of Kone Pyin Village Bridge in Yegyi Township, Ayeyarwady Region.

The handover ceremony of the project took place in Yegyi Township, Ayeyarwady Region on 30 January 2018. Ms. Ayano SUZUKI, Third Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, U Hla Moe Aung, Chief Minister of Ayeyarwady Region, Dr. Hla Myat Thway, Social Affairs Minister of Ayeyarwady Region, committee chairperson, committee members of the construction project, and local residents attended.

In Kone Pyin Village, the old suspension bridge had been used by 440 motorbikes, 600 bicycles and 2,000 pedestrians daily. However, it was seriously deteriorated and not passable for cars. Therefore, the villagers faced difficulties to transfer emergency patients to hospital and took 6 miles by a roundabout route. In order to tackle this issue, the Government of Japan, under its GGP scheme, has provided funding for construction of a 49-meter-long, 5.5-meter-wide Reinforced Concrete bridge with approach roads. The project benefits 16,227 residents of 41 surrounding villages.

The Government of Japan has assisted 842 various grass-roots projects in Myanmar under the GGP scheme since 1993: the number consisting of 414 education projects, 200 healthcare projects, 139 public welfare and environment projects, 54 infrastructure projects and 35 other projects. It is anticipated that these assistances will further strengthen the existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.