The Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, has granted US$ 136,475 for the Project for Upgrading of Nat Mauk Village Access Road in Aunglan Township, Magway Region.

The handover ceremony of the upgraded road for the project took place in Aunglan Township, Magway Region on 8 May 2018. Mr. Keita IWASE, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, Dr. Aung Moe Nyo, Chief Minister of Magway Region, U Zaw Min, Minister for Planning, Finance and Development Affairs of Magway Region, U Aung Htoo Myint, Member of Magway Region Pyithu Hluttaw of Aunglan Township, U Win Myint, Member of Magway Region Amyotha Hluttaw elected for Aunglan - Sinbaungwe Township Consistency No.8, U Aye Kyaw, Member of Magway Region Hluttaw elected for Aunglan Township Consistency No.2, committee chairperson, committee members of the construction project, and local residents attended it.

By using an earthen road in Nat Mauk Village, the villagers in surrounding 16 villages had been transporting their agricultural products, transferring patients to medical facilities and sending students to high schools. However, 80% of the middle school students cannot attend the high school since the road becomes muddy and impassable during the rainy season. In order to tackle this issue, the Government of Japan supported upgrading of the 3.5-kilometer-long road. The project will benefit 7,317 local residents of 16 villages and improve the transport access to educational, health care and social facilities in the region.

The Government of Japan has assisted 866 various grass-roots projects in Myanmar under the GGP scheme since 1993: the number consisting of 435 education projects, 201 healthcare projects, 140 public welfare and environment projects, 55 infrastructure projects and 35 other projects. It is expected that these assistances will further strengthen the existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.