The Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, has granted US$ 101,522 for the project to upgrade the road between Hpa Yar Kone Village and Ko Tar Hoe Village in Hlaingbwe Township, Kayin State.

The handover ceremony of a road for this project took place in Hlaingbwe Township, Kayin State on 30 Oct 2018. Mr. Keisuke AMIMOTO, Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, U Khin Cho, Member of Kayin State Pyithu Hluttaw elected for Haingbwe Township Consistency, U Saw Chit Oo, Member of Kayin State Amyothar Hluttaw elected for Haingbwe Township Consistency, committee members of the construction project, and local residents attended the ceremony.

By using an earthen road which connects from Hpa Yar Kone Village and Ko Tar Hoe Village, the villagers in surrounding 7 villages had been transporting their agricultural products, transferring patients to medical facilities and sending students to high schools. However, although this road was essential to the villagers, it became muddy and impassable during the rainy season. In order to tackle this issue, the Government of Japan supported the project for upgrading the 4.8-kilometer-long road. The project will benefit 5,432 local residents of 7 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.