The Government of Japan, under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Scheme, has granted US$ 118,937 for the Project for Construction of Ye Ngan Village Bridge in Natmauk Township, Magway Region.

The handover ceremony of a submersible bridge for the above-mentioned project took place in Natmauk Township, Magway Region on 8 May 2019. Ms. Ayano SUZUKI, Third Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, Dr. Khin Mg Aye, Minister for Social Affairs of Magway Region, U Thaung Shwe, Member of Magway Region Hluttaw elected representative for Natmauk Township Constituency No.1, committee chairperson, committee members of the bridge construction projects and local residents attended the ceremony.

Residents of Ye Ngan Village, Natmauk Township, Magway Region had limited access to public services since there was no bridge to cross the river, which connects with the Nat Mauk Town where schools, hospitals and markets are located. Therefore, the residents had to walk three miles on the riverbed in the dry season which they found it distressing. In order to tackle these issues, the Government of Japan, under its GGP scheme, has provided funding for construction of a 41 meter-long reinforced concrete bridge. The project will benefit 7,000 residents in Ye Ngan Village and seven surrounding villages.

The Government of Japan has assisted 904 grass-roots projects, including 467 education projects, 200 healthcare projects, 140 public welfare and environment projects, 61 infrastructure projects and 36 others in Myanmar under the GGP scheme since 1993. This assistance is expected to further strengthen the existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.