During the month of November 2019, seven handover ceremonies were successfully held for the eight projects listed below, which are supported under the Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP), totaling US $1,180,925.

The ceremony of Ywar Thar Village Bridge in Taungdwingyi Township, Magway Region, was attended by Dr. Aung Moe Nyo, Chief Minister of Magway Region and Mr. Takimi Kazuyuki, Counsellor of the Embassy of Japan.

In Ywar Thar village, the residents were only able to cross the river and had access to schools, hospitals and farmlands during dry season when the water level were low enough. However, the water level would rise up to two meters during rainy season which made the river impassable for the residents. Under the circumstances, the villagers strongly hoped to have a safe access to the other side of the river and requested the Embassy of Japan for assistance by GGP. Thus, the Government of Japan provided a grant of $103,988 for the construction of a 36-meter-long and 4.3-meter-wide reinforced, concrete bridge for a safe lifeline access throughout the year.

List of the eight projects are as below:

Project Name	No. of Beneficiaries	Grant Amount
The Project for Construction of Aung Thar Village Basic Education Post Primary School in Bhamo Township, Kachin State	300	US $152,408
The Project for Construction of Ywar Thar Village Bridge in Taungdwingyi Township, Magway Region	7,365	US $103,988
The Project for Construction of Paw Thit Village Basic Education Branch Middle School in Hinthada Township, Ayeyarwady Region	158	US $110,736
The Project for Upgrading of Road between Shin Pin Thar Lyaung Village and Me Za Li Taw Village in Hinthada Township, Ayeyarwady Region	5,080	US $281,126
The Project for Construction of Bridge between Than Chaik Village and Myo Hla Village in Aunglan Township, Magway Region	35,210	US $134,297
The Project for Construction of Byan Di Village Basic Education Branch Middle School in Aunglan Township, Magway Region	110	US $84,705
The Project for Upgrading of Kyaik Day Yone Village Tract Road in Bago Township, Bago Region	7,263	US $141,848
The Project for Upgrading of Ah Htet Zaing Ga Naing Gyi Village Tract Road in Bago Township, Bago Region	3,237	US $ 171,817
		US $1,180,925

Since 1993, the Government of Japan has assisted 904 projects across Myanmar, including 467 education projects, 200 healthcare projects, 140 public welfare and environment projects, 61 infrastructure projects and 36 others under the GGP scheme. It is expected that these assistances will further strengthen the existing friendly relations between Japan and Myanmar.