Phnom Penh: Wednesday, 17 March 2021, The Government of Japan has agreed to provide USD 483,204 in total for five recipient organizations under the framework, the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects “KUSANONE” Grant.
The Grant Contracts were signed between H.E. Mr. MIKAMI Masahiro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Cambodia, and the representatives of the five recipients respectively, to carry out the following projects.
1. The Project for Installing Water Hyacinth Bioethanol Equipment in Kampong Chhnang Province’ (USD169,750) and Recipient: Kampong Chhnang Provincial Department of Environment.
In this project, water hyacinth bioethanol equipment will be installed at Kampong Chhnang Provincial Department of Environment. This equipment can turn the water hyacinth which is one of the most unwanted destructive plants into bioethanol. Through this project, the removal of unwanted water hyacinth will be promoted and the access to the lake in the area will be improved. This will enhance the livelihoods and living standards of local fisherman households, and protect the ecosystem there.
2. The Project for Constructing Maternity Ward at Toul Health Center in Mondulkiri Province (USD 89,138) and Recipient: Mondulkiri Provincial Department of Health.
In this project, one maternity ward will be constructed at Toul Health Center in Mondulkiri Province. Currently, pregnant women in the covered area are not able to stay at the health center before and after their delivery because of lack of space. This project will ensure a safer and more appropriate delivery environment. It is expected that more than 100 pregnant women will access improved maternity services annually.
3. The Project for Constructing IPD Ward at Chhep Health Center in Preah Vihear Province (USD 89,369) and Recipient: Preah Vihear Provincial Department of Health.
In this project, one inpatient ward will be constructed, and 10 beds will be installed at Chhep Health Center in Preah Vihear Province. The recent inpatient staying space is not capable of treating the inpatients sufficiently due to the dilapidated condition and limited capacity. Through this project, approximately 600 inpatients will have access to improved inpatient services annually in the project area.
4. The Project for Providing a Mobile Rehabilitation Clinic Vehicle in Remote Areas in Siem Reap Province’ (USD 45,745) and Recipient: Safe Haven.
In this project, a mobile rehabilitation clinic van will be provided for Safe Haven in order to strengthen their capacity for rehabilitation services. The organization has been providing its rehabilitation services only by motorbikes and one tuk-tuk. It is expected that more than 230 disabled children will receive better quality rehabilitation services.
5. The Project for Installing Medical Equipment at Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Infirmary in Preah Sihanouk Province (USD 89,202) and Recipient: Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Infirmary.
In this project, one X-ray machine, one radiography and imager system, one ultrasound, and one patient monitor will be installed at Cambodia-Vietnam Friendship Infirmary in Preah Sihanouk Province. Currently, the infirmary does not have adequate medical equipment for diagnosing and treating their patients. Through this project, approximately 1,400 outpatients and 700 both adult and pediatric inpatients will access improved medical services annually.
These assistances are based on the commitment of the co-chair’s statement of 13th Mekong-Japan foreign minister’s meeting on 9 July 2020 which says “Implementing approximately 91 million USD worth Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Project in FY 2020 as KUSANONE Mekong SDGs initiative, aimed at supporting the social and economic development of local communities and villages across the Mekong region”.
Japan’s “KUSANONE” Projects started in Cambodia in 1991 in order to support Cambodia’s reconstruction and development at the grassroots level. The assistance aims to protect those who are vulnerable due to various factors such as poverty and misfortunes that directly threaten their lives, livelihood, and dignity, as well as to promote the self-reliance of local communities. Since 1991, the Government of Japan has provided over USD 63 million for mainly local authorities and non-governmental organizations to implement 647 KUSANONE projects throughout Cambodia.
In an effort to contain the current “COVID-19 Community Outbreak” known as the “February 20th Community Event” both sides signed the grant contracts separately.
Source: Embassy of Japan in Cambodia
