Phnom Penh: Friday, 19 March 2021, The Government of Japan has agreed to provide USD 574,230 in total for three 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 three recipients respectively, to carry out the following projects.
1. The Project for Constructing Koun Domrei Irrigation Facility in Stung Trong Commune, Salakrav District, Pailin Province (USD 217,845) and Recipient: Pailin Provincial Department of Water Resources and Meteorology.
This grant will be used to construct one spillway and water pumping station, and two box culverts, and repair a canal. These facilities are expected to improve the quantity and quality of agricultural products. Moreover, the spillway will connect the regions as a farm road and contribute to boosting the local economy. Consequently, 3,440 people will receive benefits.
2. The Project for Strengthening Cashew Nut Value Chain in Kampong Thom Province (USD 169,720) and Recipient: Kampong Thom Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
This grant will be used to construct three warehouses and four dry yards and four moisture meters for raw and processed cashew nuts in four agricultural cooperatives in the regions. By building these facilities, 1,400 farmers expect to sell their products at higher prices and improve their incomes. The project will contribute to the development of Cambodia’s food value chain.
3. The Project for Road Improvement in Romduol District, Svay Rieng Province (USD 186,665) and Recipient: Svay Rieng Provincial Department of Rural Development.
This grant will be used to pave six km of a road. The project aims to improve access to public facilities such as schools and health centers and workplaces such as a special economic zone. Moreover, the road will contribute to the smooth transportation of goods between Cambodia and Vietnam. Consequently, 126,310 are expected to receive benefits.
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/or 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 US$64 million for mainly local authorities and non-governmental organizations to implement 650 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
