Phnom Penh: The Government of Japan will provide 446,801 dollars in total for three recipient organizations under the framework of the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (“KUSANONE”). The grant contracts were signed today between H.E. Mr. UENO Atsushi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Cambodia, and the representatives of three recipients, respectively, to carry out the following projects.
The amount of 180,396 dollars will be provided to the Takeo Provincial Department of Water Resources and Meteorology for the rehabilitation of Trapeang Krek irrigation facilities in Takeo Province. The grant will be used to rehabilitate the existing irrigation facilities with declined reservoir functions. This area is drought-prone during the dry season because the facilities cannot store an adequate amount of water during the rainy season. Moreover, due to the insufficient water storage capacity, this area is often affected by floods. The roads connecting the facilities to the resident area are in poor condition and consequently lay a heavy burden on farmers. It is expected to benefit over 3,000 local residents by improving the irrigation facilities so that agricultural water will be secured and supplied in a stable manner throughout the year. In addition, improvement of residents’ standard of living and incomes is anticipated as a result of an increased amount of rice produced in this area.
The amount of 154,353 dollars will be provided to Kampong Thom Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport for the construction of the bridge project in Chhouk Commune, Prasat Sambour District, Kampong Thom Province. The grant will be used to construct a new concrete bridge. There was an incomplete bridge that the construction was halted due to lack of funds. After it collapsed by floods in 2023, local residents had to cross the river in a small boat. This new bridge will provide around 11,000 residents living this area with safe transportation. In addition, by enabling transportation of agricultural products, an increase in the local population’s incomes is anticipated.
The amount of 112,052 dollars will be provided by Khav Commune Administration for the project for the construction of a bridge in Khav Commune, Chi Kraeng District, Siem Reap Province. The grant will be used to replace the existing fragile wooden bridge with a new concrete bridge. While many local residents regularly cross the bridge to go to school, work, and the hospital, as well as to transport agricultural products, the bridge is damaged and has become unsafe, especially for children and the elderly. Furthermore, cars and emergency vehicles are not allowed to cross the bridge because they may not be able to bear the weight and can collapse. It is expected to benefit around 15,000 residents by securing a safe path to the nearest school, market, and health center throughout the year. The construction of a new bridge will also facilitate transportation of agricultural products, and therefore the improvement of the standard of living of the residents and the increase of farmers’ income are anticipated.
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 self-reliance of local communities. Since 1991, the Government of Japan has provided over US$70 million for mainly local authorities and non-governmental organizations to implement 694 KUSANONE projects throughout Cambodia.
Photo by: Supplied
