Phnom Penh: The Government of Japan will provide US$267,384 (two hundred sixty-seven thousand, three hundred eighty-four US dollars). in total for two recipient organisations under the framework, 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 two recipients, respectively, to carry out to Kampong Speu Province and
The amount of US$126,710 (one hundred twenty-six thousand, seven hundred ten US dollars) supports the Kampong Speu Provincial Department of Water Resources and Meteorology and the project for the Rehabilitation of Prey Rumduol Irrigation Facilities in Kampong Speu 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. 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 4,000 local residents by improving the irrigation facilities so that agricultural water will be secured and supplied in a stable manner throughout the year.
The amount of US$140,674 (one hundred forty thousand, six hundred seventy-four US dollars) and support to the Svay Rieng Provincial Department of Rural Development and the Project for the Construction of a Bridge in Svay Yea Commune, Svay Chrum District, Svay Rieng 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 it may not be able to bear the weight and can collapse. It is expected to benefit around 5,000 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 the transportation of agricultural products, and therefore the improvement of the standard of living of the residents and the increase of farmers’ income are anticipated.
On the day of signing the grant agreement for the grant assistance for the grassroots human security project “KUSANONE,” H.E. UENO Atsushi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Cambodia, paid tribute to the departed souls of the victims and survivors who lost their lives in the recent border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand.
“I offer my deepest condolences to all those who suffered and pray for the repose of the departed souls of the deceased in the recent border conflict between Cambodia and Thailand,” said H.E. UENO Atsushi.
Additionally, he stated that the Japanese government expects that the matter can be settled as quickly as possible through peaceful negotiation and applauds the agreement on an immediate and unconditional ceasefire on July 28. The Japanese government has already contributed US$1.8 million in emergency relief assistance, and it will continue to support those who survived the border fighting and the restoration of the border 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 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$72 million, mainly for local authorities and non-governmental organisations to implement 706 KUSANONE projects throughout Cambodia.
Photo by: Supplied
