Phnom Penh: The Government of Japan will provide a total of US$301,904 (three hundred one thousand nine hundred four US dollars) to two recipient organizations under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects “KUSANONE” framework.
The grant contracts for the following two projects were signed today by H.E. UENO Atsushi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Cambodia; Mr. Dim Ny, Deputy Governor of Mondulkiri Province; Mr. Kor Kim An, Director of the Mondulkiri Provincial Training Center; and Mr. Lay Sothy, Acting Director of the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Department of Water Resources and Meteorology.
The total amount of US$220,216 (two hundred twenty thousand two hundred sixteen US dollars) will be provided to the Banteay Meanchey Provincial Department of Water Resources and Meteorology for the Project for the Rehabilitation of Ou Srolao Chhrom Irrigation Facilities in Banteay Meanchey Province.
This grant will be used to rehabilitate existing irrigation facilities where reservoir functionality is currently inadequate. This area is drought-prone during the dry season because the irrigation infrastructure doesn’t capture and store an adequate amount of water during the rainy season. Moreover, there is no sluice gate in the most appropriate location for one.
This has made it more difficult to efficiently distribute water to agricultural fields. Through the improvement of irrigation facilities, the project is expected to secure a stable supply of agricultural water throughout the year and benefit more than 6,000 local residents, including those who have returned from Thailand as a result of the border conflicts between Cambodia and Thailand.
“This project will help secure reliable water for agriculture for around 6,000 people in six villages, boosting farm production and improving local livelihoods. It will also support agricultural jobs for Cambodians returning from Thailand amid the border situation,” said H.E. Mr. UENO Atsushi.
The total amount of US $81,688 (eighty-one thousand six hundred eighty-eight US dollars) will be provided to the Mondulkiri Provincial Training Center for the Project for the Construction of a Female Student Dormitory and the Installation of Vocational Training Equipment at the Mondulkiri Provincial Training Center.
This grant will be used to construct a dormitory for female students and provide vocational training equipment. The dormitory will provide female students with a comfortable place to stay, and the new equipment will give all of the students the opportunity to learn the kinds of vocational skills that will help them to find work after graduation. This project will, therefore, lead to an improvement in the standard of living for the residents in the area.
“The dormitory will provide female students with comfortable accommodation and equipment that will help them in their new life. It will also give all students the opportunity to learn professional skills and find employment after graduation.” The ambassador added.
Japan’s “KUSANONE” Projects started in Cambodia in 1991 with the aim of supporting Cambodia’s reconstruction and development at the grassroots level. The “KUSANONE” assistance projects aim to protect those who are vulnerable as a result of factors, such as poverty or misfortune, that are directly threatening their lives, livelihoods, and dignity.
The “KUSANONE” assistance also focuses on developing the self-reliance of local communities. Since 1991, the Government of Japan has provided over US$72 million, mainly to local authorities and non-governmental organizations, to assist them with the implementation of over 700 KUSANONE projects throughout Cambodia.
Photo by: Supplied
