Bilateral Relations » Japan's Economic Cooperation between Japan and the Republic of the Fiji Island » Past Assistance Projects to Fiji» Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP)» Press Release

Japan Provides Funding Assistance for Rehabilitation of Tavuya Village Bridge in Rewa

Date: Tuesday, 12th of January 2010

The Government of Japan granted financial assistance for rehabilitation project of village foot-crossing and construction of foot path under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme.  The people of Tavuya village celebrated the handing-over ceremony for provision of newly built foot-crossing, walkway and footpath around the village area worth US$87,300.00.

The Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of the Fiji Islands, His Excellency Yutaka Yoshizawa was at Tavuya village in Rewa province on Wednesday, 13th January, 2010 at 11.00 a.m. to officially hand-over the new project that links Tavuya village to the rest of Fiji.

The newly rehabilitated foot-crossing project funded by the Government of Japan will ensure the safety of children crossing the river daily to reach school and also assist the villagers, especially, the elders to attend to their daily activities without difficulties. In addition, the walk way along the mangroves swamp linking to the rehabilitated foot-crossing will connect Tavuya Village to Vunuku, Navocivoci and Nakui villages allowing people to travel freely on foot to Nasali Landing, church, health centre and schools. Tavuya Village is located ten kilometres away from Nausori town and has a population of approximately 174 people with source of earning derived mainly from sale of vegetables and seafood at Nausori and Suva markets for their social, educational and religious obligations.

The construction work of the bridge was completed just before a JICA volunteer stationed at Rewa Provincial Council office as a Civil Engineer, Mr. Daigo Tsuchida ends his term and goes back to Japan in late January.  He has been responsible for the construction of the bridge and carried out surveys, made architectural plans, cost estimation and supervision of the project.

During construction of the foot crossing, a unique Japanese construction method was administered and guided successfully by Mr. Tsuchida.  This method of construction is called, “Caisson Method” and undertaken for the first time for foot crossing on river in Fiji.

Japan’s assistance to this project indicates its commitment to contribute to the improvement of the living standards and welfare of people in Fiji and is in line with its Official Development Assistance (ODA) policy of promoting development at the grassroots level.  The GGP programme is specifically designed to address basic human needs, which include water supply, health, basic education, vocational training and rural infrastructure. It is hoped that this assistance will help further strengthen the friendly ties between the people of Japan and Fiji.

Tavuya Village	Mr. Daigo Tsuchida, JICA volunteer

Bilateral Relations » Japan's Economic Cooperation between Japan and the Republic of the Fiji Island » Past Assistance Projects to Fiji» Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP)