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) » Speech

Speech for the Handing Over Ceremony for the Project for Rehabilitation of Tavuya Bridge

By: H. E. Yutaka Yoshizawa, the Ambassador of Japan, 13th January 2010, 11.00 a.m. Tavuya, Rewa.

Good Morning and Ni sa bula to you all

From the outset, I wish to express my sincere appreciation for your generosity and the warm reception extended to me this morning.

It is with enormous pleasure that I stand here today to officiate in this handing over ceremony of a very pleasant new year’s gift donated by the people and the Government of Japan to the people of Tavuya, to begin year 2010 with a promising ray of hope to achieve prosperity from the benefits of the newly constructed foot paths and rehabilitated foot crossing. During construction of the foot crossing as many of you have witnessed, a unique Japanese construction method was administered and guided successfully by Mr. Daigo Tsuchida, a JICA volunteer stationed at Rewa Provincial Council office. This method of construction is undertaken probably for the first time in Fiji and much to the delight of the people of Rewa, this is really a dream come true to witness the opening of facilities that many of us thought would never be completed.

In addition, the strength of this bridge was tested recently during Tropical Cyclone Mick and with sign of no major damages sustained during the recent flood, I can very confidently say that this bridge will not only remain intact for many years to come, but will also continue to strengthen the link between Tavuya and other villages, and likewise, between Japan and Fiji. In fact, funding of such project in collaboration with technical expertise provided by JICA volunteer is a clear manifestation of Japan’s genuine commitment and its meaningful ODA policy.

Taking this opportunity, I also would like to commend hard work and cooperation by every stakeholders which greatly helped to complete the project, including the contractor Waimanu Builders.  Moreover and equally important, I also believe earnest attitude and friendship of people in Tavuya village had always encouraged Mr. Tsuchida’s determination to complete this project within his work term in Fiji.

To be able to provide flexible and timely support to development projects at the grass-roots level such as this project, the Japanese Government offers a financial assistance scheme for development projects designed to meet the diverse needs of grassroots in developing countries. Known as Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme, this scheme supports projects proposed by bodies such as Schools, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Local Government Authorities. In the last Japanese fiscal year, namely April 2008 to March 2009 period, Japan has provided 14 projects under its GGP scheme with a total value of approximately 1 million US dollars around Fiji Islands, and among these 14 projects, this is the final project completed and handed over successfully.

Finally, Ladies and Gentlemen, with these few words, I officially open the new facilities for the people of Tavuya and trust that this assistance will bring everlasting prosperity to this community.
Vinaka Vaka Levu

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)