The Government of Japan granted financial assistance for village water supply Project in Fiji under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme.  The people of Nadrala village celebrated the handing-over ceremony for provision of new piping and tap facilities worth US$56,349.00. This is the third water project in the Nadroga/Navosa province funded by Japan since 2008.

The Counsellor and Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan, Mr. Takeshi Tanabe represented the Ambassador of Japan, His Excellency Yutaka Yoshizawa at Nadrala village in Nadroga/Navosa province on Wednesday, 9th December, 2009 at 11.30 a.m. to officially hand-over the new water facilities that would mark the beginning of a new era in the lives of the people of Nadrala.

The new water pipes replace all cement pipes built in 1964. Damage to cement pipes was irreparable and with increasing village population, leakage in the system disrupted the water supply in the village. Cement pipes also restricted villagers from extending water supply to new homes built since 1964. The new polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes will enable the 336 people of Nadrala village to connect water into their homes and enjoy hygienic facilities particularly, toilet and shower amenities which minimise health related and environmental risks.

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.