The Government of Japan provides assistance worth F$88,991.00 to implement water projects in Lawaki, Sautabu and Taulevu villages through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Programme.

The Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of the Fiji Islands, H.E. Yutaka Yoshizawa signed the grant contract with Mr. Richard Counts, the National Director of Habitat for Humanity-Fiji (HFHF), to formalise Japan’s funding assistance to the three projects. The signing ceremony was hosted by the Embassy of Japan in its conference room at Level 2 of Dominion House, Suva, at 3.00 p.m. on Friday 8th October, 2010.

Details of each project are as follows:

1. Project for Water Supply to Lawaki Village

F$40,778.00 will be provided to Lawaki village for construction of a dam at a new water source located approximately 3 kilometres away from the village. In addition, the project will include installation of new pipeline and two 5,000 litre plastic water tanks to relieve pressure and provide water storage for a regular water supply to meet 200 people, 47 families’ daily water needs. This project also includes necessary maintenance of existing water facilities to minimise water wastages and encourage water conservation.

2. Project for Water Supply to Sautabu Village

F$20,589.00 will be provided to HFHF to upgrade water supply system at Sautabu Village by installing a 10,000 litre plastic water tank and new pipeline connecting the dam and the new water tank. In addition, this project will also ensure maintenance of existing taps and leakages to minimise waste and improve water conservation and enable the 200 people, 40 families of Sautabu village to enjoy hygienic facilities, in particular toilet and shower amenities which minimise health related and environmental risks.

3. Project for Water Supply to Taulevu Village

F$27,624.00 will be provided to HFHF for installation of three 10,000 litre and eight 5,000 litre plastic water tanks with necessary gutter fittings, attachments and down pipe to collect rain water to supplement existing water system sourced from a dam currently dry. In addition, training and education will be provided to encourage water conservation and improve sanitation practices.  The new water supply system will ensure a reliable and safe water source for the 385 people, 126 families in Taulevu village.

The Government of Japan believes that by providing assistance directly to recipients in Fiji not only ensures effective use of the grant, but also achieves Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) policy objective of promoting development at the grassroots level. Japan acknowledges basic necessities such as water facilities is the key to socio-economic development and hopes to contribute in the improvement of the daily lives of the people of Fiji through its Grant Assistance for Human Security Projects Programme (GGP). The Embassy is hopeful and confident that such cooperation shall serve to strengthen the friendly ties enjoyed by Japan and Fiji.