The Government of Japan provides a new bus specifically designed for wheelchair users worth US$91,998.00 to Western Disabled Peoples Association 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 grant contract with Mr. Hari Kisun, the Secretary for Western Disabled People’s Association, to formalise Japan’s funding assistance to this project. The signing ceremony was hosted by the Embassy of Japan in its conference room on level 2 of Dominion House, at 11.00 a.m. on Thursday 18th November, 2010.

The main objective of this funding is to enable the Western Disabled People’s Association to recommence free specialised transportation services for the physically handicapped persons, their attendants, health workers carrying out surveys, disabled members visiting medical centres, attending meetings, workshops and other gathering organised by association and other organisations on a 24 hours and 7 days basis. The new bus is equipped with specifically designed electric lift in the rear which enables wheelchair-bound people to be lifted smoothly and safely. This project is said to overcome the difficulties normally faced by family members and physically handicapped people when it came to public transport.

Japan’s assistance to this project indicates its commitment not only to discourage discrimination but also to promote equal opportunities and treatment for the people with disabilities in the Republic of the Fiji Islands 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 sanitary environment, water supply, health, basic education, vocational training, and rural infrastructure.  It is hoped that this assistance will help further to strengthen the cordial relations currently enjoyed by the governments and the peoples of Japan and the Fiji Islands.