The Government of Japan provides financial assistance for upgrading of facilities at Korotolutolu Primary School in Seaqaqa, Labasa and National Rehabilitation Medicine Hospital, through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Programme.

Charge’ d’Affaires of the Embassy of Japan to the Republic of Fiji, Mr. Takeshi Tanabe signed grant contracts with Mr. Yentesh Permal Reddy, the Head Teacher of Korotolutolu Primary School and Mrs. Pratima Gajraj Singh, the Medical Officer in charge of National Rehabilitation Medicine Hospital in Tamavua to formalise Japan’s funding assistance to these projects. The signing ceremony was hosted by the Embassy of Japan in its conference room at Level 2 of Dominion House, Suva, at 15:00 hours on Tuesday 15th March, 2011.

Details of the Project are as follows:

1.        The Project for Upgrading of Korotolutolu Primary School

The Government of Japan provides F$164,893.20 for renovation of classrooms, upgrading water supply system and construction of a new seven-pan toilet block at Korotolutolu Primary School in Seaqaqa, Labasa. The school, which was established in 1970, is located 60 kilometres from Labasa and presently accommodates 50 children. The renovation works will upgrade school’s deteriorated facilities and create an environment conducive for learning. In addition, the new toilet block will improve sanitation and regular water supply from the new water supply system will make this project very meaningful.

2.       The Project for Provision of Medical Equipment to National Rehabilitation Medicine Hospital

National Rehabilitation Medicine Hospital in Tamavua also receives US$100,697.00 from Government of Japan for renovation works, construction of a new laundry room, walk way, and procurement of new medical equipment that is suitable for hospital’s rehabilitation programmes. The modern operating medical equipment for the physiotherapy department will greatly assist the staff of the rehabilitation hospital in providing quality services to the people of Fiji requiring rehabilitation therapy.

In recognition of the importance of an effective and reliable health service, Japan has prioritised assistance to health sector in its effort to improve medical services to people in Fiji through well equipped hospitals. This assistance 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 health, basic education, water supply, vocational training, sanitary environment and rural infrastructure. It is hoped that this assistance will help further strengthen the friendly ties currently enjoyed by the governments and the peoples of Fiji and Japan