The Turaga-Ni-Yavusa and People of Sautabu Village,
Official from Habitat for Humanity Fiji,
Invited guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

Good morning and Cola (Dola) Vina
I am delighted to represent the Ambassador of Japan, His Excellency, Mr. Yutaka Yoshizawa, to officially hand-over the new water supply project in your village today. I am also pleased to express my gratitude for the warm reception extended to me this morning. In fact this is the second water project undertaken by the Embassy around the valley road with the first one being undertaken at Nalebaleba village two years ago.

Water is a fundamental basic need, and, lack of access to regular supply of water particularly, in rural areas affects the livelihood. A good water supply system not only eases the hardships but also, provides an opportunity for grassroots to build flush toilets, proper bathrooms and enjoy a comfort life. I remain hopeful that the new water project will permanently fix the water problem at Sautabu. 

The donation of this water project was funded through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security (GGP) Programme. Since the inception of this programme in 1993, Japan funded 255 projects with a total value of approximately 11.3 million US dollars around Fiji. Under the GGP Programme, Japan continues to provide small and flexible grants to support development projects at the grass-roots level through its GGP Programme that is specifically designed to address basic human needs, which include water supply, basic sanitary environment, education, health, vocational training and rural infrastructure. In the last Japanese fiscal year, namely April 2010 to March 2011 period, Japan had identified 13 projects under its GGP scheme with a total value of approximately 1 million US dollars around Fiji.

This assistance is a reflection of Japan’s goodwill and friendship to the people of the Republic of Fiji, and, while helping development of such projects, this assistance will contribute to strengthen the friendly ties between our two countries, Japan and Fiji.

To conclude, I wish to express the hope that with proper maintenance, this new water supply system will serve the need of the people of Sautabu for many years ahead.

Thank you and Vinaka Vakalevu.