The Government of Japan provides assistance worth F$420,429.00 (approximately USD 240,000) to three projects in Fiji through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Programme.

The Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Fiji, H.E. Eiichi Oshima will sign grant contracts with Mr. Chandu Umaria, Special Administrator of Suva City Council, Mr. Paserio Furivai, The CEO of Hart Fiji and Mr. Masi Latianara the National Director of Habitat for Humanity of Fiji to formalise Japan’s funding assistance to these projects. The signing ceremony will be hosted by the Embassy of Japan in its conference room at Level 2 of BSP Life Centre, Suva, at 10am on Friday 15th, 2013.

Details of the Project are as follows:

1.The Project for the Upgrading of Compost Centre for Suva City Council

It involves construction of a compost building and provision of a shredder to Suva City Council. It is expected to significantly reduce the amount of solid wastes and to improve composting system in Suva city. Solid waste management through composting was introduced to Suva City as a part of JICA’s 3R project and JICA Volunteers have been assisting them with the composting project since 2007. This project is in line with Japan’s ODA policy which sets the environment protection as one of the important development goals, and this project aims to assist the council in achieving the goal of waste minimization.

2.The Project for Empowerment of Single Mothers and their Children in Wainibuku HART Community

This project involves construction of three classrooms equipped with furniture and construction of a sewing room with 10 sewing machines. It is designed to empower single mothers in the community by providing means for income generation, as well as to provide better learning facilities for their children. HART is a local NGO providing home and welfare assistance to the needy. Japan aims to increase assistance to local NGOs in their endeavour to better serve the community in Fiji, through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Programme.

3.The Project for Improvement of  Water Supply Systems in remote islands of Fiji with Habitat

Habitat for Humanity Fiji is another NGO that Japan has been assisting for the past 3 years for implementing water supply system. They will be constructing new water supply systems in Natumua Village in Kadavu, Nasauvuki Village in Moturiki and Nawaisomo Village in Beqa islands this year. This project is expected to improve the existing water quality, relieve low water pressure and ensure regular water supply to meet the needs of these communities. It also includes necessary maintenance of existing water facilities and installation of new faucets to fulfil the needs of everyone within the community and even the surrounding settlements. Subsequently, the new water systems will enable everyone living in the communities to enjoy modern and hygienic facilities, minimise health related issues and environmental risks, and bring development and improvement in their lives.

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 education, women’s empowerment, sanitation and water supply as 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 will serve to strengthen the friendly ties enjoyed by the people and governments of Japan and Fiji.                                                           

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