Bilateral Relations » Japan's Economic Cooperation between Japan and the Republic of Kiribati » Past Assistance Projects to Kiribati » Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP)» Press Release

 

Japan Assists Central Pacific Producers Ltd and Betio Old Men, Old Women and Middle Aged Association in the Republic of Kiribati

Wednesday, 12th December 2007, 02:00p.m.

 

The Government of Japan will provide funds totalling US$154,450.00 for provision and installation of a panel water tank and purchase of ten cold boxes to Central Pacific Producers Ltd (CPPL) and construction of a Maneaba (community hall) for Betio Old Men, Old Women and Middle Aged Association in the Republic of Kiribati. The funding will be made available through the Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme.

Grant Contracts formalising Japan’s assistance will be signed by His Excellency, the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Kiribati, Mr. Masashi Namekawa and the representatives of Central Pacific Producers Ltd and Betio Old Men, Old Women and Middle Aged Association, at 02:00 p.m on 12th December, 2007 at CPPL Maneaba in Betio, Tarawa, Kiribati.

 

Details of each project are as follows:

  1. The Project for Provision of Panel Water Tank and Cold Box to Central Pacific Producers Limited
Central Pacific Producers Ltd was incorporated under the company act in May, 2001, as a limited liability company to secure much needed water storage capacity for the fish processing facility. The existing water storage capacity is insufficient for processing and ice making, especially, during drought period. Due to the decrepitness and the heavy usage of facilities at CPPL, storage water tanks have been damaged, forcing CPPL to cart water from Public Utilities Board. To remain viable and to continue with its operations economically, the Government of Japan, upon CPPL’s request, decided to provide a new water tank and ice boxes to facilitate CPPL’s main activities. The new facilities will ensure continuous quality operation of the market section of CPPL by providing an efficient distribution, storage and production facility.
  1. The Project for Construction of Maneaba for Betio Old Men, Old Women and Middle Aged Association
Betio is one of the most densely populated areas in Kiribati which has given rise to certain social issues such as youth related problems and, for this reason, the role of the Association is becoming more and more important. The construction of a new Maneaba for the association will provide a new assembly hall which replaces the decrepit existing one. It will also encourage community participation and empower the Betio community to have social gatherings, meetings and to host important events. The new facilities will also accommodate men and women of the village for various important meetings and discussions on issues related to village development and other social matters concerning the community. 

Japan’s assistance to facilitate CPPL’s activities through provision of a new water storage tank and ice boxes along with a Maneaba for the people of Betio is a testimony of its firm commitment to assist in improving the lives and welfare of people in Kiribati. In having this strong bond of friendship with the people of Kiribati, Japan is hopeful of assisting the people of Kiribati in the areas of basic human needs including health, basic education, water supply, vocational training, sanitary environment and rural infrastructure.

This assistance is in line with Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) policy of promoting development at grassroots level. It is hoped that this assistance will help further strengthen the friendly ties between the governments and the people of Kiribati and Japan.

 

Bilateral Relations »Japan's Economic Cooperation between Japan and the Republic of Kiribati » Past Assistance Projects to Kiribati » Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP)