The Government of Japan granted financial assistance for water supply project in the　Republic of Kiribati under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme. The Ministry of Internal and Social Affairs representing Banaba Island Council together with Banaban community in Tarawa celebrated the handing-over ceremony for provision of a new seawater desalination plant worth US$124,328 including freight charges.

The First Secretary at the Embassy of Japan, Mr. Takato Maki represented the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Kiribati, H.E. Mr. Yutaka Yoshizawa in the official handing-over ceremony of the desalination plant at the Ministry of Internal and Social Affairs in Bairiki which was held at 10.00 am on Wednesday, 30th June, 2010.

The Japanese made seawater desalination plant was shipped out of Japan on the 21st of May and arrived at Tarawa on 8th June. A four days training was also conducted by a Japanese Technical Assistant before its departure for Banaba so that the maintenance of the plant can be implemented by i Kiribati engineers in the future. The new plant can produce seventeen kilo litres of freshwater per day which will enable supply of water to 300 residents on Banaba even during the severe drought season. 

Japan’s assistance to this project indicates its commitment to contribute to the improvement of the living standards and welfare of people in Kiribati 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 water supply, health, basic education, vocational training and rural infrastructure. It is hoped that this assistance will help further strengthen the friendly ties between the people of Japan and the Republic of Kiribati.