The Government of Japan provides funds totalling US$208,304 (approx. AU$193,066) for two (2) projects in Kiribati. The funding was made available through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme.

Grant Contracts formalising Japan’s assistance will be signed by the Second Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, Mr. Hideaki Kuroki and the Honourable Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Mr. Tinian Reiher and Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Beeni Ikauea respectively at 08.30 a.m. on 28th February, 2012 in Tarawa, Kiribati.

Details on the individual projects are as follows:

The new Ice Storage Centre that will be built in Butaritari Island will not only facilitate sale of ice and storage of fish but also provide opportunity for fishermen to sell their catch at the centre. Similarly, the provision for a new Fire Truck to the Kiribati Police Department will provide fire precautions to safeguard premises and people of   Kiribati.

Japan’s assistance to these projects 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 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 between the Governments and the people of Kiribati and Japan.