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

 

Speech for the Project for Community Water Supply in Nauru Island

By H.E. Masashi Namekawa, Ambassador of Japan, 29th January 2007, Nauru

Project Titles

It is indeed a great honour and privilege to represent the Government and people of Japan in formalising Japan’s first funding assistance to the Community of Nauru for a provision of 45 new water tanks under its Grassroots for Human Security Project programme. This Scheme focuses mainly on basic necessities by improving well-being of the grassroots people.

Along with Japan’s annual contribution to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat to address the national planning capacity constraints in the Republic of Nauru, the Japanese government had in December formalised Non Project Grant Aid to Nauru for the second time, in an attempt to assist Nauru to fund import of products necessary in respect of promoting economic structural adjustment efforts for economic growth and prosperity.

And today, we have finally witnessed the signing grant contract here in Nauru to mark the beginning of inflow of assistance to Nauru under Japan’s GGP programme and I am pleased to be representing the Government of Japan in this event.

This donation from Japanese people and Government is in recognition of the basic human right to access clean drinking water. These new water tanks will help relieve the hardships that the people of Nauru have been facing and will enable the people of Nauru to access fresh water promptly for drinking, and for other daily activities. The Government of Japan has prioritized the development of basic facilities such as providing these new water tanks, to ensure population’s accessibility to clean water.

The funding for new water tanks is sourced from the Government of Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects scheme. This scheme, more commonly known as the GGP scheme, is designed for such projects that will improve the living standard of common people by providing basic necessities and better opportunities.

It was until July last year, upon research and exchange of views between the Governments, the Japanese Government decided to introduce its small grant aid scheme to assist Nauru in its effort to improve economic situation with the help of development partners. Realisation of these projects indicates that Nauru’s efforts in effectively establishing preparedness for receiving assistance in her communities have been succeeding which pleased us very much.

I am confident that this assistance will reaffirm our commitment to the Pacific region and contribute to strengthening the friendly ties between the governments and the peoples of Japan and Nauru. May I also take this opportunity to thank the officials of Aid Management Unit and Development Planning and Policy Division for their tireless efforts in ensuring smooth implementation of this project through prompt facilitation of paper work. 

With these few words, I look forward to the effective utilization of the valuable assistance given to Nauru under Japan’s two schemes.


Thank you.

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