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

Speech by Mr. Takato Maki, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan At the Signing Ceremony for GGP Projects in the Republic of Tuvalu

20th March 2013, 10.00 hrs. at Funafuti, Tuvalu

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good morning and Talofa,

On behalf of the People and Government of Japan, I am very pleased to be here this morning to witness this Grant Contract signing ceremony, formalising Japan’s assistance for the Improvement of Water Supply System for Nanumea Island and the Procurement of a Tractor for Motufoua Secondary School.  This is my second visit to this beautiful nation of Tuvalu, and I wish to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for the warm hospitality extended to me during my stay here. I also wish to express my appreciation to the authorities in Nanumea Kauple as well as the Management of Motufoua Secondary School for their cooperation and partnership on these two projects.

In cooperation with the people of Nanumea Kauple, a large concrete water tank with measurements of around 25 by 15 metres and relevant water supply facilities will be installed in the Kaumaire primary school in Nanumea Island. Stable water supply is very important for human survival. However, in light of Tuvalu often experiencing water shortages, this large water tank will ensure that more drinkable water is available during dry seasons. I believe that this Project will contribute a stable water supply to the people of Nanumea Island. Japan has supported water supply for Tuvalu through its various ODA schemes. Water tanks and desalination plants were previously installed in Japan’s past Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Programme Projects. In 2011, when Tuvalu faced serious water shortage, Japan provided water desalination plants and spare parts for the existing desalination facilities through its emergency relief and PEC Fund. At present the provision for a solar powered desalination plant is currently in its implementation stage through Japan’s  PEC Fund initiative. Japan wishes to continue supporting the Government of Tuvalu’s efforts in building drought–resilient communities and country.

For the next project, a new tractor will be procured for Motufoua Secondary School. The tractor will contribute to the improvement of agricultural activities in the School as students will be able to do farm work more efficiently than before. I hear that the Motofoua secondary school is quite far away from the port of Vaitupu Island. The new tractor is also expected to reduce the hardships faced by the people of Vaitupu Island as well as teachers and students in carrying their luggage and school materials to attend classes. As you are all aware, Motofoua Secondary School in Vaitupu Island is the only Secondary School in Tuvalu. Therefore, Japan recognizes the importance of the school in the national development of Tuvalu. Japan’s another large scale Grant Aid Project for Improvement of Education Facilities at Motufoua Secondary School will be carried out soon. I hope that both these projects for Motofoua Secondary School will contribute to the improvement in the delivery of quality education in Tuvalu.

These 2 Projects being formalized today will be implemented through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Programme known as GGP for short. GGP was founded upon the concept of “Human Security” as an important component of Japan’s overall ODA policy.  Everyone can live with dignity by protecting and empowering individual’s right. This is too obvious, but unfortunately, we live in a difficult world where this ideal often remains unachieved.  Based on such concept of “Human Security”, Japan’s assistance under GGP has been focusing on individual people and building better societies for everyone. We are hoping that these projects will ease serious water shortages of Nanumea Island as well as reducing the hardships of the people of Vitupu Island and Motofoua Secondary School community as well as improve agricultural education in the School.

I am confident that these projects will be completed successfully and eagerly look forward to visiting Nanumea Island and Vaitupu Island to attend the handing over ceremonies of these Projects.

 Finally, with these few words, I hope that these Projects will become good models of our cooperation and friendship, immensely valued by the governments and people of Japan and the Tuvalu.

Thank You, Tubwa