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Japan Provides Funding for New Water Supply System

The Government of Japan has provided funding of US$20,320.00 for a new water supply system to the community of Epau under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) programme.

The Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Mr. Masashi Namekawa will officially open the new water supply system at 9.00 a.m. on Thursday 02nd March 2006 at the Epau Village in Efate Island.

The project constituted construction of a 5000 gallon water tank and connection of pipes for the 5.5 km distance. The Vanuatu Government’s Department of Geology, Mines and Rural Water Supply were responsible for the implementation of the project. It is anticipated that around 350 villagers will benefit from this project.

Japan’s assistance to this project indicates its commitment to contribute in the improvement of the living standards and welfare of people in Vanuatu 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 governments and the people of Vanuatu and Japan.