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Japanese Contribution for Naqelewai Irish Crossing, Nabobuco District

On Thursday at 10.00am, 22 July, 2004, the Ambassador of Japan, His Excellency, Mr Kenro Iino will officiate in the opening of the New Naqelewai Irish Crossing in Nabobuco District.

Naqelewai Village is situated about 80km towards the interior of Tavua, and is surrounded by many small villages with a total population of approx. 1,000 people.

The Government of Japan provided a grant of US$61,718 ($F130,000) under Japan Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) programme, which assists in promoting the development of grassroots population especially in the rural areas. The construction of this crossing across the Wailoa River, now links to the surrounding villages of Naqelewai, Nasoqo, Nasiriti,Rewasau and Roma. These villages will no longer have to wade through the river to board buses, sell their produce in the market and to attend to schools.

This crossing was initially designed in 1999 by Mr Tadayuki Ogawa, a volunteer working with the Commissioner Western Division under Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteer (JOCV) programme. The construction was completed under the supervision and consultation by Mr. Takumi Ito who succeeded by Mr. Ogawa, with the help of the villagers.

This is yet another milestone in Japan’s commitment to support one of the general purpose of Japan’s ODA,(Official Development Assistance) which are the poverty issue and humanity as well as the promotion of economic and social development in the Pacific.