DUSHANBE, December 10, 2013, Asia-Plus – Japan’s embassy in Dushanbe says that the Government of Japan will start providing assistance for new projects that aim at improving conditions of the various sectors in the Republic of Tajikistan.

These projects are fully funded through the framework of Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) and will be taking place throughout the country.

Mr. Hiroyuki Imahashi, Ambassador, Embassy of Japan in Dushanbe yesterday signed Grant Contracts for five GGP projects.

With the grant assistance from the Government of Japan, the following five projects will be implemented by the people of Tajikistan:

“The Project for Improvement of Drinking Water System and Water Sanitation in 7 Villages of Tajikistan,” signed with Mr. Zafar Muhabbatov, Secretary General of the Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan, for the amount of US$89,444, will target at developing long-term water safety plans for the seven villages within Tursunzoda City, Shahrinav, Hisor, Khuroson, and Roudaki Districts.  Creating access to sufficient amount of safe water will help prevent the transmission of waterborne diseases that currently pose a threat to the residents of the area.

“The Project for Rehabilitation of Irrigation Canal in Sari Osiyob Jamoat, Khovaling District,” signed with Mr. Nourullo Mirzoyev, Chairperson of Khovaling District, for the amount of US$118,488, will improve the agrarian system in Khovaling District by rehabilitating a major irrigation canal.  With the rehabilitated canal, the amount of agricultural products will greatly increase, which will contribute to improving economy of the local farmers.

“The Project for Improvement of Surgical Department of Regional Hospital in Lakhsh Settlement, Jirgatol District,” signed with Mr. Zoir Umedkhoja, Chairperson of Jirgatol District, for the amount of US$111,133, aims to improve the condition of the health sector in Jirgatol District by rehabilitating the surgical department of Regional Hospital and providing new medical equipment.  This project will enable the hospital to provide quality medical services to a large number of patients in Jirgatol District.

“The Project for Disaster Risk Reduction along the Panj River,” which has been signed with Mr. Nashir Karmali, Executive Director of Focus Humanitarian Assistance, for the amount of US$103,867, aims at reducing the impact of flooding of the Panj River.  By reinforcing the riverbanks and building a new bridge, safety level will greatly increase in the areas within Roshtqala and Shugnan Districts that have suffered from numerous floods in the past.

“The Project for Construction of Women''s Center in Qumsangir District,” signed with Ms. Ziyoda Ashourova, Director of Public Organization “Mohi Munir,” for the amount of US$113,348, aims to create an environment that contributes to empowering women in the area through constructing a new independent building for the women’s center.

The Government of Japan is dedicated to continuing its support for creating a better society for all people and committed to working together with the people of Tajikistan.

Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Projects (GGP) is provided to local governments, educational/ medical institutions and International NGOs in developing countries.  GGP supports projects in the human security sectors at the grassroots level.  As of today, GGP has supported 307 projects in the Republic of Tajikistan, for which more than US$ 23.9 million has been provided since 1996.