(Phnom Penh): The Government of Japan will provide a total of USD 301,904 to two recipient organizations under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (“KUSANONE”) framework, according to a press release seen by Fresh News on Saturday (Feb. 7).

The Grant Contracts for the following two projects were signed today by Ueno Atsushi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Cambodia, and the representatives of the two recipient organizations.

The two projects are:

1. ‘Project for the Rehabilitation of Ou Srolao Chhrom Irrigation Facilities in Banteay
Meanchey Province’ (USD 220,216)

Recipient: Banteay Meanchey Provincial Department of Water Resources and Meteorology

This grant will be used to rehabilitate existing irrigation facilities where reservoir functionality is currently inadequate. This area is drought-prone during the dry season because the irrigation infrastructure doesn’t capture and store an adequate amount of water during the rainy season.

Moreover, there is no sluice gate in the most appropriate location for one. This has made it more difficult to efficiently distribute water to agricultural fields. Through the improvement of irrigation facilities, the project is expected to secure a stable supply of agricultural water throughout the year and benefit more than 6,000 local residents, including those who have returned from Thailand as a result of the border conflicts between Cambodia and Thailand.

2. ‘Project for the Construction of a Female Student Dormitory and the Installment of Vocational Training Equipment at Mondulkiri Provincial Training Center’ (USD 81,688)

Recipient: Mondulkiri Provincial Training Center

This grant will be used to construct a dormitory for female students and provide vocational training equipment. The dormitory will provide female students with a comfortable place to stay and the new equipment will give all of the students the opportunity to learn the kinds of vocational skills that will help them to find work after graduation. This project will, therefore, lead to an improvement in the standard of living for the residents in the area.

Japan’s “KUSANONE” Projects started in Cambodia in 1991 with the aim of supporting Cambodia’s reconstruction and development at the grassroots level. The “KUSANONE” assistance projects aim to protect those who are vulnerable as a result of factors, such as poverty and/or misfortune, that are directly threatening their lives, livelihoods, and dignity. The “KUSANONE” assistance also focusses on developing the self reliance of local communities. Since 1991, the Government of Japan has provided over USD 72 million, mainly to local authorities and non-governmental organizations, to assist them with the implementation of over 700 KUSANONE projects throughout Cambodia.
=FRESH NEWS