August 28th, 2015
-
Japan GGP official commissioning of the Water Supply System for Ovaka island in Vava’u
-
On August 18th 2015, the Government of Japan and the people of Ovaka Island, in Vava’u celebrated the official commissioning of a new water supply system installed for the island, funded through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects or GGP. His Excellency Mr. Yukio Numata, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Tonga attended the ceremony in Ovaka, on behalf of the people and the Government of Japan. Present at the ceremony was Hon. Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, Minister for Health who is also People’s Representative for Vava’u Constituency #14 in the Parliament.
His Excellency Mr. Numata, in his keynote address, congratulated the completion of the project and highlighted that the Embassy recognized the need in Ovaka for a new water supply system because the community depended purely on individual water tanks. “The new well together with the new water supply system will enhance the human security needs of this village by ensuring everyone can have access to water. Furthermore, a solar pump unit will serve greatly to reduce energy consumption.” added the Ambassador.
Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects, GGP was introduced in 1989, in response to the distinct nature of development needs of grassroots communities in developing countries. To date a total of 261 GGP Projects in such fields as education, medical, and health have been implemented for the welfare of grassroots organizations and communities in the Kingdom of Tonga.
Hon. Dr. Piukala acknowledged the significant assistance from the people and the Government of Japan towards a much safer and healthier water supply system for Ovaka. He emphasized that the new water supply system will not only upgrade access to cleaner water but will also alleviate spreading of non-communicable diseases. The commissioning ceremony marked the completion of the first water distribution system installed for Ovaka Island.
This assistance epitomizes Japan’s commitment to support efforts by the People and the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga to ensure Human Security and to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. END.
Project Fact Sheet (PDF)