November 24, 2017- On Wednesday, November 22, 2017, Ambassador of Japan Toshiyuki Yamada and Executive Officer of Palau Environmental Quality Protection Board (EQPB) Roxanne Y. Blesam signed the grant contract for “The Project for Improving Water Quality in Palau”, valued $62,648, under the Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). The signing ceremony was held at the Embassy of Japan and was witnessed by Chairman of EQPB Board Benjamin Yobech and EQPB staffs.
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During the last year’s drought, EQPB attempted to conduct water quality tests as much as possible since there were safety concerns about water qualities in rainwater tanks. However, EQPB was unable to fully implement the water quality tests because one of the autoclaves was out of order and the incubators and the pickup truck were hardly able to use due to deterioration.
Accordingly, once the new incubator, autoclave and pickup truck become available, EQPB could conduct necessary number of water quality tests. Furthermore, they will secure the quality of water in rainwater tanks even during drought.
In his remarks at the ceremony, Ambassador Yamada emphasized the importance of maintenance, so that the granted equipment and vehicle could be used for a long period of time. Moreover, he expressed his hope that the implementation of this project would lead to further development of EQPB and Palau.
The Government of Japan launched GGP in 1999, for the purpose of responding to various development needs engaged in grassroots activities in Palau. As of November 22, 2017, the Embassy has signed 68 grant contracts with schools and hospitals as well as state governments and non-profit organizations. Education, health care and environment are the primary fields prioritized by Japan for GGP in order to contribute to sustainable development of Palau. For further information about GGP, please contact 488-6455. [/restrict]