Four new community projects will be funded under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects (GGP) after grant contracts were signed today.

The projects include a new classroom building for Kolomotu’a Government Primary School, a water supply system for Vaini, a vehicle to transport disabled people at the ‘Ofa Tui mo ‘Amanaki (OTA) center, and waste collection vehicles for Ha’apai.

The signatories were the Japanese Embassy Counsellor Mr Kamada Yasuhiko, with 'Eva Mafi for Kolomotu'a Government Primary School PTA, Funaki Makatoa for Vaini Village Water Committee, Sione Taumoefolau for Tonga Red Cross Society and Malakai Lomu Sika for Waste Authority Ltd.

Japan’s Ambassador Designate, HE Kensaku Munenaga, in his keynote speech, asked each of the recipients “to work in good cooperation with respective contractors and community members, so that the projects can be implemented smoothly and safely”.

“After these projects are completed, please use the facilities and automobiles properly so that many people could enjoy the benefits of the projects.”

He said that today is only the beginning and urged timely implementation of all the projects.

“I am sure that these projects will play a great role in constructing stronger and more resilient societies for the future.”

Mr Munenaga also highlighted that this year marks the 50^th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Tonga and Japan.

“It is my sincere wish to further promote the existing friendship and good relations between us.”

The GGP was introduced in 1990 to respond to the challenges of obtaining basic human needs for communities at the grass-roots level throughout Tonga.