DUSHANBE, September 29, 2014, Asia-Plus – The Government of Japan has supported enhancement of education and health sectors in the Tajik northern Sughd province.

Japan’s Embassy in Dushanbe reports that Mr. Yu Ishikawa, Head of Public Relations of the Embassy of Japan in Dushanbe, on September 24 attended the handover ceremony to commemorate the successful completion of “The Project for Rehabilitation of Secondary School No. 28 in Nov Jamoat, Spitamen District.”

This project was supported by the Government of Japan through its framework of Grant Assistance for Grass–roots Human Security Projects (GGP) with the total amount of US$113,439.

Mr. Muhsin Tojimurodov, First Deputy Chairperson of Spitamen District, also took part in the handover ceremony and extended his words of gratitude to the Government and people of Japan for supporting the project.

Release notes that prior to the project implementation, one building of Secondary School No. 28 was in the dissatisfactory condition for students to learn.  The water leakage from the roof caused serious dampness inside the building, posing health issues as well as damages to the building.  The two-story building of the school has been completely refurbished through the grant project, the condition of School No. 28 has significantly improved, which now provides suitable learning environment to the students.  

On the following day, September 25, Mr. Yu Ishikawa participated in the handover ceremony of “The Project for Improvement of Regional Hospital in Dousti Settlement, Asht District” and congratulated Mr. Azimboy Azizi, Chairperson of Asht District, for successful completion of the project. GGP granted the total amount of US$115,021 to implement this project.

The Regional Hospital in Dousti Settlement – what was originally a branch hospital of the Asht District Central Hospital prior to the implementation of the project – reportedly lacked proper space to provide appropriate medical care to its annual 6,000 patients.  With the construction of a new building with 13 rooms, the hospital has now been upgraded to function as a regional hospital, providing improved medical services to all its patients.

On September 27, Mr. Yu Ishikawa attended the handover ceremony for the “The Project for Provision of Medical Equipment to Surgical Department of the Central Hospital in Panjakent City” and congratulated Mrs. Mahbouba Habibi, First Deputy Chairperson of Panjakent City, and other related people for the successful implementation of the project for which the total amount of US$115,235 was granted.

Through this project the surgical department of the Central Hospital of Panjakent City was equipped with up-to-date medical devices, including sets of surgical instruments, electric defibrillator, operation lamp, operation table, and endoscopy set.

Japan’s GGP aims to provide support to ensure basic human rights for the people of Tajikistan.  In sectors varying from education, health, agriculture, to gender equality, GGP has supported numerous projects throughout Tajikistan. Working together with the people of Tajikistan, the Government of Japan is committed to continuing its effort in providing assistance in the needed areas.

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 320 projects in Tajikistan, for which more than US$ 25.5 million has been provided since 1996.