DUSHANBE, October 30, 2014, Asia-Plus – The Government of Japan has awarded grants to support enhancement of energy and health sectors in the Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO).

According to the Embassy of Japan in Dushanbe, a ceremony commemorating the successful completion of “The Project for Construction of Mini Hydro Power Station in Roshtqala District”, funded by the Government of Japan in the amount of US$92,958, took place in Tusyon Jamoat, Roshtqala District on October 23.

At the ceremony, Mr. Yusuf Sultonnoyobov, Chairperson of Roshtqala District, expressed gratitude to Mr. Takashi Kamada, Ambassador at the Embassy of Japan in Dushanbe.

The project was implemented under the framework of Japan’s Grant Assistance for the Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP).

Tusyon Jamoat had been suffering from the lack of electricity, which resulted in the economic losses of the local industries as well as harsher living condition for the local people.   With GGP’s grant, a new hydro-power station has now been constructed, supplying electricity to over 200 households and the industries within the jamoat to ensure better living condition and economic activities.

On October 24, Mr. Kamada reportedly visited the center of Ishkashim District to attend a handover ceremony for “The Project for Improvement of Central Hospital in Ishkashim District.”  He received a warm welcome and words of gratitude from Mr. Zikrikhudo Samadov, the chairperson of Ishkashim District, and the employees of the hospital.

The grant in the amount of US$122,957 was allocated to the local authority for the implementation of this project.   The first floor of the hospital’s two-story building has now been renovated and the hospital is now also equipped with the much needed new medical equipment, including a gastroscopy, an X-ray apparatus, an ultrasound scanner, and other devices.  Improved condition of the hospital will certainly enable the doctors to perform more advanced treatments and provide the patients with more hygienic and safe environment.

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 the Republic of Tajikistan, for which more than US$ 25.5 million has been provided since 1996.