On October 25, the completion ceremony for the improved roads in the city of Samawah, for which Japan extended grassroots human security grant aid in January, was held at the etape of the Ground Self Defense Force of Japan (GSDF) in Samawah. The ceremony was attended by Governorate of Al-Muthanna, city of Samawah, Liaison Office in Samawah of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials and the GSDF in Samawah.
"The basic infrastructure of the Governorate of Al-Muthanna is particularly under-developed compared with other parts of the country by reason of such factors as the oppression under the former government, the economy battered by the war with Iran and the economic sanctions after the Gulf War. Roads and bridges are therefore in extremely poor condition, hampering the smooth traffic of water tank trucks or emergency vehicles that directly affect people's daily lives. Improvement of the commuting roads for school children also remains insufficient," according to a statement issued by the Japanese government.
To improve the situation, Japan has extended $1.21 million (about 133.09 million yen) in grant aid to the Department of Samawah Municipality to asphalt the roads in Samawah (total length of 15.65 km), already graveled by the GSDF.
This aid is expected to improve the road traffic situation in Samawah and public services for the residents, such as water supply, medical care and education.
Posted by Lawk Salih