RAMALLAH, March 21, 2012 (WAFA) – Japan and the Palestinian Authority (PA) inaugurated on Wednesday three projects for community empowerment in the Jordan Valley, according to a press release by representative office of Japan to the PA.
The three projects come as part of Japan’s contribution to the PA totaling around $12 million to support the public activities of the communities in the Jordan Valley of the West Bank, including Area C, which is under Israeli occupation.
The grant will go for rehabilitation of more than 12 kilometers of internal village roads, upgrading of electric power supply, including installation of electric tower, line and poles.
A total 9000 people will benefit from these projects, said the release.
The ceremony was attended by Naofumi Hashimoto, the representative of Japan to the PA, and the deputy Minister of Local Government, Mazen Ghonaim, among others from both Palestinian and Japanese sides.
Hashimoto, in his speech, said the Japanese Government is determined to continue its support for the Palestinian people and their government to establish a viable independent Palestinian state and to develop capacities of local institutions and communities in providing basic daily services to population, bearing in mind the strategic importance of the Jordan Valley.
The Government of Japan has extended its official development assistance to the Palestinian people since 1993, more than $1.2 billion in total, ranging from humanitarian assistance to economic development assistance.
F.R./M.S.
Palestine News & Information Agency
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