RAMALLAH, January 20, 2025 (WAFA) - The Grant Contract for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) was signed today between Araike Katsuhiko, Ambassador for the Palestinian Affairs and Representative of Japan to Palestine, and the representatives of Beita Municipality, Mazari Annubani Village Council and Madama Village Council, at the Representative Office of Japan to Palestine in Ramallah, for an amount of $410,909, according to a press release issued by the Representative Office of Japan to Palestine.

Beita Municipality will use the funds of $143,319 to install two 400 kVA transformers, two distribution boards and three lattice towers and extend 1,665 meters of high voltage line to be connected to the existing and new transformers to supply stable electricity throughout the municipality. This project will benefit about 600 households and two schools by providing stable electricity to prevent power outages and reduce the risk of electric shock accidents.

Mazari Annubani Village Council will use the funds of $138,320 for installing 2,530 meters of steel pipes in the eastern and western areas currently not connected to the water network and enable more than 2,400 farmers to have a stable supply of water for agriculture even during the summer season, and to improve access to a clean and stable supply of water for 48 households, approximately 200 people, in Mazari Annubani village.

Madama Village Council will use the funds of $129,270 to install a 630 kVA transformer and extend 1,350 meters of high voltage line to be connected to the existing transformers and a new transformer to supply stable electricity throughout the village. This project will benefit about 200 households (1,000 people) and a school by providing stable electricity to prevent power outages. In addition, about 600 households (3,000 people) will have access to sufficient and clean water for domestic use through the operation of electric water pumps.

Araike Katsuhiko congratulated the representatives of Beita Municipality, Mazari Annubani Village Council and Madama Village Council and wished them success in their projects. He emphasized Japan’s firm commitment to supporting the Palestinian people from a human security perspective, as well as the importance of implementing social and economic development projects needed for Palestinian communities.

Since 1993, the Government of Japan has extended its official development assistance to approximately $2.5 billion to the Palestinians. GGP projects have been formulated in collaboration with the Palestinian Authority since 2010.

T.R.