KOROR (Palau Horizon) – Koror State Solid Waste Management Office (KSW) has received, for the second time, Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) for 2010. Valued at $38,250, ‘The Project for Koror State Government Waste Segregation Station’ aims at effectively segregating the solid waste produced by the households in Koror.
The project will construct 30 waste segregation stations in Medalaii, Iebukel, Idid and Ikelau. To formalize the agreement, a Signing Ceremony will be held between Ambassador Yoshiyuki Sadaoka and Honorable Yositaka Adachi, Governor of Koror State at the Embassy of Japan at 1:30 p.m. on March 3.
The construction of additional waste segregation stations will enable each household in Koror to segregate waste effectively. Waste segregation and recycling greatly reduces the amount of waste being sent to the landfill. Moreover, segregated waste leads to recycling of aluminum cans and bottles that can mean another source of income to the families of Koror.
Koror Solid Waste Management Office has been working towards protecting the environment by reducing solid waste and raising awareness of the citizens through ‘3R’ action. In 2007, KSW received its first GGP grant to support the recycling system with the multi-use crusher, glass machine and various electrical supplies. The first grant enabled KSW to rehabilitate the M-Dock dumpsite by crushing and shredding various waste for recycling thereby reducing the volume of the waste resulting in the extension of the life span for the dumpsite.
According to Ambassador Sadaoka, Palau is one of the numerous island nations that face an uncertain future due to climate change. One of the ways to mitigate the ill effects of the changing climate conditions is to address solid waste management in order to preserve and protect the environment. This grant demonstrates the continued commitment of the Government of Japan to assist developing nations to enhance capability and facilitate capacity building to address the adverse effects of climate change.
The Government of Japan offers financial assistance schemes for development projects designed to meet the diverse needs of developing countries. GGP scheme supports projects proposed by such bodies as NGOs and local government authorities. Under this scheme, the Government of Japan has provided financial grants to various projects in the Republic of Palau since 1999. The application for this grant will reopen from April 1, 2010. For more information regarding GGP, please contactMs. Naoko Hayashi at 488-6455/6456.
