Grassroots Human Security Grant Aid to Iraq (Governorate of Al-Muthanna)

December 1, 2004

To improve the road in the suburbs of the Governorate of Al-Muthanna in the southern part of Iraq, the Government of Japan has decided to extend to the Road and Bridge Department of the Governorate a grassroots human security grant aid of about 772,000 dollars (about 85 million yen) in total which is needed to repair two roads.
The basic infrastructure of the Governorate of Al-Muthanna is particularly under-developed compared with other parts of the country, because of the oppression under the former administration, the economy battered by the war with Iran, the economic sanctions after the Gulf War, and other factors. This assistance will be provided to asphalt two roads already graveled by the Japanese Self Defense Forces (SDF): 1. Al Kwashi Road (2.3km) near Swir (about 15km east of Samawah) and 2. part of Albu Khder Road (6.5km) connecting Warka (about 17km north of Samawah) and Rumaythah (about 25km north-northwest of Samawah).
The aid extended this time to the Governorate of Al-Muthanna is expected to improve the road traffic situation and public services such as water supply, medical care and education for the residents; and also to facilitate the smooth implementation of humanitarian and reconstruction assistance activities including water supply, medical care and repair of schools currently conducted by the support units of the SDF in and around Samawah.

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