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

October 27, 2005

1. On October 25 (Tue), the completion ceremony for the improved roads in the city of Samawah (total length: 15.65 km), for which Japan decided to extend grassroots human security grant aid in January this year, was held at the etape of the Ground Self Defense Force of Japan (GSDF) in Samawah. The ceremony was attended by the officials concerned of the Governorate of Al-Muthanna and the city of Samawah, and the officials and staff members concerned of the Liaison Office in Samawah of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the GSDF in Samawah.
2. 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. To improve such a situation, Japan has extended grant aid (about 1.21 million dollars in total; about 133.09 million yen) to the Department of Samawah Municipality to asphalt the roads in the city of Samawah (total length: 15.65 km), already graveled by the GSDF.
3. 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.

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