Peleliu State Secures Japan’s 101st Grant Assistance for Grassroots Project in Palau to Enhance Waste Management

The Government of Japan will provide waste management vehicles to Peleliu State in order to enhance environmental services and waste management practices in the state under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP), once again demonstrating its commitment to supporting local communities of Palau.

The signing ceremony for “The Project for the Provision of Waste Management Vehicle for Peleliu State” took place at the Embassy of Japan on March 8, 2024. The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Ambassador ORIKASA Hiroyuki, Honorable Dr. Emais Roberts, Governor of Peleliu State, Honorable Mr. Billy Rekemel, Speaker of Peleliu State Legislature, and Honorable Mr. Nace Soalablai, Delegate of Peleliu State alongside other guests.

Since the beginning of 2023, the number of visitors to Peleliu has increased contributing to the island’s economy, but the state’s waste management capacity has not been able to keep up with the increase. In addition to garbage from households, businesses, and tourist sites, the state’s existing vehicles also transport trees that are being cut down to improve the village environment and maintain roads, placing a heavy burden on the aging trucks.

This project aims to address the critical need for efficient waste management infrastructure in Peleliu State by providing a waste collection vehicle and a small truck to supplement existing trucks.

“The provision of waste management vehicles will not only increase the efficiency of waste collection, but also represent our commitment to maintaining a clean living environment, public health, and the overall well-being of the people of Peleliu,” said Ambassador Orikasa. “These vehicles will also strengthen our friendship and ensure that the pristine beauty of the island is preserved,” Ambassador Orikasa continued.

The Government of Japan launched GGP in 1999 to meet development needs in grassroots activities in Palau. Since then, the Embassy of Japan in Palau has signed over 100 grant contracts so far with schools, hospitals, state governments and NGOs. For further information about GGP, contact 488-6455 or visit the Embassy of Japan website at https://www.palau.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/about_ggp.html