JFY2023 GGP “The Project for the Provision of Waste Management Vehicle for Peleliu State”

On May 14, 2026, the first handover ceremony for the “The Project for the Procurement of Waste Management Vehicles for Peleliu State,” funded through Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Project (GGP) with a total value of USD 164,200, was held at Peleliu state, during which the flatbed truck was officially provided to the state. The ceremony was attended by Honorable Dr. Emais Roberts, Governor of Peleliu State, His Excellency KASAHARA Kenichi, Ambassador of Japan to Palau, Honorable Mr. Billy Rekemel, Speaker of Peleliu State Legislature, and many other local guests.

In Peleliu State, located about 40 km southwest of Koror, a single truck is operated for waste management, collecting household garbage from about 175 households, businesses and tourist sites. However, frequent breakdowns due to its advanced age and heavy use, have led to delays in waste collection, resulting in unsanitary conditions that impact the well-being of the community. With the expected increase in tourists, a continuation of this situation can also have a significant economic impact on the State’s tourism industry.

The provision of one flatbed truck will bolster waste collection efforts and help reduce the burden of regular garbage collection and cleaning activities throughout the state, including tourist destinations. This support is also expected to improve public health and overall living conditions in Peleliu. Furthermore, a garbage collection truck scheduled tobe delivered next year, is expected to further strengthen waste management efforts across the state.

At the ceremony, Hon. Governor Dr. Emais Roberts stated, “Effective waste collection is essential to protecting Palau’s environment. I sincerely appreciate Japan’s support, and the newly provided truck has significantly contributed to our environmental protection efforts.”

Ambassador Kasahara stated: “It is my sincere hope that this provided truck will serve the community for many years to come and contribute to the well-being of local residents.”

The Government of Japan’s GGP was launched in Palau in 1999, with the aim of addressing grassroots development needs, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. To date, the Embassy of Japan has signed 105 grant contracts with schools, hospitals, state governments, and NGOs to support various community-focused initiatives.

For more information on the GGP program or this specific project, please contact the Embassy of Japan at 488-6455 or visit the official website at www.palau.emb-japan.go.jp

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