Japan and Palau Sign GGP Grant Contract to Renovate Judiciary Capitol Building in Melekeok

Japan’s “tokubetsu” relationship with the Republic of Palau continues to strengthen with the provision of $154,000 USD to the Government of Palau for "the Project for the Renovation of Judiciary Building in Melekeok” under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Programme.
 
On January 31, 2025 Japan’s Ambassador to Palau, H.E. ORIKASA Hiroyuki, and the Acting Director of the Bureau of Public Works (BPW) Mr. Calvin Ikesiil, signed the grant contract for this project in the presence of senior government officials including Mr. Kenneth Uyehara, Administrative Director for the Judiciary, Ms. Lady Ngirmeriil, Assistant to Minister of State, and Mr. Lee Otobed, Manager of Capital Improvement Project.
 
The project aims to promote equal access to Palau’s judicial services and facilities for all citizens, including through the construction of a new wheelchair ramp that will provide safer and more convenient access for all people, including the elderly and people with disabilities. 
 
This initiative to create more accessible Palauan justice system will be another step forward for Palau in becoming a more inclusive country.
 
The project will also see the construction of a new car park roof specifically for judges, witnesses and jury members. This new covered area will provide a sheltered and secure environment as people exit their vehicles and enter the building, ensuring their comfort and protection from any security issues.
 
Ambassador Orikasa said, “The Melekeok court building holds around 300 trials a year. It is a symbol of the rule of law in Palau, and a fortress said to be home to a guardian who guarantees the peace and stability of the lives of the people of Palau”.
 
Known for having the highest average life and health expectancy in the world, Japan understands the importance of an accessible and inclusive society. In Japan, the term ‘barrier-free’, is often used when referring to increased accessibility. It refers not only to the removal of physical barriers, such as steps in buildings, but also to the removal of social, psychological, and institutional barriers.
 
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.
 
One such project is the ongoing “Project for the Rehabilitation of the Palau Supreme Court Building in Koror” worth $120,800. These GGP projects underscore Japan’s long-standing commitment to supporting community-centered initiatives that improve the well-being of Palau’s residents through the improvement of public infrastructure.
 
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