Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Sanitary Facility at Kokusai Park
2025/2/19
On February 18, 2025, the Ngatpang State Government, led by Honorable Jersey Iyar, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for a new sanitary facility to be built at Kokusai Park.
The event was attended by Rebelkuul Felix Osilek, Rubeang Hiromi Nabeyama and the Ngaimis, Hon. Speaker of Ngatpang State Legislature Edwin Arurang, Hon Legislator Jerry Nabeyama and members Ngatpang State Legislature, Honorable Francesca R. Otong, Delegate of Ngatpang State, members of Ngatpang women's group Ngaramengidab, and members of the Kokusai Market.
The project is fully funded by the Government of Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project through a contribution of USD 92,694.
Its main objective is to improve public health services in Palau, especially Ngatpang State through the provision of new sanitary facilities, including modernized and accessible restrooms, handwashing stations, and clean water tanks, in order to accommodate more than 800 visitors per week to the Park
At the opening ceremony, Governor Iyar expressed his gratitude to the support by the Government of Japan and the importance of this project.
H.E. Hiroyuki Orikasa, Ambassador of Japan to Palau, also shared his gratitude, saying, "I am delighted to be here today as this is a step forward in improving the environment and health of the people of Ngatpang State and the wider public who use Kokusai Park.
"Japanese toilets are renowned for their cleanliness, and through this project I hope that together we can change the perception of public toilets in Palau by providing clean, well-maintained and accessible toilets in Kokusai Park. Having more adequate, clean, safe and comfortable sanitation facilities will make this park feel more welcoming and will also allow Kokusai Park to host various programmes and events, further contributing to the community of Ngatpang State," Ambassador Orikasa continued.
"A groundbreaking ceremony is called Jichinsai in Japanese. Jichinsai means to cleanse the site before construction begins and to make the site a safe place. The strong bond between Japan and Palau can be felt through the sharing of traditional customs," he added.
In closing, Ambassador Orikasa shared his positive reflections on President Surangel Whipps Jr's visit to Japan from 10-13 February and pledged to follow up on issues such as the early start and completion of the Ngatpang fishing port and the resumption of OISCA activities to further strengthen bilateral relations between Japan and Palau.
The Government of Japan’s GGP 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 event was attended by Rebelkuul Felix Osilek, Rubeang Hiromi Nabeyama and the Ngaimis, Hon. Speaker of Ngatpang State Legislature Edwin Arurang, Hon Legislator Jerry Nabeyama and members Ngatpang State Legislature, Honorable Francesca R. Otong, Delegate of Ngatpang State, members of Ngatpang women's group Ngaramengidab, and members of the Kokusai Market.
The project is fully funded by the Government of Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project through a contribution of USD 92,694.
Its main objective is to improve public health services in Palau, especially Ngatpang State through the provision of new sanitary facilities, including modernized and accessible restrooms, handwashing stations, and clean water tanks, in order to accommodate more than 800 visitors per week to the Park
At the opening ceremony, Governor Iyar expressed his gratitude to the support by the Government of Japan and the importance of this project.
H.E. Hiroyuki Orikasa, Ambassador of Japan to Palau, also shared his gratitude, saying, "I am delighted to be here today as this is a step forward in improving the environment and health of the people of Ngatpang State and the wider public who use Kokusai Park.
"Japanese toilets are renowned for their cleanliness, and through this project I hope that together we can change the perception of public toilets in Palau by providing clean, well-maintained and accessible toilets in Kokusai Park. Having more adequate, clean, safe and comfortable sanitation facilities will make this park feel more welcoming and will also allow Kokusai Park to host various programmes and events, further contributing to the community of Ngatpang State," Ambassador Orikasa continued.
"A groundbreaking ceremony is called Jichinsai in Japanese. Jichinsai means to cleanse the site before construction begins and to make the site a safe place. The strong bond between Japan and Palau can be felt through the sharing of traditional customs," he added.
In closing, Ambassador Orikasa shared his positive reflections on President Surangel Whipps Jr's visit to Japan from 10-13 February and pledged to follow up on issues such as the early start and completion of the Ngatpang fishing port and the resumption of OISCA activities to further strengthen bilateral relations between Japan and Palau.
The Government of Japan’s GGP 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