Groundbreaking Ceremony – Reconstruction of Minatobashi Begins in Palau
2025/7/17
On July 17, the groundbreaking ceremony was held at the site of the Minato Bridge (Minatobashi) in Koror, marking the official start of its reconstruction. This major infrastructure project will begin building a new Minatobashi which is vital to Palau’s transportation system and help ensure the continued safety and well-being of residents who rely on it daily.
The bridge and causeway were originally constructed by Japan, the Minatobashi has long served as a critical link in Koror to the port facilities in Malakal. True to its name, with minato meaning “port”(港) and bashi meaning “bridge” (橋), the structure was built to strengthen Palau’s maritime trade, support daily transportation, and promote broader economic activity. Now, more than four decades later, the bridge is undergoing a major reconstruction through a USD $12.16 million grant funded by the Government of Japan.
The project joins a lineage of Japanese-supported infrastructure works that have strengthened Palau’s resilience and connectivity such as the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge, completed in 2002, and the more recent rehabilitation of the Ngetmeduch Culvert completed on February 7, 2025, under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). These projects reinforce Japan’s long-standing dedication to improving Palau’s infrastructure from both a national and community level.
During the ceremony, the Ambassador of Japan to Palau, His Excellency Orikasa Hiroyuki said, “It is with great pleasure to commemorate the start of this 24-month project that will result in a new bridge by the end of April 2027. This project is made possible through a grant of 12.16 million USD provided by the Government and people of Japan in collaboration with the Government and people of Palau. While the reconstruction of the bridge begins today, a lot of effort has been put into the planning of the project – specifically in relation to land acquisition and the bridge design. Thanks to the strong collaboration between the people of Palau and Japanese people, we are ready to take the next step and build a better Minatobashi bridge into a reality. I would thus like to take this opportunity to commend the dedicated support and understanding of the community members of Koror, including the traditional leaders of Koror State, Governor Eyos Rudimch, and Honorable Mengkur Rechelulk, Delegate of Koror State, for their efforts in resolving these issues. Thank you very much, the people of Koror State.”
Ambassador Orikasa also said, “Palau will be the chair of the PIF in 2026 and the co-chair of PALM11 in 2027. Therefore, the next three years are of critical importance, not only to the national interests of Japan and Palau, but also to the peace and stability in the Pacific. Our two governments have already clearly identified how to maintain and secure peace, stability and prosperity based on mutual respect, trust and understanding.”
In his special remarks, President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. emphasized the urgency and significance of the project, stating, “Timing is everything. Today’s groundbreaking marks not just the beginning of construction, but the continuation of our partnership with Japan in ensuring this vital link will never be severed. My very first meeting with Ambassador Orikasa was on a boat inspecting Palau’s culverts, a moment that highlighted their critical importance.” He went on to note that more than 4,000 containers pass through Malakal each year, with over half of Palau’s current and future hotels located in the surrounding area. As a hub for diving and tourism activities, Malakal plays a central role in the national economy. The President emphasized that the reconstruction of the bridge is not only about restoring a physical connection, but about ensuring reliable transportation, supporting long-term development, and strengthening Palau’s economic resilience and security.
The event was attended by key stakeholders from both the Government of Palau and Japan, including H.E. President Surangel S. Whipps Jr., High Chief Reklai and members of the Council of Chiefs (Rubekul Belau), Senate Floor Leader Hon. Kerai Mariur and other members of the Senate, Vice Speaker of the House of Delegates Hon. Mario Gulibert, Koror State Delegate Hon. Mengkur Rechelulk and other members of the House of Delegates, Governor of Koror State Hon. Eyos Rudimch, Governor of Airai State Hon. Norman Ngiratecheboet, Governor of Ngatpang State Hon. Jersey Iyar, United States Ambassador to Palau H.E. Joel Ehrendreich, Mr. Franklin Chen, and other distinguished guests.
The bridge and causeway were originally constructed by Japan, the Minatobashi has long served as a critical link in Koror to the port facilities in Malakal. True to its name, with minato meaning “port”(港) and bashi meaning “bridge” (橋), the structure was built to strengthen Palau’s maritime trade, support daily transportation, and promote broader economic activity. Now, more than four decades later, the bridge is undergoing a major reconstruction through a USD $12.16 million grant funded by the Government of Japan.
The project joins a lineage of Japanese-supported infrastructure works that have strengthened Palau’s resilience and connectivity such as the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge, completed in 2002, and the more recent rehabilitation of the Ngetmeduch Culvert completed on February 7, 2025, under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP). These projects reinforce Japan’s long-standing dedication to improving Palau’s infrastructure from both a national and community level.
During the ceremony, the Ambassador of Japan to Palau, His Excellency Orikasa Hiroyuki said, “It is with great pleasure to commemorate the start of this 24-month project that will result in a new bridge by the end of April 2027. This project is made possible through a grant of 12.16 million USD provided by the Government and people of Japan in collaboration with the Government and people of Palau. While the reconstruction of the bridge begins today, a lot of effort has been put into the planning of the project – specifically in relation to land acquisition and the bridge design. Thanks to the strong collaboration between the people of Palau and Japanese people, we are ready to take the next step and build a better Minatobashi bridge into a reality. I would thus like to take this opportunity to commend the dedicated support and understanding of the community members of Koror, including the traditional leaders of Koror State, Governor Eyos Rudimch, and Honorable Mengkur Rechelulk, Delegate of Koror State, for their efforts in resolving these issues. Thank you very much, the people of Koror State.”
Ambassador Orikasa also said, “Palau will be the chair of the PIF in 2026 and the co-chair of PALM11 in 2027. Therefore, the next three years are of critical importance, not only to the national interests of Japan and Palau, but also to the peace and stability in the Pacific. Our two governments have already clearly identified how to maintain and secure peace, stability and prosperity based on mutual respect, trust and understanding.”
In his special remarks, President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. emphasized the urgency and significance of the project, stating, “Timing is everything. Today’s groundbreaking marks not just the beginning of construction, but the continuation of our partnership with Japan in ensuring this vital link will never be severed. My very first meeting with Ambassador Orikasa was on a boat inspecting Palau’s culverts, a moment that highlighted their critical importance.” He went on to note that more than 4,000 containers pass through Malakal each year, with over half of Palau’s current and future hotels located in the surrounding area. As a hub for diving and tourism activities, Malakal plays a central role in the national economy. The President emphasized that the reconstruction of the bridge is not only about restoring a physical connection, but about ensuring reliable transportation, supporting long-term development, and strengthening Palau’s economic resilience and security.
The event was attended by key stakeholders from both the Government of Palau and Japan, including H.E. President Surangel S. Whipps Jr., High Chief Reklai and members of the Council of Chiefs (Rubekul Belau), Senate Floor Leader Hon. Kerai Mariur and other members of the Senate, Vice Speaker of the House of Delegates Hon. Mario Gulibert, Koror State Delegate Hon. Mengkur Rechelulk and other members of the House of Delegates, Governor of Koror State Hon. Eyos Rudimch, Governor of Airai State Hon. Norman Ngiratecheboet, Governor of Ngatpang State Hon. Jersey Iyar, United States Ambassador to Palau H.E. Joel Ehrendreich, Mr. Franklin Chen, and other distinguished guests.