JFY2024 GGP “The Project for the Construction of a Sanitary Facility for Kokusai Park in Ngatpang State”
2025/12/3
The Handover Ceremony
On December 2nd, 2025, Ambassador ORIKASA attended the handover ceremony for the modern, accessible bathroom constructed under the “The Project for the Construction of a Sanitary Facility for Kokusai Park in Ngatpang State”.
The ceremony was attended by Rebelkuul Felix Osilek, Rubeang Hiromi Nabeyama, Floor Leader of Ngatpang State Legislature Hon. John Techitong, Hon. Legislator Jerry Nabeyama, Hon. Legislator Elin R. Kloulechad, members of the Ngatpang women’s group Ngaramengidab and other community members, whose participation highlighted the importance of this project to the community.
Kokusai Park serves as a community gathering place for residents, where markets and cultural events are held. It also functions as an evacuation site during disasters. Installing accessible bathrooms and sanitary facilities (handwashing station, tanks etc.) in such a multipurpose facility is expected to improve public health conditions and enhance the living environment for residents and the people of Palau.
Highlighting the historical tie between Japan and the Ngatpang State, Ambassador ORIKASA stated in his remarks,“Everyone needs financial support, but when you are close friends or family, a lack of money doesn’t change the relationship. What truly matters is trust and mutual understanding. We work together, we sweat together, and sometimes we struggle and cry together. That is the Japan–Palau relationship—one built on trust, transparency, and accountability.” This GGP project is an endeavor that further strengthen the bilateral relationship.
The contract for the project was signed on October 11, 2024, with the funding from the Government of Japan totaling USD $92,694.00.
The Signing Ceremony
On October 11, 2024, His Excellency ORIKASA Hiroyuki, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Palau, and Honorable Jersey Iyar, Governor of Ngatpang State, signed a grant contact for up to USD $92,694 for “The Project for the Construction of Sanitary Facility at Kokusai Park in Ngatpang State”.
This Grant Assistance for Grassroots Project (GGP) will support the construction of an essential sanitation facility at Kokusai Park, which will include new toilets, accessible restrooms, and handwashing stations. This initiative aims to improve public health for the approximately 800 weekly users of the park, which serves as a vital hub for community activities. These improvements will ensure clean and accessible facilities for all residents, reinforcing the park's role as a place not only for community activities, but also for health promotion and cultural activities.
Ambassador Orikasa commented: “It is an honor to be here to today to sign the grant contract. Sanitation is a basic human need, which plays an important role in the environment and people’s health. I am confident that the new sanitary facility with two additional water tanks and pump will be maintained clean and neat, and will be known as the cleanest public restroom in Palau.”
“On behalf of the people of Ngatpang State, I would like to express our deepest gratitude. This new facility will improve the lives of many people ,” said Governor Iyar.
The signing ceremony was attended by Ngatpang State Government officials, Legislator Elin R. Kloulechad, Legislator Jerry Nabeyama, and Ms. Pamella S. Kaluu, who worked hard to facilitate the application process for this project.
The Government of Japan launched the GGP in 1999 to address development needs of grassroots activities in education, health, and other areas related to human security in Palau. This project marks the 103rd grant contract signed in Palau since 1999. For more information about the GGP, please call 488-6455 or visit the Embassy of Japan’s website at https://www.palau.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/about_ggp.html
This Grant Assistance for Grassroots Project (GGP) will support the construction of an essential sanitation facility at Kokusai Park, which will include new toilets, accessible restrooms, and handwashing stations. This initiative aims to improve public health for the approximately 800 weekly users of the park, which serves as a vital hub for community activities. These improvements will ensure clean and accessible facilities for all residents, reinforcing the park's role as a place not only for community activities, but also for health promotion and cultural activities.
Ambassador Orikasa commented: “It is an honor to be here to today to sign the grant contract. Sanitation is a basic human need, which plays an important role in the environment and people’s health. I am confident that the new sanitary facility with two additional water tanks and pump will be maintained clean and neat, and will be known as the cleanest public restroom in Palau.”
“On behalf of the people of Ngatpang State, I would like to express our deepest gratitude. This new facility will improve the lives of many people ,” said Governor Iyar.
The signing ceremony was attended by Ngatpang State Government officials, Legislator Elin R. Kloulechad, Legislator Jerry Nabeyama, and Ms. Pamella S. Kaluu, who worked hard to facilitate the application process for this project.
The Government of Japan launched the GGP in 1999 to address development needs of grassroots activities in education, health, and other areas related to human security in Palau. This project marks the 103rd grant contract signed in Palau since 1999. For more information about the GGP, please call 488-6455 or visit the Embassy of Japan’s website at https://www.palau.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/about_ggp.html