JFY2022 GGP “The Project for Procurement of Vacuum Truck to Public Utilities Corporation Wastewater”

On May 6, 2026, the Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Coordinator of the Embassy of Japan visited the wastewater treatment plant in Malakal and met with Ms. Lola Reklai, Project Coordinator of Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PPUC), and Mr. Albert Philip, Wastewater Operations Manager. The visit was conducted as part of the 2-year follow-up to “The Project for the Procurement of a Vacuum Truck for Public Utilities Corporation Wastewater Operations.”
 
Under this project, one vacuum truck was provided to PPUC, which is the only company responsible for water and sewage management in Palau. The vehicle has been used at 43 sewage pump stations throughout Koror State to remove solid waste that causes pump blockages, as well as to extract  and remove sediment at the wastewater treatment plant, thereby contributing to the effective maintenance of the wastewater treatment system.
Ms. Lola Reklai stated, “Thanks to the provided vacuum truck, we are now able to carry out sewage pump blockage removal work more efficiently and have been able to prevent problems such as sewage backflow and overflow.”
 
The Embassy of Japan hopes that this vehicle will continue to contribute to improving the sanitary environment for local residents.

On February 28, 2024, Ms. HAGIWARA Mayu, Charge’ d’ Affaires ad interim, formally handed over a vacuum truck to Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PPUC).  The handover ceremony for the “The Project for Procurement of Vacuum Truck to Public Utilities” was attended by Mr. Frank Kyota, Chief Executive Officer of PPUC, and other distinguished guests, marking a significant milestone as this is currently PPUC’s first and only Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) .
 
PPUC is the sole agency responsible for managing water, sewage and electric power supply in Palau. The sewage network managed by PPUC was established around 1980, and connects almost all residential and commercial areas in Koror, with a total length of about 50 kilometers. The sewage in the state is collected in main pipes and then sent to a sewage treatment plant on Malakal Island, located at the southern tip of the state, for treatment. There are a total of 43 sewage pumping facilities in each area of the state to pump sewage from the regional pipelines to the main pipeline. Vacuum trucks travel to these facilities throughout the state to periodically suction and remove solids and other substances that can cause clogging of the pumps.
 
Through this grant contract worth USD 182,800, PPUC is now equipped with a vacuum truck better equipped to maintain their day-to-day sewage operations for the betterment of the population of Palau. This will help mitigate incidents where sewage flows into roads and the sea, making it safer for overall public health and the integrity of our beloved ocean.
 
During the ceremony, Charge’ d’ Affaires, Ms. Hagiwara said, “Effective sewage treatment is essential for good public health, and I am very pleased that the PPUC is now better equipped to maintain their day-to-day sewage operations for the people of Palau.”
 

On December 23, 2022, Ambassador of Japan Hiroyuki Orikasa and Chief Executive Officer of Palau Public Utilities Corporation  (PPUC) Frank Kyota signed the contract for “The Project for the Procurement of Vacuum Truck to Palau Public Utilities Corporation Wastewater Operations” worth $182,800. The ceremony was held at Embassy of Japan and witnessed by the representatives manager, mechanical engineer of Wastewater Operations, and other staff of PPUC.
 
PPUC is the only government-related institution responsible for managing water, sewage and power supply in Palau. The sewage network managed by PPUC is connected to almost all residential and commercial areas in Koror State, with a total length of about 50km. Sewage is collected in the main pipe and sent to the sewage treatment plant in Malakal, located at the southern tip of Koror State. A total of 43 sewage pump facilities have been installed in each region of the state to send sewage to pipes, and vacuum trucks patrol each facility to periodically suck up sludge that causes clogging of the pumps. Therefore, it is imperative that appropriate sewage treatment is performed.
 
However, PPUC currently has only one deteriorated vacuum truck, which frequently needs maintenance. As a result, there are frequent incidents where sewage flows into roads and the sea, which is not only a public health threat affecting the health of residents, but also an impact on the tourism industry in Koror State.
 
In light of these urgent issues, the Embassy of Japan in Palau, based on a request from the PPUC, has utilized the “Grassroots Grant Aid” scheme to provide emergency assistance directly linked to human security by means of financial support for the provision of one vacuum truck. The contract amount is USD 182,800 (JPY 19,742,400), and is the first grassroots project for PPUC.
 
During the ceremony, Ambassador Orikasa expressed, “I am pleased to present today a contract for assistance in areas directly related to human security and procurement. After being granted, I believe PPUC will use Vacuum Truck efficiently while performing good maintenance.” PPUC CEO Kyota said, “This assistance is very timely and useful for us. From the Board and Management of PPUC and the people of Palau, we are very grateful for this and will continue to strengthen the relationship.”
 
The Government of Japan launched GGP in 1999 to meet development needs in grassroots activities in Palau. The Embassy of Japan has signed 94 grant contracts with schools, hospitals, state governments and NGOs. For further information about GGP, please contact 488-6455 or visit the Embassy of Japan website at https://www.palau.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/about_ggp.html