JFY2023 GGP “The Project for Improvement of Ngetmeduch Causeway Culvert / Bureau of Public Works, Ministry of Public Infrastructure & Industries”
2025/2/10
The Handover Ceremony
The Ngetmeduch Causeway Culvert Rehabilitated through Japan's Graddroots Grant Project (GGP)
On February 7, 2025, H.E. Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, Members of the Council of Chiefs, Hon. Gibson Kanai, Speaker of the House of Delegates, fellow Delegates, Senators, Ministers, State Governors, Hon. Uchel Sechewas, Speaker of Koror State Legislature, H.E. Orikasa Hiroyuki, Ambassador of Japan to Palau, among many others, gathered at Ngetmeduch Park to mark the successful completion of the Ngetmeduch Causeway Culvert Rehabilitation Project, which was funded by the Government of Japan’s Grassroots Grant Project for USD$252,500.
The main objective of the project was to ensure the safety of the causeway culvert, which is crucial to connecting Koror and Babeldaob.
The Ngetmeduch Culvert, one of nine culverts in Koror State, spanning 0.75 kilometers, was originally constructed during the Japanese administration more than 80 years ago, and has undergone previous renovation with Japanese official development assistance between 2004 and 2006.
"We are very grateful for the partnership. We have been able to complete this important project to rehabilitate the culvert that we cannot see, but is vital to connecting Airai to Koror, and is vital to connecting our visitors, our economy and our people," commented President Whipps.
In addition to facilitating smooth transportation, the culvert also serves as a key channel for water, sewage, and electricity lines that are essential for the daily functioning of both Koror and Babeldaob. The rehabilitation of the culvert ensures safe travel and the reliable delivery of these critical utilities.
“The Ngetmeduch Causeway Culvert, in conjunction with the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge, forms an essential artery for both local residents and international visitors, making the project vital for the continued growth and prosperity of Palau,” said H.E. ORIKASA Hiroyuki, Ambassador of Japan to Palau.
“I remember in December 2022, less than a month after I arrived in Palau, the President took me and Mr. Brian Melairei, who is now a senator, on a boat to see the roads from the sea, including the aging culvert. I have worked in international cooperation for many years, but I have never had the President or the Prime Minister take us on a boat to inspect and diagnose roads, bridges and culverts, and I remember my surprise as if it were yesterday. Since then, Mr. President has taken me to toilets, waste disposal sites, schools, hospitals, and many other places, and we are here today. One of the tangible results of that is today's handover ceremony. Japan is the donor of this project, but without the support of Mr. President and the people of Palau, nothing would be possible. We always say that the relationship between Japan and Palau is TOKUBETSU. We are determined to further strengthen this already strong relationship based on respect, trust, transparency and accountability to our people,” Ambassador Orikasa continued.
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.
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 Signing Ceremony
Japan and Palau sign a Grant Contract for “The Project for Improvement of Airai Causeway Culvert” to assist with the repair of Palau’s major infrastructure connecting Babeldaob and Koror
On September 18, 2023, Ambassador of Japan ORIKASA Hiroyuki and Minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries Hon. Charles Obichang signed the contract for “The Project for Improvement of Airai Causeway Culvert” worth $252,500. The ceremony was held at the Embassy of Japan and witnessed by the Bureau of Public Works Director Brian Melairei, Division of Roads and Equipment Chief Tkakl Mekreos, and Division of Capital Improvement Project engineer Jerald Ismael among others.
The Airai Causeway, along with the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge, connects Babeldaob and Koror Islands, the country’s two major islands and home to the majority of its population.
“I remember when the Koror-Babeldaob Bridge collapsed” said Minister Obichang. “The collapse cut off not only transportation between the islands but also the vital services including water, sewage, and electricity” Minister Obichang continued.
After the collapse, the bridge was rebuilt as the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge along with the Airai Causeway Culvert, which had been originally built during the Japanese administration, and was repaired with Japanese aid between 2004 and 2006. Since then, the Causeway has served as an artery between the two islands, providing water, sewage and electricity services between Babeldaob and Koror islands. It serves more than 5,800 vehicles a day travelling between the two islands and provides access to the country's only national hospital on Ngerekebesang Island and the international airport on Babeldaob Island. The Causeway serves as an engine for economic development and social services.
Over the years, waves and sea breezes have caused large areas of the concrete to flake off, exposing some parts of the reinforcing steel inside. Through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Project for Improvement of Airai Causeway Culvert, the Government of Japan and the Government of Palau will work together to ensure the lives of the people of the islands undisturbed.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Orikasa said, "It is our mission to properly follow up on the projects we have supported in the past, and we will continue to do so with other past and future projects for the people of Japan and Palau. The most important thing, however, is that the people of Palau will continue to maintain this vital infrastructure for many years to come. Let’s work hard together.”
The Government of Japan launched Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP) in 1999 to address the development needs of grassroots activities in Palau. This is the ninety-ninth GGP implemented by the Embassy of Japan for schools, hospitals, government agencies and NGOs based in Palau. 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.
The Airai Causeway, along with the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge, connects Babeldaob and Koror Islands, the country’s two major islands and home to the majority of its population.
“I remember when the Koror-Babeldaob Bridge collapsed” said Minister Obichang. “The collapse cut off not only transportation between the islands but also the vital services including water, sewage, and electricity” Minister Obichang continued.
After the collapse, the bridge was rebuilt as the Japan-Palau Friendship Bridge along with the Airai Causeway Culvert, which had been originally built during the Japanese administration, and was repaired with Japanese aid between 2004 and 2006. Since then, the Causeway has served as an artery between the two islands, providing water, sewage and electricity services between Babeldaob and Koror islands. It serves more than 5,800 vehicles a day travelling between the two islands and provides access to the country's only national hospital on Ngerekebesang Island and the international airport on Babeldaob Island. The Causeway serves as an engine for economic development and social services.
Over the years, waves and sea breezes have caused large areas of the concrete to flake off, exposing some parts of the reinforcing steel inside. Through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Project for Improvement of Airai Causeway Culvert, the Government of Japan and the Government of Palau will work together to ensure the lives of the people of the islands undisturbed.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Orikasa said, "It is our mission to properly follow up on the projects we have supported in the past, and we will continue to do so with other past and future projects for the people of Japan and Palau. The most important thing, however, is that the people of Palau will continue to maintain this vital infrastructure for many years to come. Let’s work hard together.”
The Government of Japan launched Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects (GGP) in 1999 to address the development needs of grassroots activities in Palau. This is the ninety-ninth GGP implemented by the Embassy of Japan for schools, hospitals, government agencies and NGOs based in Palau. 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.