The Ngetmeduch Causeway Culvert Rehabilitated through Japan’s Grassroots 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