1. The Government of Japan, under the scheme of Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects, today decided to extend grant assistance totaling US$110,630 (approximately equivalent to Nu. 60 lakh) to Thimphu Thromde. The recipient of the grant and the description of the project is as follows:

“The Project for Supply of Tracked Excavator for Waste Management in Thimphu City”

Thimphu Thromde has been working to improve solid waste management in Thimphu City. In response to a request for a large tracked excavator by Thimphu Thromde, facing increased waste generation due to the increase of its population, the Government of Japan decided to support Thimphu Thromde in its purchase of a large tracked excavator, to achieve a sustainable landfill and effective waste management. To this end, the Embassy of Japan will extend grant assistance of US$110,630 to Thimphu Thromde.

2. The Signing Ceremony to formalize the arrangements took place on Tuesday, 5th February 2013, at the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi, between H.E. Mr. Takeshi Yagi, Ambassador of Japan to Bhutan, and H.E. Mr. Vetsop Namgyel, Ambassador of Bhutan to Japan.