1. The Government of Japan, under its development assistance scheme “Grant Assistance for Grassroots Projects”, decided to extend grant assistance totaling US$207,770 (approximately equivalent to Nu. 129　Lac) to three new projects in Bhutan. The recipients of the grants and their respective projects are as follows:

(i) Bumthang Dzongkhag

With a growing population and urbanization of the city, garbage collection and sewage treatment are becoming serious issues in Chamkhar, Bumthang. The Government of Japan has decided to extend a grant assistance of US$44,056 for the Project for Introduction of Recycled Compactor Truck and Vacuum Truck in Bumthang Dzongkhag. Under this project, 1 recycled compactor truck and 1 recycled vacuum truck donated by a Japanese local government will be provided to Bumthang Dzongkhag, in order to facilitate efficient garbage collection and water sewage treatment in Chamkhar, Bumthang.

(ii) Royal Bhutan Police

Royal Bhutan Police has launched a concept of “Community Police Centers (CPC)” in Thimphu, in order to prevent crimes with the active involvement of the local community. 6 CPCs have already started their operations so far. The Government of Japan has decided to extend a grant assistance of US$78,969 for the Project for Supply of Patrol Cars at Community Police Centers in Thimphu City. Through this project, 6 new patrol cars will be provided to the CPCs in order to help maintain public peace in the city, and create a safer living environment for the people in Thimphu.

(iii) Thimphu Thromde

Garbage collection is becoming a big challenge for Thimphu City as a consequence of increasing population and urbanization of the city. The Government of Japan has decided to extend a grant assistance of US$84,745 for the Project for Supply of Recycled Compactor Trucks in Thimphu City. Through this project, four recycled compactor trucks donated by Japanese local governments will be provided to Thimphu City, in order to facilitate efficient garbage collection in Thimphu City.

2. The Signing Ceremony to formalize the arrangements took place on Thursday, 20th March 2014, at the Embassy of Japan in New Delhi, between H.E. Mr. Takeshi Yagi, Ambassador of Japan to Bhutan, and H.E. Maj. Gen. Vetsop Namgyel, Ambassador of Bhutan to Japan.

H.E. Mr. Takeshi Yagi, Ambassador of Japan to Bhutan, and H. E. Maj. Gen.Vetsop Namgyel,
Ambassador of Bhutan to Japan