Grant Contracts for two Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) were signed by Mr. Takeshi Okubo, Ambassador for the Palestinian Affairs and Representative of Japan to the PA, and Representatives from Al-Shifa Hospital and Palestinian Environmental Friends (PEF) at UNDP Headquarter in Gaza for a total amount of US$ 219,335.
Al-Shifa Hospital received a grant of US$ 90,909 for the capacity improvement of its Blood Laboratory. The main objective of the project is to realize stable and adequate services of the Blood Bank Department for the patients by renewing the essential equipment for blood check and transfusion. Moreover, the number of direct beneficiaries from the provision of the requested equipment will reach to 21,150 patients per month.
The Palestinian Environment Friends (PEF) received a grant of US$ 128,426 for the improvement of Supplied water quality in Rafah of Gaza Strip. This project’s objective is to improve the safety and stability of the drinkable water supply for the residents of Rafah in Gaza Strip through establishing the desalination plant and to desalinate the brackish water underground. A total of 10,000 residents in the area will be impacted by the implementation of this project.
In his speech, Mr. Okubo emphasized on Japan’s firm commitment to enhancing the human security of Palestinians as well as on implementing the socioeconomic developmental projects that will lead to the empowerment of the Palestinian communities in the Gaza strip.
Since 1993 the Government of Japan has extended its official development assistance to approximately $1.7 billion, to the Palestinians. GGP projects have been formulated in collaboration with the Palestinian Authority through Ministry of Finance and Planning since 2010. (END)