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RAMALLAH, March 21, 2012 (WAFA) - Japan and the Palestinian Authority inaugurated Three Projects for Community Empowerment in Jordan Valley, Wednesday said a press release by Representative office of Japan to the PA.

The three projects funded by the Japanese government come as part of Japan’s contribution totaling 1.176 billion Yen (approximately USD 12 million), to support the public activities of the communities in Jordan Valley in West Bank, including Area “C”.

Under this grant, the Ministry of Local Governance has completed implementation of the three projects in coordination with all the stakeholders in local communities, JICA and JICS, namely, rehabilitation of existing internal village roads (7.46 km) in Al-Aqrabaniyah, Al Nawaji and Beit Hasan villages, rehabilitation of existing internal village road (5.64 km) in Al-Nassariyah village, upgrading of electric power supply – installation of electric tower, line and poles – in Al-Aqrabaniyah, Al Nassariyah, Al Nawaji, Beit Hasan and Ein Shibli villages. Total number of beneficiaries in these villages is approximately 9000.

Hashimoto in his speech expressed that the Japanese Government is determined to continue its support to Palestinian people and its government to establish a viable independent Palestinian State and to develop capacities of local institutions and communities in providing basic daily services to population, bearing in mind the strategic importance of the Jordan Valley.

The Government of Japan has extended its official development assistance to the Palestinian people since 1993, more than USD 1.2 billion at total, ranging from humanitarian assistance to economic development assistance.

The ceremony was attended by Naofumi Hashimoto, the representative of Japan to the PA, the Deputy Minister of Local Governance, Mazen Ghonaim among others from both Palestinian and Japanese sides.

F.R.