Japan injects sh1.6b in Education, health

By Cecilia Okoth                

Japan has signed a contract worth sh1.6b aimed at improving education, health, access to clean water and sanitation in six districts in the country.

The money under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP), a scheme administered by the Embassy of Japan to support community-based development projects will benefit the districts of Iganga, Wakiso, Arua, Kiboga, Kyankwanzi and Agago.

The contracts were signed by the Ambassador of Japan to Uganda Junzo Fujita and representatives of six recipient organizations, working in the fields of education, health and water sectors.

Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the Japan Embassy board room, Fujita said these different projects will provide an enabling learning and healthy environment for the least privileged people in these districts.  

“This project is focusing on people in need. It is my wish therefore that all projects will be implemented as planned,” Fujita said.

 From the Grant, Iganga will benefit in the education sector, while Wakiso and Arua will benefit in the health sector, with the construction of a children’s HIV/AIDS and Primary Health Care Centre in Iganga and a Health Centre III respectively.

Kiboga and Kyankwanzi under the Infectious Disease Institute (IDI) will receive US$ 109,566 (about Sh280m) for the construction of maternity inpatient blocks at two Health Centre IVs while Goal Uganda will receive US$ 116,303 (about sh290m) for drilling and construction of 15 boreholes in Agago district.

Iganga Secondary School in Iganga district will receive US$ 97,169 (about sh245m ) for construction of a library, procurement of desks, chairs and book shelves, given the limited space of the existing library with a capacity for only 20  students. The school according to Balina Nseko the head teacher has 1358 girl students and 38 visually impaired students.

In Wakiso District Nurture Africa, the only medical centre providing pediatric HIV/AIDS and mother to child prevention and treatment services in the area will receive US$ 182,511 (about Sh460m) for the construction of a Children's HIV/AIDS and Primary Health Care Service Centre.

Aripea Health Centre III in Arua district will receive US$ 52,040 (about sh130m) for construction of a maternity ward at Aripea Parish Health Centre. This according to Fr. Stanley Chandia, the area Parish priest will cater for over 3,600 mothers annually.

 Uplift the Rural poor in Kisoro District will receive US$ 98,831 (about sh250m) for construction of 8 rainwater harvesting sheds and 8 water tanks.  Beatrice Kabihogo who signed on behalf of the Kisoro water project said only 8.5% of the population in this area have access to clean water.

“Women and children have been forced to walk 10-12Km every day to fetch water. Under such a harsh environment, water borne diseases, school absenteeism and gender based violence are prevalent,” Kabihogo said.

 She said the project will improve access to safe water in the area.

 "Japan, through the Tokyo International Conference on African Development process, is committed to achieving Uganda’s quality growth, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and consolidation of peace and good governance,” Fujita concluded.