Japan funds road upgrand in Saravan The 4,303 residents of Khomgxedon distyiet I Saravan province will soon benefit

from a road upgrade funded by the government of Japan. Japan is providing grant assistance worth more than 900 million kip (US$123,000) to fund the Project for Construction of the Rural Road in Nasadong villange, Khongxedon district, Saravan province, under its grant Assistance Scheme for Grassroots Human Security projects (GGP). The grant contract for the project was singed yesterday in Vientiane between the Ambassador of Japan to Laos, Mr Junko Yokota, and office Head of public works and transport in khongxedon district, Mr Somlith Ounechit, and witnessed by the Minister of Public Works and transport, Mr Sommad pholsena. When it has been resurfaced the road will enable the residents of six villages to travel to the district capital more easily and safe, a journey that has until now been difficult and, during the rainy season, increasingly hazardous, said Ms Yokota. The upgrade will also mean villages can more easily access schools, which will significantly improve their quality of life. Ms Yokota said the government of Japan regards the pimprovement of basic infrastructure in helping Laos to achieve its

socio-economic development goals. The government of Japan has so far supported 34 projects in the communication and transport sectors, including the construction of 17 rural roads under the GGP. Mr Somlith said it is an important project for the reduction of poverty in the target villages, and will make it easier for people to transport their crops to points of sale.