Photo: Hilary Hosia.
WILMER JOEL
A groundbreaking for a new water reservoir funded by Japan, a project worth over $13 million, was held last Friday next to Katoj Park.
In a statement from the Japanese Embassy, the project “contributes to securing clean and stable water supply and enhancement of resilience to climate change and natural disasters in the Marshall Islands by constructing water reservoir with storage capacity of 11.2 million gallons.”
Japan Ambassador Kazunari Tanaka said having a stable water supply is essential for economic and social development. “Securing a stable supply of water is one of the most important issues for the nations including the RMI,” he said. “Also, enhancing resilience to climate change and natural disasters, by which the Marshall Islands is prone to be affected continuously and often, is therefore highly prioritized in the RMI.”
Ambassador Tanaka stated that “Japan is truly grateful to support the Republic of the Marshall Islands’ ongoing efforts for the development of the country and well-being of its people as friends who share the Pacific Ocean and the history.”
The ceremony was attended by President Hilda Heine, Minister of Works, Infrastructure and Utilities and Chairman of the Majuro Water and Sewer Company Thomas Heine, Majuro Member of Parliament David Kramer, traditional leaders, the board of directors and staff of MWSC, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Chief Executive Officer of Pacific International Inc. Jerry Kramer, Ono Yukari, resident representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and contractor representatives from Dai Nippon Construction and Yachiyo Engineering Companies.