Japan pledges $2 million for welfare projects

Kabul, October 31, 2007 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Japan has pledged to provide two million US dollars for 20 welfare projects in this capital city and provinces.

The Japanese government also promised to provide two loaders to the Kabul municipality during a ceremony on Wednesday.

Mayor of Kabul city Rohullah Aman and Japan ambassador to Afghanistan Junichi Kosuge signed the agreement.

Speaking on the occasion, the Japanese ambassador said of the 20 projects, 13 would be implemented in Kabul.

The schemes included construction of a health clinic and two school buildings in Balkh, three school buildings in Nangarhar and one each in Laghman, Bamyan and Jawzjan provinces.

He said other projects included construction of bridges and clearance of 476 square metres area from mines in Kabul and Kunduz.

He said construction of schools would benefit over 6,000 students. More than 7,000 schools had no proper buildings in the country.

He informed around 400 school buildings were accomplished at the cost of 50 million US dollars, provided by the government of Japan.

Afghan official present on the occasion lauded the Japanese assistance and described it as an important step in the ongoing reconstruction process of the country.

Japan has provided around 1.5 million US dollars for reconstruction projects since the ouster of Taliban in late 2001.