Japan Conducts Tour of Project Sites
By Alex Dadamu
A delegation led by the Japanese Ambassador to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Yoshiaki Miwa, along with staff from the Japanese embassy in Honiara, conducted a tour of Japan-funded project sites in Honiara on Tuesday.
The delegation visited the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) and the Value-Added Timber Association (VATA), both beneficiaries of Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme in the fisheries and forestry sectors.
The purpose of the tour was also to meet Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) volunteers working in various sectors across Honiara.
At Saint Nicholas College Primary School, JICA volunteer Taiki Ando has made significant contributions to the health and well-being of students.
Taiki Ando talking to students.
Headmaster Francis Wate told SIBC News that Ando’s work as a Physical Education (PE) teacher has positively impacted the school.
“It contributes a lot to the behavioral management of students, as classes were mostly held in the classroom,” Mr. Wate said.
Both the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) and the Ministry of Forestry and Research (MoFR) through VATA, are benefiting from Japan’s Economic and Social Development Programme.
His Excellency Yoshiaki Miwa said Japan recognizes the importance of these sectors and reaffirmed their continued support for their development.
During the tour, the Supervising Director of MFMR, Bennie Buga, expressed gratitude for Japan’s commitment to developing the fisheries sector in the Solomon Islands.
Japanese Ambassador, H.E Yoshiaki Miwa at the Tilapia Hatchery.
He noted that as one of the main supporters of the fisheries sector, the ministry is always pleased to welcome the Japanese delegation.
Japan’s support to the ministry includes projects aimed at improving fisheries research activities, contributing to the social development of the Solomon Islands.
In the forestry sector, through the Economic and Social Development Programme, Japan has provided 67 Lucas mills to VATA, which will be distributed to resource owners in rural areas.
This project aims to enhance forestry activities, leading to the social development in the country.
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