DUSAHNBE, November 22, Asia-Plus -- Signing ceremony for 10 grant contracts under the Grant Assistance for Grass Roots Human Security Projects of the Government of Japan was held in Dushanbe yesterday.  

According to the Japanese Embassy in Dushanbe, to provide assistance to Tajikistan in carrying out work on responding to emergency situations the Government of Japan has decided to make its contribution through the delivery of 12 bulldozers and 8 excavators that will be distributed to different districts of the country.  The aid will mainly go Khorog and the GBOA districts.  Ayni and Tavildara districts will also receive one road-cleaning machine each.   

This contribution is dedicated to facilitate work on repairing highways damaged by disasters and provide stable economic and social ties between the mountain area and the heart of the country, the source said.  It is to be noted that grants extended amount to 10 million yens each (equivalent to US$90,000).  

  Under the Grant Assistance for Grass Roots Human Security Projects, the Government of Japan has extended the total grant of US$ 11,778,458 to 192 projects to support a variety of humanitarian and development activities of local governments, local and international NGOs in Tajikistan since 1996.