AKP Phnom Penh, February 19, 2025 -- The Government of Japan will provide US$462,003 for the procurement of Japanese fire trucks and installation of medical equipment in Phnom Penh, under the framework, the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (“KUSANONE”).

The Grant Contracts were signed here at the embassy between Japanese Ambassador to Cambodia H.E. UENO Atsushi and representatives of two recipient organisations.

According to the embassy’s press release, of the total amount, US$83,672 will be extended to Phnom Penh Capital Administration for ‘The Project for Procurement of Japanese Smoke Ventilation Truck in Phnom Penh’. The smoke ventilation truck, which will be the first fire engine of this kind ever used in Cambodia, will be deployed in Phnom Penh in order to improve firefighting capability. This will help firefighters respond to fires including huge and large cases more quickly and efficiently by implementing smoke ventilation from buildings at fire incident.

This assistance will contribute to the protection of over 2.8 million people’s lives and possessions in Phnom Penh from fire incidents. The vehicle was provided by Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA), Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan.

In addition, Phnom Penh Capital Administration will receive another amount of US$154,376 to support ‘The Project for the Procurement of Secondhand Fire Truck and Rescue Truck in Phnom Penh’, aimed to improve rescue and firefighting capability. A rescue truck enables firefighters to respond to accidents including specific situations save that make rescue activities difficult. A 40-metre ladder truck will help firefighters to improve the firefighting capacity to cope with variety of cases including at high building.

This improves safety for, and helps protect the properties of approximately 2.8 million residents of Phnom Penh, as well as tourists and business travellers from around the world.

The rest, US$223,955, will be given to Preah Ang Duong Hospital to support ‘The Project for the Installation of Medical Equipment at Preah Ang Duong Hospital in Phnom Penh’. This grant will be used to procure 3 kinds of medical equipment for ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgery (3 forceps, 1 set of drill and shaver, 1 set of endoscope camera and monitor) to improve the quality of ENT surgery at Preah Ang Duong Hospital. It would enhance the efficiency and productivity of medical doctors and nurses who take care of patients in this hospital. Through the improved medical services, it is expected to benefit around 32,000 patients including 1,400 low income patients.

Japan’s “KUSANONE” Projects started in Cambodia in 1991 in order to support Cambodia’s reconstruction and development at the grassroots level. The assistance aims to protect those who are vulnerable due to various factors such as poverty and/or misfortunes that directly threaten their lives, livelihood, and dignity, as well as to promote self-reliance of local communities. Since 1991, the Government of Japan has provided over US$71 million for mainly local authorities and non-governmental organisations to implement 700 KUSANONE projects throughout Cambodia.

By C. Nika