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JICA target areas in Bhutan

Agriculture and Rural development

Infrastructure development

Local governance

Social services development

(health, education and IT)

March-14 Vol. X-3

Started in August 2013, JICA Partner-ship Program on “Industrial Promotion of Handmade Paper” has recently con-ducted the first handmade paper training in Trashi Yangtse Dzongkhag. During 10 days training, 30 participants including 11 female learned preparation of paper-making equipments, collection of materi-als, paper-making, drying the product in both Tsharsho and Reasho techniques. Dasho Dzongda officially opened and closed the training, whereby all partici-pants received certificate of completion on their own hand-made papers. Two experts from Sekishu Washi Cooperative from Shimane Prefecture, Japan, were deeply impressed with the seriousness and enthusiasm by all trainees with the age ranging from 20s to 60s. For the moment, participants’ major concern is the potential market for their sustainable living through paper-making. To respond such anxiousness, Dasho Dzongda together with Ministry of Economic Affairs consid-ers formulation of a cooperative of hand-made paper craft in Trashi Yangtse. Through the course of project activities till March 2016, it is expected that job creation and local market of handmade paper are established in the eastern part of Bhutan. This project also tries to assure sustainable handmade paper industry through preparation, utilization and marketing of simple tools and equipments locally, and also through research and education of material planting and utilization in a long-term perspective.

Handmade Paper Training in TrashiYangtse

JICA Bhutan Newsletter is a monthly newsletter published by the JICA Bhutan Office and updated electronically on the JICA Bhutan website. It serves to better link all JICA Bhutan partners by offering briefs and current news on different sectors of JICA and the RGoB. It is for information purposes only and is not an official document. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of JICA. To join our e-mail based subscription, please contact at <bt_oso_rep@jica.go.jp>. Your comments and feedback are welcome.

Under the follow-up cooperation to BBS, final hand over was conducted on March 12, 2014, regarding the equipment for anti-lightning protection of 20 transmission stations. Followed by the joint set up of several stations between BBS and Japanese engineers in November to December last year, remaining stations were protected by BBS engineers alone. It is expected that transmission interruption through lightning hit will be significantly reduced from now on.

Three new Senior Volunteers arrived on 25 March, 2014 for their two years assignment in Bhutan. Three of them are assigned in different government agencies, Mr. Yasu-fumi Kan as Physical Education Advisor with Department of Curriculum Research & Development, MoE, Mr. Masaji Takeda as Architect with SchoolPlanning and Building Divi-sion, MoE, and Mr. Yasushi Yokode as Handicrafts Advisor with Agency for Promotion of Indigenous Crafts, MoEA.

Villages of Doban and Jigmecholing Gewogs in Sarpang Dzongkhag will soon enjoy the benefits of electrification after BPC completes the rural electrification project supported by JICA’s ODA loan. A total of 60 villages and 599 households are covered under the project and the civil works are currently being carried out by three different contractors.

Like other gewogs in southern part of Bhutan Doban and Jigmechol-ing enjoys warm subtropical climate, plenty of rainfall and lush tropical vegetation. Besides rice, potato, mustard and few vegetable for self consumption, most farmers cultivate cardamom which is the biggest source of cash income. The people are highly expectant and ready to embark on economic activities upon completion of the rural electrifica-tion and the farm road which is under construction.

The highlight of the Rural Electrification project was the first time sight of helicopter which was engaged to transport the heavy transformers from the base camp to remote villages.

Three new senior volunteers arrived in the country and one JOCV & one Senior Volunteer left the country

Handing over of lightining Protection

Rural Electricity in Sarpang Dungkhag

Newsletter Team

Kinley Dorji, Chief Program OfficerKrishna Subba Admin Officer Chenga Lham, PR Officer

For more information

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)P.O. Box 217, Doy-bum Lam, Above Memorial Chorten,Thimphu, Bhutan

Tel: (975) 2-322030, 323218, 328074, 324571,324463Fax: (975) 2-323089Website: <http://www.jica.go.jp/bhutan/index.html>

www.Facebook.com/JICABhutan

And after completion of thier tenure (one year nine months and two years six months) JOCV Ms. Misato Horiuchi, Maths teacher with Khuruthang Middle Secondary School and Senior Volunteer, Mr. Masayoshi Kawai, Advisor for Road Safety and Transport Authority left for Japan on 20th and 24th March 2014 respectively.