May 9, 2025
On May 9, 2025, in Koror, the Republic of Palau, H. E. Mr. ORIKASA Hiroyuki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of Palau, and Hon. Gustav Aitaro, Minister of State of the Republic of Palau, signed and exchanged notes for “the Project for the Improvement of Water Supply System in Koror and Airai States” (project up to 2.546 billion yen).
- Having been affected with the frequent droughts, the government of Palau regards non-revenue water as a critical issue. The rate of non-revenue water reached 52.1% in 2024 which remains high. Deterioration of plumbing is considered as one of the causes. Moreover, Palau Public Utilities Corporation which covers water supply in Palau is currently in the serious financial situation due to the low recovery rate of the utility duty (about 58.8%, 2022) which is caused by non-revenue water.
- This project is aiming at replacing the deteriorating plumbing and installing smart meters in Koror and Airai States. The project is expected to contribute to improving water supply management by decreasing the rate of non-revenue water and promoting digitalization.
- In the “Leaders Declaration” and the “Joint Action Plan” issued at the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) held in July 2024, Japan announced “Climate Change and Disasters” and “Technology and Connectivity” as priority areas of cooperation, and this project embodies the Plan.
(Reference1) Basic Data on the Republic of Palau
The Republic of Palau covers an area of 488 square kilometers, a population of 17,727 (World Bank, 2023), and a gross national income (GNI) per capita of US$14,100 (World Bank, 2023).
(Reference2) 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10)
On July 18, 2024, the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 10) was co-chaired by Prime Minister KISHIDA and Prime Minister BROWN of the Cook Islands, the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). The Meeting was attended by the leaders and representatives of 19 countries, regions and regional organization including Japan, 14 Pacific Island countries, two French overseas collectivities, Australia, and New Zealand, and the chair of Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. represented the Republic of Palau.
The Government of Japan announced Japan’s commitment to continue its robust development assistance and support for more than 6,500 people-to-people exchanges as well as human resource development over the next three years based on the seven priority areas of cooperation which are in line with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent or “2050 Strategy” of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF): (1) Political Leadership and Regionalism, (2) People-centered Development, (3) Peace and Security, (4) Resources and Economic Development, (5) Climate Change and Disasters, (6) Ocean and Environment, (7) Technology and Connectivity.
