Battambang (FN), Aug. 2 – Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), a grant aid agency of the Korean government, and Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) have launched Village Development Projects (VDP) as part of their bilateral grant program of Peace Village Rural Development.
The VDP inauguration ceremony took place at the Stung Sangke Hotel in Battambang on 31 July 2024 attended by Oeun Thearith, Director of Community Development Department and Advisor to MRD, Pheng Sethi, Vice Governor of Battambang Province, Shin Yonghwa, Deputy Country Director at KOICA Cambodia Office, other local government officials and community partners.
The ceremony was highlighted by the signing of VDP agreement between KOICA, World Vision of the project consultant, and 30 Village Development Committees.
From 2022 to 2026, supported with USD 10 million, this 5-year-long grant aid project of Korean government-"Building a Peace Village through integrated rural development in Northwest Cambodia" has been targeting at the Northwest provinces in Cambodia, particularly Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, and Pailin. These areas are characterised by a predominantly rural population living in remote areas, still grappling with the economic aftermath of the tragic conflicts in the 1970s.
In line with Cambodia’s National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) and Provincial Strategic Budget Plans (PSBP), the Peace Village Project underscores the joint commitment and cooperation between the Korean government and of Cambodia for sustainable development in Cambodia’s rural communities. It is aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable rural development in 30 villages across Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, and Pailin provinces. The project focuses on enhancing rural living conditions, boosting agricultural income, and reinforcing governance capacity for rural development. With a total budget of USD 10 million, the Peace Village Project is scheduled to run from 15 December 2022 to 31 August 2026.
The VDP is one of the important components of this Peace Village Project, emphasising community participation. Supported with fund and consulting by KOICA, the village development committees of 30 selected "Peace" villages will lead their own projects of constructing and renovating essential community infrastructure, including schools, health centers, roads, reservoirs, and community buildings—all tailored to meet the specific needs on their own, and to enhance the villagers’ access to basic services.
Shu Heun, Chief of Village and Chief Village Development Committee of Kangchang village, Sung commune, Samlout district, Battambang province, expressed his gratitude to the VDP and stresses his willingness to implement the projects in an effective manner, stating, "I am delighted to conduct this VDP based on the needs that we ourselves have selected through a series of trainings for village development governance. I will put all my efforts for the successful completion of my VDP, thereby benefitting all my villagers."
=FRESH NEWS
