A 2^nd Letter of Agreement (LoA) was signed by Peter Batchelor, UNDP Resident Representative and H.E. U Kyaw Aye Thein, Minister for Finance, Revenue, Planning and Economics of Rakhine State Government to implement 19 infrastructure projects selected in the UNDP supported participatory township planning process for 2019/20 fiscal year. The total amount covered in the LoA 2,959,202,360 Kyats is provided by the Government of Japan and is part of a larger support to Rakhine State.

The funds provided are reflected in Rakhine State’s budget and earmarked for township development projects. The projects, from bridges and road constructions, to new schools and health centers, have been identified by the people and their representatives through a series of participatory planning workshops with the Township Planning and Implementation Committees and technical support from UNDP.

The project which started in 2018, is now in its second phase. The five townships (Gwa, Ponnagyun, Thandwe, Toungup and Ramree) were selected in close consultations with the State Government, the Hluttaw and the various communities in Rakhine as suitable townships for this approach which empowers township officials to systematically include people in prioritization of development projects in their township.

The LoA confirms commitment of the Rakhine State Government to continue its support for a more inclusive and participatory township planning and local decision making. UNDPs Township Democratic Local Governance project also cover 10 townships in Mon State and 5 townships in Bago region.