KATHMANDU: The Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, Saigo Masamichi, on Wednesday signed a grant contract with Nona Koirala Smriti Pratisthan to build a health training center and emergency shelter in Biratnagar Municipality.

The construction is expected to cost approximately NRs 12.19 million, according to a statement issued by the Embassy of Japan in Kathmandu.

The project for building the training center and emergency shelter facility in Biratnagar is funded under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGP) of the Government of Japan.

At the signing ceremony, Ambassador Saigo said the project will help to promote the welfare and security of people in and around Biratnagar.

Nona Koirala Smriti Pratisthan was established in 2008 and has been providing emergency relief and supporting public health activities in affected areas during natural disasters.

The Embassy of Japan believes that the project will contribute towards enhancing the friendship that exists between the people of Japan and Nepal.