GUWAHATI, Feb 3 - The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) which has been implementing several projects in Assam, today cited several problem areas hindering timely execution of projects and urged the State government to iron out those at the earliest.
�JICA has a long association with Assam, as we have been working in the State since 1981. We are keen to expand our cooperation with the State,� Takema Sakamoto, chief representative, JICA India Office, said.
Sakamoto, who was addressing a country session on Japan on the first day of the two-day Advantage Assam Global Investors� Summit here, said that JICA has committed projects worth more than Rs 6,000 crore in Assam at the moment, including the water supply and sewerage treatment projects currently under implementation in Guwahati.
Indicating the slow pace of project execution, he identified a few core problems including entry permission procedures, besides security. �Cumbersome procedures have been an irritant. The security situation is also a cause of concern,� he said.
Sakamoto further singled out issues concerning land availability, preparation of environmental impact assessment and counterpart funds as some other constraints.
Urging the State government to intervene to overcome the challenges and to enable JICA maintain its good track record, he said that JICA is keen to return the value for the investment made in the State.
Besides the projects in Assam, JICA is implementing projects in other north-eastern states also, including forest management and NE connectivity projects.