IRF/JRA Japan Relief Fund
On March 11, 2011 the worst known earthquake hit Japan and tore a path of destruction through Japan. The world watched as the earthquake catapulted a tsunami with waves as high as 131 feet crashing down as far as six miles inland.
Regarding the complete upheaval of life and infrastructure, the Prime Minister of Japan, Naoto Kan summarized the amount of effort it was going to take to rebuild.
"In the 65 years after the end of World War II, this is the toughest and the most difficult crisis for Japan," Kan told CNN.
Safe and efficient transport of people and goods is necessary even in the best of circumstances. With the tremendous challenges currently facing Japan, this need is ever more paramount.
In a joint venture, the International Road Federation – WPC (IRF-WPC) and the Japan Road Association (JRA) are raising funds for training, research and educational grants dedicated to the rebuilding of Japan's road networks. One hundred percent of all contributions will be allocated to the JRA's research efforts will not only help Japan’s recovery, but will help the rest of the world through lessons learned in Japan.
“Getting necessities such as medicine, food and water and getting people proper shelter are only possible if the roads are in proper condition,” said Abdullah A. Al-Mogbel, chairman of the IRF – WPC. “By working together with our friends and colleagues at the JRA we can ensure that we not only rebuild Japan's roads, but we share our research with the world to ensure that all of our infrastructures are better equipped for unforeseen disasters,” Al-Mogbel said.
The IRF and the JRA have a strong history of working together, which, according to Patrick Sankey, president and CEO, IRF-WPC, makes this particular partnership all the more poignant.
“IRF has enjoyed a close relationship with the the JRA and its members dating as far back to the beginning of IRF. I am proud to say that IRF and transportation community are leading this effort to raise funds for this worthwhile cause,” said Sankey.
As the IRF community and the Japan Road Association stand together, side-by-side, in helping Japan to the quickest recovery possible, we ask you to consider contributing to this excellent cause. To date 10 individuals and organizations have made generous contributions to this fund, now totaling $25,500.
List of Contributors
Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair & Partners)
Industrial Engineering & Consulting Office
Japan Road Contractors Association
Saudi Pan Kingdom Co Ltd
Shibh Al-Jazira Contracting Company
Sri Lanka Road Development Authority
Society of Consulting Engineers, Bosnia
Transpo Industries, Inc.
Ul Fakulteta Za Grad. In Geodezjio
Yucel Erdem
To make a contribution, please visit www.IRF.global/japanrelieffund or contact IRF-WPC President & CEO Patrick Sankey or call +1 703 535 1001.