NMSA waits for RFP on Oleai complex repairs

The damaged batting cage at the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacos Ballfield will be fixed this year. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

It will still take a month or two before a request for proposal is made for the repair works at the Oleai Sports Complex.

Northern Marianas Sports Association executive director Tony Rogolifoi, who is coordinating the project with the Department of Public Works and Capital Improvements Project, said during the NMSA meeting last Thursday that the person in charge in preparing the RFP is off-island.

“The director of the technical division is off-island and will be working on the RFP documents when he gets back. I am told it we have to wait for a month or two for the RFP to be made and then they will have to wait again for the bids before the repair works at the complex move forward,” Rogolifoi said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has allotted $488,556 for the project, which involves improvements and repairs at the various facilities inside the complex.

At the Francisco “Tan Ko” Palacios Ballfield, Rogolifoi said they will fix the fence around the pitch. The batting cage, which crumpled when Typhoon Soudelor struck Saipan in August last year, will also be rebuilt, while lights will be replaced.

Over at the Miguel “Tan Ge” Basa Pangelinan Ballfield, poles that fell need to be replaced, while the bullpens, fence, and bleachers also need repairs.

The flooring and ceiling will be the focus of repair works at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. Repainting may also be done, while a metal door to the south side is also proposed. A new PA system and scoreboard are also needed.

Rogolifoi is asking for the public’s patience, as it will take time to get the repairs done. He is also calling on the Saipan Little League Baseball to help NMSA staff make some minor repairs and cleaning jobs at the “Tan Ko” and “Tan Ge” fields so the league can start its 2016 season. SLLB was originally scheduled to kick off this Saturday, but the opening has been moved to Feb. 27.

“For now, while waiting for the lights to be fixed, all Little League games will have to be played on Saturday and Sunday. If they want to help make minor repairs and clean the field, they are more than welcome to do so,” Rogolifoi said.

The NMSA executive director added that the timing of the repair works at the complex is great as the CNMI prepares for the hosting of the 2021 Pacific Mini Games.

“We have to start moving now and get our facilities ready so we can ensure the successful hosting of the Games,” Rogolifoi said.