Repairs at Oleai to finish on time

The grandstand at the Oleai Sports Complex needs a fresh coat of paint and repairs as water seeps through the roof. The Northern Marianas Sports Association is also planning to expand the grandstand in time for Saipan’s hosting of the 2021 Pacific Mini Games. (Jon Perez)

Northern Marianas Sports Association executive director Tony Rogolifoi is confident all repairs and other improvements planned at the Oleai Sports Complex would finish on time despite some delays due to the unpredictable weather.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided $505,220 in public assistance funds to cover the cost of renovating the facilities at the sports complex that was damaged when Typhoon Soudelor barreled through Saipan more than two years ago. A total of $40,000 had already been spent for minor repairs, like the leaking roof at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

The Public Assistance Office, under the Office of the Governor, is handling the paperwork for the projects, beginning with the bidding up to the selection of the contractors. FEMA coursed the money to PAO with the help of Patrick Guerrero and Reina Saures, who are working closely with Rogolifoi on the planned improvements at the sports complex.

Rogolifoi said the repairs would start soon since PAO had already wrapped up the 45-day period set for the bidding process.

“It is just a matter of securing the paperwork and other documentation needed for the projects to proceed. We’re confident that everything will be done right on time before we host several events,” said Rogolifoi.

First up for Saipan is the 2018 Micronesian Athletics Championships set from June 14 to 16 and the 2021 Pacific Mini Games.

Rogolifoi said they would inform the public about the closure of the facilities and the suspension of activities once the repairs begin. “We’re going to give the public ample time.”

He added that NMSA is also working on other projects, including the replacement of the chain-link fence around the track oval and the hammer throw cage. Rogolifoi noted that Saipan’s unpredictable weather has contributed to the delay of the repair works at the centerfield of the track oval.

“They’re done with the tilling, but the problem now is laying down the new grass. The field must be dry before the new grass is laid out. It has been raining the past few weeks and that caused the delay,” Rogolifoi added.

The Department of Lands and Natural Resources’ Division of Agriculture and Laolao Bay Golf & Resort are helping NMSA improve the centerfield. The improvement is being done to make the field more playable and safer for soccer, football, and rugby games.

Other projects lined up at the sports complex are installation of a net at the fence near Beach Road, new lights, and stands at the Miguel B. Pangelinan Softball Field and Francisco M. Palacios Baseball Field, and extension of the grandstand at the track oval.