Previous Story
Santos to DPL: Make land exchanges happen
A Rota senator is appealing to the Department of Public Lands to start addressing concerns related to individuals who declined receiving monetary compensations for land on Rota as she noted that some Rota residents weigh settling the matter in court.
In a letter to DPL Secretary Marianne Teregeyo last April 19, Sen. Teresita Santos (R-Saipan) asked that DPL start executing land exchange agreements for those on Rota who declined to receive cash payments for their land on Rota.
A land exchange agreement between the CNMI government through DPL and a CNMI resident of Northern Mariana-descent revolves relocating a plot of land belonging to the resident if his current land is taken up for a public purpose such as roads.
“I seek your continued assistance to expeditiously consummate a land exchange agreement for those individuals who declined monetary compensation but who have patiently and unwearyingly waited to be justly resolved,” Santos wrote, adding that by addressing the concerns, DPL could avoid possible lawsuits.
According to Santos, Rota residents have been calling her office daily and have reportedly waited for decades for the land exchange.
“The CNMI Constitution states that the management and disposition of public lands shall be the responsibility of DPL and authorizes the transfer of a freehold interest in public lands for land exchanges to accomplish a public purpose as authorized by law,” Santos wrote.
Santos also noted that she reportedly had previous discussions with past secretaries of DPL, including Teregeyo on the matter, but to no avail.
She reiterated in her letter to Teregeyo that since Rota struggles with reliable sea and air transportation, many earn their livelihood and sustainability through farming. The lack of land “adds additional burden on families that have long struggled to make ends meet.”
“Some landowners have grown increasingly frustrated with the inaction of DPL that they have suggested taking the matter to court; however, I strongly believe that DPL can avoid a lawsuit if [the DPL secretary] expeditiously consummate a land exchange agreement which will be extremely beneficial to both parties,” she said.
