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Mayor seeks Japan’s assistance to improve Rota harbor
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Posted on May 10 2000
Rota Mayor Benjamin T. Manglona has sought the assistance of the Japanese government, in a desperate attempt to fast-track the rehabilitation of the island’s dilapidated harbor.
Mr. Manglona wrote Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori seeking assistance from the Japanese government for the much needed improvement of the island’s sea transport facility.
The mayor cited the $4-million aid package pledged by the Japanese official to Pacific island nations’ efforts to overcome technological and social isolation and environmental problems.
“Our island of Rota would greatly appreciate help to improve its West Harbor. This harbor was originally built by the Japanese. Today, we retain a fine working relationship with the many Japanese businesses that have established themselves here,” Mr. Manglona told Mr. Mori in his letter.
He underscored that should the Japanese government provides assistance to improve Rota’s seaport facility would boost the island’s great potential to compete in the global economy.
“Japanese businesses would be aided as well. Perhaps, Japanese fishing vessels could use the improved dock. We would appreciate your kind consideration of our request for Japanese assistance with our harbor,” he told Mr. Mori.
Last month, Japan said in a statement that it would consider aid grants to Pacific island nations which were trying to combat poverty and working on economic reforms.
However, the financial aid was directly pledged by the Japanese official to members of the Pacific Islands Forum, which does not include the Northern Marianas.
The Pacific Islands Forum groups Australia, New Zealand, the Cook Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
Mr. Mori last month discussed with the leaders of these island nations issues ranging from information technology, climate change, trade and investment to tourism.
