NEVER ENDING WOES Lack of manpower delays sewerline project

In efforts to fast-track the much-delayed sewer line project in southern Saipan, the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation has offered its help to the private contractor to get exemption from the Department of Labor and Immigration to hire new workers from abroad.

CUC Executive Director Timothy P. Villagomez has written to DOLI, expressing his support for the project which has been stalled for more than a year after the government-owned utility corporation wrangled with the Commonwealth Ports Authority over funding issues.

Between 15 and 20 new contract workers are needed by Pacific Drilling Ltd. to complete the project, but the company is having difficulties in finding skilled laborers on the island to do the job.

This has delayed anew its construction, worrying some legislators who are trying to push this project for the benefit of their constituents in Dandan, Koblerville and San Antonio area.

It is a result of “trying to get the proper manpower and skilled workers,” Villagomez said, adding that Pacific Drilling has announced job vacancies but has not received applications.

The construction firm has sought CUC’s assistance to get exemption from the current hiring ban in the Commonwealth so that they could bring in the foreign manpower at least for the duration of the project’s contract.

Villagomez, however, did not indicate how long it will take the contractor to finish the project or for the DOLI to process the necessary permits.

“I sent (DOLI) a letter, stating that we are in support of this project,” he explained, “if (Pacific Drilling) can have our assistance in trying to get the workers in.”

Running from Saipan International Airport to Agingan Waste Water Treatment Plant, the sewer will benefit some 1,000 households, mostly in the Dandan Homestead because it will pave the way for the community to connect to the main sewer line and eventually help protect the underground water resources of the island.

Lawmakers from Precinct 1 earlier have asked Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio to intervene again on the sewer project, claiming that there has been undue delay on this critical infrastructure development.

CPA and CUC had fought over the funding for the $4.7 million project before they reached an agreement three months ago.

Last May, the ports authority paid Pacific Drilling its $350,000 share of the $750,000 additional claim made by the project contractor, following the stop order issued by CPA when funds ran out last year.

CUC, which has agreed to takeover the completion of the project, will shoulder the remaining amount under the controversial memorandum of agreement that became the subject of months-long differences between the two government agencies.

The deal will also allow the utility corporation to hire a new construction management and eventually the project’s co-owner. After the completion, the project will be turned over to CUC which will begin paying CPA some $22,000 every month.