Previous Story
MVA prepares blueprint for Garapan beautification
|
Posted on Dec 09 1999
An outdoor cafe where visitors can sit and relax, a covered walkway all over the area and a place where local performers can provide entertainment are just among the many improvements to be carried out for the Garapan Beautification Project.
The Marianas Visitors Authority is hoping to get a $3 million in initial funding for the plan from the money earmarked for Capital Improvement Projects expected to be released early next year.
“We are hoping to give Garapan a different image with this plan which would actually cost $7 million to implement,” said Perry Tenorio, MVA managing director.
Rep. Oscar M. Babauta, chair of the House Commerce and Tourism Committee, has also been pushing for the improvements of the various tourists sites in the Commonwealth’s CIP list.
The Legislature is expected to pass a bill before the end of the year to fund the initial projects under the $30 million interim financing pending the issuance of the bonds.
Included in the list are 10 projects in Tinian amounting to $2.2 million and nine projects in Rota which cost $2.7 million.
With its $5.8 million budget for Fiscal Year 2000, Mr. Tenorio said there is no way these projects can be included in the MVA funding for FY 2000.
Mr. Babauta said he will even lobby for support from his colleagues who believe that the island’s tourism economy should be given priority to help alleviate the industry badly hit by the Asian financial crisis.
While the Northern Marianas is experiencing a downtrend in visitor arrivals, Mr. Babauta said MVA must take this opportunity to enhance tourist sites in preparation for the influx of visitors.
Among the sites that needs improvement in Saipan are Bird Island, Banzai Cliff, Grotto, Tapochau, Laulau Beach, Sugar King Park, Obyan Beach, Kalabera Cave, Suicide Cliff, Tank Beach, Ladder Beach and Japan Jail. In Rota, the areas include Swimming Hole, Taga Quarry, Bird Sanctuary, Ginalangan Command, Sabana Peace Marker, Pona
Cliff Park, Tonga Cave, Tweks. Beach and Guata Beach. In Tinian, the list include Kammer Beach, Taga Beach, Suicide Cliff, Carolinas Overlook, Taga Well, Blow Holes and Lasareno Beach.
