Tinian airport project draws multinational players

A multinational company has expressed intentions to participate in the bidding for the multi-million-dollar construction of the West Tinian International Airport runway, according to Commonwealth Ports Authority Board Chair Roman S. Palacios.

Guam-based Inland Builders Corporation, which is currently in partnership with Walter Group International Philippines, Inc. (WGIP), has actually asked CPA to extend the deadline for the submission of bids from May to June 26, 2000.

Inland Builders vice president Reynald del Carmen said WGIP is a branch company of the Walter Group International, a world renowned group which has done numerous projects in Southeast Asia and other parts of the world.

Mr. Del Carmen said WGI and WGIP have extensive construction experience in a variety of projects, including airports, bridges, tunnels, power plants, industrial projects and complex buildings.

WGI rakes an annual turnover of about $10 billion, making it one of the largest construction companies in Europe and the Asia-Pacific Region, according to Mr. Del Carmen.

The international firm’s impending entry into the CNMI construction industry is expected to provide favorable impact in the Northern Marianas, increasing the Commonwealth’s exposure to other new players who can offer their expertise and influence.

“With this joint venture, we feel we can be very competitive in bidding on this project. We look to serve in the best interests of the CPA by obtaining the best possible price for the cost for the runway project, especially with WGI’s vast range of construction expertise,” Mr. Del Carmen said in a letter to CPA Executive Director Carlos H. Salas.

Mr. Palacios said CPA has been swamped with requests to extend the bid submission deadline date from off-island contractors interested to join the bidding for the West Tinian International Airport runway project.

New Zealand-based company McDonnell Smith, which also holds office in Guam, has joined Inland Builders in its request for an extension in the submission of bids by another 30 days.

At the same time, two Philippine-based construction companies, D.M. Consunji and Western Equipment, Inc., have signified intentions to undertake the Tinian airport runway project.

D.M. Consunji Senior Manager Douglas R. Cunanan said the company needs time to complete its overall assessment of the project cost to determine how much of the amount would need financing.

“It is only at this stage when we can talk to our bank or partners regarding financing the project. Overall, this activity might take more than one month which is equivalent to our requested extension of time for submission of bid,” said Mr. Cunanan.

Financing is also the main concern raised by Western Equipment president Manuel Dy Wongchuking II in the firm’s request for extension of the deadline.

“Since the project calls for possible financing to be offered by a contractor, our source is unable to come up with their official interest charges until around second week of May 2000,” Mr. Wongchuking said.

In response to the numerous requests from contractors, the ports authority issued an amended notice to bidders extending the deadline for the submission of proposals up until end of next month.