CUC hits back at Rota mayor

Fending off criticisms over its alleged inaction on pending water and power line projects on Rota efforts, the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. has assured steps have been taken to secure approval from the federal government.

Rota Mayor Benjamin T. Manglona urged CUC early this week to expedite the installation of power lines at Sinapalo III in the island municipality following complaints from residents.

At the same time, he criticized the government-owned utility firm for delaying the project which has received funding of $175,000 from local legislators on Rota
But CUC Executive Director Timothy P. Villagomez defended the corporation, noting that Mr. Manglona should know the process since he negotiated the federal construction grants for CNMI’s capital improvement projects during his term as lieutenant governor.

“He is well versed in the protocol and law. We are sure that the Mayor does not endorse the improper use of CIP funds, and he agrees that the utility, or any government agency, especially in Rota, may not and should not make expenditures before or without proper federal approval,” he said in a statement.

Utility officials have issued all documents to the authorities and are still awaiting approval or requests for additional documentation, according to Mr. Villagomez.

“I’m just as frustrated, because I’d like to welcome the additional customers,” he added.
Board Vice Chair Laura I. Manglona, who represents Rota in CUC’s policy-making body, expressed dismay over failure by utility officials on the island to inform the mayor about the status of the project.

“I don’t think the Mayor would have issued such a nasty letter if he knew that we were all waiting for the U.S. officials’ [approval],” she explained. “We cannot control the action or speed of the federal government, it’s out of our control.”

She disclosed that although CUC’s deputy director for Rota, Antonio Reyes, has resigned, he could have coordinated frequently with local officials to provide updates on the utility projects as well as to ask their assistance in drawing attention by the federal government.

“Perhaps the Mayor would not feel that his requests are falling on deaf ears if our deputy would have explained our efforts and frustrations,” added Ms. Manglona.

The Sinapalo III projects were not originally part of the CIP program approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior which oversees the federal grants in the Commonwealth.

Rota officials had reprogrammed funds from other projects to finance the installation of power and water line which could only begin after going through the bureaucratic process of securing the approval.