NMHC backs housing project on Rota

The Northern Marianas Housing Corporation Board of Directors has thrown support to a housing project on Rota which seeks to build a 30-unit housing subdivision in Sinapalo village.

In a letter addressed to Rep. William S. Torres, NMHC Manager Diana P. Crisostimo said the planning and preparation contained in the project proposal submitted by Rota Mayor Benjamin T. Manglona has impressed the NMHC Board of Directors which, in turn, vowed to support its completion.

However, Ms. Crisostimo pointed out that existing regulations, initially crafted for a similar project on Tinian, only allow a maximum of 24 dwelling units for a housing project due to the lack of sewer system on the island.

“We believe that this regulation still applies to date. We urge that subdivision development plans be completed pursuant to applicable building code,” the housing corporation official told Mr. Torres.

She also assured that NMHC would work cooperatively with the Rota municipal government to bring the housing project to its fruition thereby making more families on the island realize their dreams of owning a home.

The CNMI government-owned housing corporation was earlier asked to help the municipality of Rota identify a permanent financing scheme for the proposed turnkey subdivision in the island’s Sinapalo village.

“It is my understanding that the Rota delegation has already identified the funding for infrastructure development in Sinapalo,” Mr. Torres told Ms. Crisostimo in an October 18, 2000 letter.

He added that this includes funding for road paving, water line connection, power hookup, and storm drainage system. Rota Public Works will be responsible for overseeing the construction management of the subdivision project.

The Rota municipal government earlier sought the assistance of the CNMI Legislature as it gears up for the construction of a residential subdivision, aimed at providing affordable housing for the island’s low-income families.

However, availability of sufficient funding sources may take its toll on the proposed 30-turnkey house subdivision project in the island.

Only after the official assurances of funding availability and official blueprint, can Rota start mapping out a permanent financing scheme for the proposed turnkey housing subdivision with the assistance of the NMHC.

According to Mr. Torres, there is a need to identify funding for off-site infrastructure for the design, construction, installation and construction management or supervisory services for road, water, sewer and power.

He pointed out that another requirement that would have to be in place before the project can go full swing is the real property designation for the proposed public residential subdivision, as well as the approval of subdivision site development master plan.

Mr. Torres also mentioned funding for housing subdivision project A&E design and construction management services as key element that would pave the road for the realization of the proposed residential subdivision.