5 firms join hands to beautify island

Five of the island’s leading landscaping companies have formed an alliance to develop Saipan’s main side roads and key corners into sites pleasant for the local community and foreign guests to see.

The newly-chartered Saipan Nurserymen Association Inc., organizers of the annually-held Flower Show, has initiated efforts to draft an island-wide beautification project by restoring under maintained side road gardens installed by the previous administration.

Members of the association led by its chair J.M. Guerrero showed up at the Governor’s Office yesterday to consult with Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio of the group’s plans.

“We want to help the government in the beautification of the island and share different ideas that we have with regard to enhancing the island’s surroundings,” said Mr. Guerrero.

The island beautification plan involves the regeneration of existing side road plants, the installation of uniformed village signages, landscaping, as well as the regular maintenance of the sites.

The group has proposed that the association and the government engage in a cost-sharing deal during the project’s initial year. “We’re willing to go fifty-fifty with the government for the first year. We want to offer our services and expertise and ask if the government will match us the funds needed to accomplish this project,” said the chair.

Mr. Guerrero is also seeking to involve as many private and public entities as possible to adopt side road gardens directly in front of their buildings to ensure its frequent maintenance.

He pointed out that the stretch covering the Chalan Kiya traffic lights down to the Commonwealth Health Center intersection as well as other parts in Middle Road are areas the group is eyeing to enhance once its proposal is approved.

It is projected that a sum of $100,000 will be sufficient to fund the initial undertaking.

This island-wide beautification campaign is envisioned to turn Saipan’s streets and roads into a Tumon, Guam replica decorated with healthy plants and trees of a variety of colors and sizes.

“Guam has been successful because they have taken care of the maintenance aspect of it. Hopefully, we can do the same here,” said Mr. Guerrero.

Gov. Tenorio cited the merits of the group’s efforts and vowed to look into the matter. The local chief executive also asked the association to meet with him in the near future to dwell deeper into the subject after the group submits a formal and complete project proposal.

Rep. Oscar M. Babauta commended efforts of the association in their desire to better promote Saipan as a more attractive tourist destination.

“I support this endeavor. This is a well thought-out environmental program that will benefit the whole community,” said the congressman.

The companies that make up the Nurserymen Association include Calvo’s Nursery and Landscaping, Tropical Garden, Saipan Plant Center Inc., Landscaping Micronesia Corporation, and Design Build Landscapers.