DPW asked to fast-track 21 projects

The Department of Public Works has been asked to expedite the completion of about $30 million worth of Capital Improvement Projects that are expected to improve public facilities in the CNMI.

The projects are still ongoing and could be hampered by limited funding and lack of state-of-the-art technology platform that would facilitate expeditious design works and formulation of technical project specifications.

The Legislature is hoping that the 21 CIPs will be completed before Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio’s term of office ends this year.

Of the remaining 21 CIP’s, four are for Public School System, three are for sports and recreation, and the rest are improvements of various public areas and development of tourists spots.

While asking for a fast-tracked completion of the projects, Rep. William S. Torres commended DPW for its renewed interest and the expedited progress in the Garapan Revitalization project.

For the past months, DPW has completed 16 infrastructure projects and awarded two important projects necessary to the tourism industry.

Remaining projects include school repairs, traffic roads and drainage system improvements, road paving and parking spaces construction of sports complex among other significant road projects.

Of the 21 CIP’s, DPW is yet to source out funding appropriations for the architectural and engineering design for Women’s Center in Navy Hill. DPW has already awarded the Navy Hill Highway reconstruction and the Garapan Tourist District Revitalization design projects.

Noted as significant projects are the Appraisal and Title Report of Private Lands for Public Purposes in Precinct III, Review of Commercial and Residential Construction by Building Code Division and the Commonwealth Health Center Hemodialysis and Building Design.

“It would be most generous if DPW would complete these projects before the reign of the current administration ends on January 2002 and we will assist you in facilitating such monumental tasks in view of the limited time that remains,” Mr. Torres told DPW Secretary Juan Cepeda in a letter.

The congressman also commended the leadership of DPW for its accomplishments despite difficult circumstances and limitations such as inadequate local administrative staff and technical expertise.

Mr. Torres said despite the absence of modern technology to facilitate communication with Washington’s Interior officials, lack of state-of-the-art technology platform and absence of Information Management System necessary for timely processing of construction contracts, DPW was able to proceed with several government projects unhindered. (EGA)