Sasamoto’s contract renewed as WTF manager

The Water Task Force and the Office of the Governor have awarded a contract for Program Management of the Water Task Force for the next two years to Pedro Sasamoto.

“Mr. Sasamoto’s accomplishments in the past two years have been extraordinary,” said Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez task force chairman. “We are pleased to see him continue in this role.”

“There is a long list of projects done well, done on time and done according to an overall plan for improving the whole Saipan water system,” Villagomez added. “Mr. Sasamoto’s leadership is a model to us all of how we can efficiently and effectively put our federal dollars to work for real progress.”

The project Sasamoto has directed with the greatest immediate impact is the Leak Detection and Repair Project. Before July 12, 2007, most of Chalan Kanoa, Susupe and San Antonio had only two hours of water per day. Today, with the leak detection project nearly completed, 100 percent of residential customers have water 24 hours a day.

This reality of 24-hour water has been out of reach for many on Saipan for years. In December 2006 only 26 percent of Saipan’s population had 24-hour water. Now 75 percent of the population—approximately 47,000 people—have 24-hour water. Later this yea, the Water Task Force, under Sasamoto’s direction, will begin two projects in Garapan to repair and replace leaking waterlines.

New projects include a new waterline under construction now that will connect six wells in As Matuis to the water system. This new water source will supply As Matuis, San Roque and Tanapag and is also expected to provide excess supply that can be directed to the Garapan area where it is badly needed.

During Sasamoto’s first stint as Program Manager, the task force constructed a new water tank on Navy Hill and made plans for another in Dandan. Two other tanks have been rehabilitated—Calhoun and Capitol Hill. Tank rehabilitation is currently underway at the Isley Field Reservoir.

Under Sasamoto, the task force also obtained FEMA funding for the protection of the water wells. Each of 69 well sites has been inspected, rehabilitated and outfitted with a new control panel. The panels and chlorination units are now sheltered in small buildings, safe from the damage of high winds or typhoons. More well upgrades will be done in the coming year.

“This is a time not only to congratulate Mr. Sasamoto on being awarded a new contract,” said the Lt. Governor, “but it is also a time to thank him and say how much we all appreciate his dedicated service and his ability to get the job done.” [B][I](WTF)[/I][/B]