Road repair

I would like to request the Legislature’s assistance for some minor road repairs in the lower dirt and gravel areas along Lalanghita and above Tank Beach and Marine Beach in the village of Kagman. I understand that Saipan is currently under economic hardships and that the people of Saipan are suffering from the effects of this on a daily basis. There doesn’t seem to be much money for improvement of our island these days.

There is rumors among residents in the area that Laolao Bay Golf Resort is under some kind of obligation to maintain the roads of Kagman. Whether this is true or not, the residents deserve something better than the condition of their roads now. DPW or the Mayor’s Office may be helpful in this project as well.

Lalanghita used to connect straight through from the paved section to the gravel section. I understand that because of severe erosion due to major storms, a section of this road became unusable and was closed to thru-traffic. Traffic was then detoured east, down Tank Beach Pl to the next block where traffic can find its way back again to Lalanghita for travel.

I am personally concerned that with the condition of these roads now, people have to swerve their cars all over the road and weave in and out of their appropriate lane of travel in order to avoid the worst of the deterioration and erosion. This causes safety concerns with other cars that may be traveling in the opposite direction. It also puts pedestrians at risk as there are many bus stop locations for our children on these roads. I am also concerned about the premature wear and damage that these roads are causing to not only personal vehicles, but to those who drive government vehicles as well, and this only increases the financial burden on residents and visitors of Kagman.

Finally I am concerned that as the traffic continues and the dust has been kicked up into the air, it has become evident that the rocks and gravel have been reduced into powder. Once the rainy season begins this powder will wash away and the erosion will be very bad. This will undoubtedly be a greater cost than maintenance now. I genuinely appreciate the role you all play in shaping our islands. Thank you for all you do on Capital Hill.