CUC takes over Water Task Force projects

The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. is now in charge of projects left behind by the Water Task Force after its mission closed last week.

In a memorandum of agreement signed last week, the task force’s current workload now shifts to CUC.

According to CUC chief engineer John Riegel, there are two projects that are currently under construction: replacing the water distribution system in Lower Base and replacing the Gualo Rai tank.

Riegel said the project in Puerto Rico, the 1-million gallon reservoir, is almost finished.

“The contractor just needs to install solar lighting,” he said.

The task force was also working with the Tinian delegation to replace the tank on Tinian but Riegel said no contract has been signed for that yet.

“The project was already advertised under the Governor’s Office. I don’t know if that contract can and will continue,” he added.

Riegel recognized that the Water Task Force was able to accomplish a lot since being formed.

Mission accomplished

Acting governor Ralph DLG Torres lauded the task force’s many undertakings, saying they accomplished their mission to increase overall access to clean water.

“…We should congratulate its hardworking staff and management over the past nine years. They had a goal and they made tremendous progress. A job well done overall,” Torres said.

The task force was created in 2003. Prior to its creation, only 26 percent of Saipan’s population had access to clean water on a 24-hour basis. This year, 96 percent of Saipan’s population has 24-hour water.

It has completed over 20 projects including building water tanks, replacing old waterlines, leak detection, among others worth over $44 million.

After the MOA signing last week, task force program manager Pete Sasamoto announced his retirement.

“Pete Sasamoto has a long history of public service in the CNMI. A registered professional engineer, Mr. Sasamoto worked in Planning & Budget, Public Works, and as the first executive director for the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. He came out of retirement to direct the Water Task Force and turned the project into a successful contribution to the people of the island, many of whom lived for years with very limited water service. His dedication and expertise are unique assets that will be missed by this administration,” Torres said.