Guma Hustisia remains closed

The Guma Hustisia building in Susupe remains closed to the public since it shuttered last March 16 in the wake of air-conditioning system problems and mold infestation.

Despite this, the Judiciary assured that it is making every effort to “continue court services in an efficient, professional, and courteous manner.”

In a notice Monday, Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro and Superior Court Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja did not say as to when the building will finally re-open to the public, but said that three transaction windows have been built on the side of the building’s main entrance.

Effective yesterday, the Judiciary’s accounting service unit/cashier, Commonwealth Recorder’s Office, Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court, and Law Revision Commission will serve the public at these transaction windows.

Accounting Service Unit/cashier is at Window 1, while the Commonwealth Recorder’s Office and the Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court are at Window 2. The Law Revision Commission is at Window 3.

The public will be able to complete payments, process filings, obtain police clearances, and have access to other services at the walk-up transaction windows.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable and appropriate accommodations will be provided to persons with disabilities with the assistance of the Marshals Service Division.

Court hearings will be held at the U.S. District Court for the NMI in Garapan and at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe.

The Drug Court Division and Family Court Division will be at the Department of Public Safety Training Office in Susupe.

The court houses on Tinian and Rota will continue with regular business hours.

The 22-year-old main air-conditioning system at the Guma Hustisia has already been temporarily fixed more than a month ago, Saipan Tribune learned.

As the repair is only temporary, the system can break anytime again, sources said. Some court employees have already been working inside the courthouse.

The Judiciary needs an estimated $7 million to replace the main air-conditioning system and for mold remediation.

Gov. Ralph DLG. Torres recently signed into law a bill that appropriates $15 million to several government programs and departments. Of the amount, $7 million is allocated to the Judiciary for the procurement of a new air-conditioning system and for mold remediation.

Last April 18, CNMI Judiciary director of courts Sonia A. Camacho stated that their goal is to reopen the building at the earliest time possible.

Camacho disclosed that the current estimated budget is $4.4 million to replace the air-conditioning system and $2.6 million for mold remediation.

Camacho said the main air-conditioning system is over 22 years old.