Help, we’re drowning!

During the last few weeks we’ve seen enough rain to capture the annual percentage of rainfall for the entire year. Bands of heavy showers and thunderstorm impacted the CNMI as a result of Tropical Storm Phanfone, which thankfully avoided us head on.

But as usually happens even with small amounts of rain, the residents of Precinct 2 (Chalan Kanoa, Fina Sisu, Susupe, and As Lito) experienced the effects of the flash flood, leaving several residents living in evacuation circumstances. Some of the residents sought refuge in the airport wartime bunkers and some at nearby hotels. Bless the American Red Cross for being there to alleviate some of the sufferings.

For decades the intersection of Tun Joaquin Doi Road and Texas Road has been flooded out continuously. Families’ homes and businesses in the surrounding areas have been forced to evacuate, shutdown, and flee again.

Some of the residents have family members who are struggling with dire illnesses that they are caring for in their homes and it is critical that they be in sterile, clean, and dry environments. Evacuation was paramount for these residents.

This flooding issue also exists in the Susupe area specifically in the intersection of Bakke Street and Tupak Street among other places.

I believe that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds have been made available to correct these issues such as the perennial flooding experienced by the residents in these areas, including the drainage systems and the sewer system at As Perdido Road that have yet to be addressed . As yet, the problem remains.

How do we get this problem addressed? It has become a significant issue in the lives of the resident of Precinct 2. It is the main corridor to get to the main Post Office and the main traffic thoroughfare getting to Beach Road from several villages in the area.

There are very few alternative from taking this route to include getting to the only community college on the island (NMC); to the Chalan Kanoa Cathedral; the cemetery; shopping centers; the courthouse, Department of Public Safety; Bureau of Motor Vehicles; and the beach, among others. This is the shortest pathway to these important destinations and, let’s face it, we are all looking for ways to save gas!

Where is the relief that we have been promised? And why have we not received it? We continue to suffer not only from all of these water issues, but by insects, rodents, and other vermin infestations that affect and compromise our health.

Our sewer lines are being affected and our water supplies also. What about the foundations of the homes and the buildings that are submerged under polluted water? This is a huge health issue!

I believe that this calamity warrants a declaration of a “state of emergency”! And where are the departments that should be addressing these issues? Where are our representatives in whom we entrusted our votes?

We need help now! And I believe the time is now to put the so-called appropriated funds into action! We cannot continue to compromise our residents. We cannot continue to be subjected to these Third World living conditions that breed disease, discomfort, and financial distress.

Vicente “Ben” Aldan Ichihara
Chalan Kanoa, Saipan