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IPI submits docs to DPW; stop-work order remains
Construction work at the Imperial Pacific Resort in Garapan has yet to resume, despite their construction team’s submission of required documents to the Department of Public Works last week, according to Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC chief executive officer Donald Browne.
“DPW is in the process of reviewing and construction will begin once DPW approves the documents,” said Browne in response to Saipan Tribune’s request for an update about the status of DPW’s stop-work order.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres suggested at a radio news briefing last week that DPW and IPI need to address that specific issue. “I hope that they can work things out,” Torres said.
The governor at the time said he has yet to be updated on that stop-order issue.
Browne earlier said they expect a quick resolution of the issue as they can’t afford any construction delays due to clerical issues, and that they are working diligently to resolve the matter with their engineers and resume construction at the Imperial Pacific Resort.
IPI received the stop-work order from DPW last Oct. 27. In its notice of violations, DPW’s Building Safety Code Division ordered IPI to stop work immediately until it complies with some requirements.
DPW suspended all construction work from the tower hotel’s Level 3 to Sky Level 14 until shop drawings and revised plans are submitted to and are approved by DPW’s Building Safety officer. DPW also suspended all welding work until special inspectors are on board and approved by the Building Safety officer. DPW said failure to comply may result in fees, civil penalties or fines, adding that its order will remain in effect until the Building Safety Division rescinds it.
