Laniyos first to avail of GreenStay housing

Vincente and Hermina Laniyo became the first from the CNMI who availed of a house from GreenStay with the former signing the contract last Saturday, which also marked the opening of the company’s new sales office right across Shell Middle Road in Gualo Rai.

The Laniyos’ house in Kagman I were among those that were destroyed during Typhoon Soudelor’s onslaught last year, forcing them to stay in the homes of their relatives. Last week, GreenStay’s team demolished what remains of their house so they could begin construction.

“We went through many obstacles but now we’re here. We are thankful for GreenStay as they will build our new house,” said Vincente, who was accompanied by his wife Hermina in the contract signing.

Construction of their new house is set to begin later this week or early July, according to Skywalker Holdings Co. sales account manager Cyril Song. Skywalker Holdings tapped designer Yu Jiao in conceptualizing the house that uses container vans, reinforced steel, and other pre-fabricated materials.

The GreenStay construction team is hoping to finish the Laniyos’ new fully furnished house before Aug. 2, the first year anniversary of Typhoon Soudelor.

Rep. Joseph Leepan T. Guerrero (R-Saipan) thanked Skywalker Holdings for the GreenStay project and in doing their share in helping families whose homes where destroyed by Soudelor. “It’s really disheartening to see these families living in tents or in shelters after the typhoon.”

“We have to start somewhere and hopefully this would also be a solution to our housing problem,” said Guerrero, who added that maintaining a comfortable home in the CNMI was always been a challenge.

“Either you pay overpriced materials or go off-island to buy it your self. Then you need to have it shipped here. It is very challenging and a costly project.”

Song said GreenStay houses were approved and passed the standard tests made by the Department of Public Works’ Building Safety Code Division. “GreenStay offers you a home that uses energy efficient materials. A lot of people lost all of their things during Typhoon Soudelor.”

“GreenStay homes are budget friendly and sturdy. These are long-term livable homes that can withstand typhoons and earthquakes,” added Song.

Skywalker Communications Group managing director Dr. Hu Bo said that they are excited with the formal opening of the GreenStay office. “The past few months had been difficult for some and also posed a lot of challenge.”

“We’re hoping we could help a lot of people who lost their homes avail of a housing project that is the best offer to the island,” added Bo.

Pacific Insurance Underwriters executive vice president and general manager Shirley Sablan said they are just assisting Skywalker Holdings when it comes to home insurance. “We are working with the project since majority will be needing mortgages.”

“Dr. Bo came to us and presented the project. It was a totally new concept for the CNMI and we supported the investment,” she added.