New bridge opens in Kagman

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, ninth from left, leads yesterday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony that officially inaugurates the new bridge on Lalanghita Road, the latest in Precinct 5’s Road Improvement Project. (IVA MAURIN)

A new bridge along Lalanghita Road in Kagman that is part of a road improvement project with a price tag of $2.1 million was officially unveiled yesterday in a ribbon-cutting ceremony and blessing, with a promise of more projects and road improvements in the days ahead.

The road improvement project, at $2.1 million, is considered the heftiest appropriation for one precinct ever in the history of the Saipan and Northern Islands Delegation.

Speaking at yesterday’s ribbon-cutting, Rep. Lorenzo I. Deleon Guerrero (R-Saipan), vice speaker of the 21st Legislature, said the project signifies the strong relationship among the members of the legislative leadership and the Torres administration.

“This…symbolizes the strong partnership between our administration and the Legislature,” he said. “Without the strong bond between branches of government none of these projects would be reality.”

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres echoed Deleon Guerrero’s message of partnership, adding that it is important to advocate for the precinct’s needs.

“We work together, we look at the priorities, and as the administration, it is important to advocate for Precinct 5’s needs,” Torres said. “So for the people of Precinct 5, today, you are seeing this kind of fruitful hard work for the people here and all the people in the CNMI.”

The new bridge is the latest of Precinct 5’s Road Improvement Projects, through the Department of Public Works.

DPW Secretary James A. Ada reminded everyone that the work is not over, and that there are more projects to be done.

“I’d like to remind everyone again that the groundbreaking is not over. We still have Route 34 and Kannat Tabla,” Ada said before adding that he loves Precinct 5, being a resident of it himself.

As the biggest village on Saipan, Precinct 5 has seen six recent road improvements, including the construction of additional pavement on Pine Drive and Pepega Avenue and of the concrete swale at Chopak Drive, which was completed in January 2016, the Pine Drive Road and drainage improvement that was completed in November 2017, and the Tangantangan Road improvement, which was completed in April 2018.

This year, the projects include the Puteng Drive Road improvement that was completed in March, the Lalangha Avenue Road improvement completed in September, and the Lalanghita Road.