Previous Story
Oleai track resurfacing work moving slowly
A sign about the resurfacing project at the track and field facility is on display at the main gate of the Northern Marianas Sports Association-operated Oleai Sports Complex. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)
The resurfacing project at the Oleai Sports Complex’s track and field facility has started last week, but is moving slowly.
Since the notice to proceed with the project was released last Nov. 15, contractor Tang’s Corp. only managed to cover some portions of the fences with tarp. Last weekend, only the fence at the main entrance of the track facility was covered, while yesterday, two employees of the contractor were seen bringing down the fence located near a hardware store.
Saipan Tribune talked to one of the employees, who said they will first secure the fences around the facility by covering them with tarp. He added that he was told major repairs may start next week. Saipan Tribune has been calling Tang’s Corp.’s office the past two days, but has yet to get a response from the contractor as press time.
Tony Rogolifoi, executive director of Northern Marianas Sports Association, which oversees the management of the sports complex and coordinates the resurfacing project with the concerned agencies, in a separate interview admitted that no major repair works has been done. He added that the contractor is still waiting for some materials.
Tang’s Corp. has 150 days to complete the project after the notice to proceed was released. If it misses the deadline, a $100 fine per day will be charged.
With the contractor focusing first on the facility fences, bubbles continue to form all over the rubberized lanes of the track oval. This condition forced NMSA to close the facility a few days after the notice to proceed with the project was released.
“We are again reminding the public to refrain from using the facility or entering the oval for safety purposes. We are asking for your full cooperation because we don’t want people to get hurt or further delay the project,” Rogolifoi said.
The resurfacing work at the track is one of the improvements that will take place at the Oleai Sports Complex. The grandstand, Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium, Francisco “Tan Ko’ Palacios Baseball Field, and the Miguel “Tan Ge” Basa Pangelinan Softball Field will also undergo repairs next year in preparation for the CNMI’s hosting of the Pacific Mini Games in 2021.
