Shipment of concrete poles delayed

Posted on Aug 20 2015

Tag: FEMA, Guam, power, Typhoon Soudelor

The cargo ship carrying 90 poles from Guam to aid in restoration efforts following Typhoon Soudelor has been delayed due to ship malfunctions, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The cargo ship was set to arrive with 90 concrete poles planned to “harden critical areas” on Saipan.

FEMA federal coordinating officer Stephen DeBlasio said this cargo ship had “some malfunctions.”

“They were not able to dock,” he said. “Right now, it is being repaired.”

Acting Commonwealth Utilities Corp. executive director John Riegel confirmed yesterday that the poles have not arrived yet.

The 90 concrete poles were the first batch out of 200 scheduled to arrive from Guam.

The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. and FEMA estimate that a range of 800 to 900 power poles will be needed to sustain recovery efforts.

CUC has depleted its stores of power poles in its recovery efforts.

Dennis B. Chan | Reporter

Dennis Chan covers education, environment, utilities, and air and seaport issues in the CNMI. He graduated with a degree in English Literature from the University of Guam. Contact him at dennis_chan@saipantribune.com.

PSS: No date for school yet; will apply for federal disaster aid

Empty Vessel foundation helps Soudelor victims

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