By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

President Remengesau along with Charge d’ Affaires Naotake Yamashita of Japan and Governor Jackson Ngiraingas led other government officials and guests during last Friday’s (Feb. 9) formal opening of the $5.2 million new Peleliu North Dock.
Remengesau spoke on the importance of the project for the improvement of the dock while Yamashita extended congratulations to the national and state governments as well as to all those who were involved in the completion of the project.
Yamashita said that such project will contribute to effective implementation of economic programs as well as the safety of the people and tourists who come to Peleliu.
Yamashita vowed to continue supporting similar projects.
Ngiraingas spent time to thank the government of Japan and the national government for the project.
Other special guests included Japan International Cooperation Agency Resident Representative Noshio Notsu, Vice President Elias Camsek Chin, Delegate Jonathan Isechal, Sen. Alfonso Diaz, Minister of State Temmy Schmull, Sen. Surangel Whipps Sr., Sen. Caleb Otto, Sen. Santy Asanuma and former President Thomas Remengesau;
The others were Gov. Demei Obak of Aimeliik, Gov. Lazarus Kodep of Melekeok, Del. Kalistus Ngirturong, Del. Lucio Ngiraiwet, Gov. John Skebong of Ngaremlengui, Gov. Duane Hideo of Ngchesar, Gov. Edwin Chokai of Kayangel, Gov. Damien Albis of Sonsorol, Min. of Commerce and Trade Otoichi Besebes, Gov. Yositakla Adachi, US Charge d’ Affairs Mark Bezner, High Chief Ibeduul Yutaka Gibbons and Gov. Horace Rafael of Angaur.
Also making their presence felt were the Tatirou women’s organization and the first lady of Peleliu, Terry Ngiraingas.
Anna Aichi was the master of ceremonies while Deacon Mathias H. Smau did the invocation and benediction.
Minister Fritz Koshiba gave the project details of the new facility, which according to Floor Leader Johannes Tsuneo of the 9th Peleliu State Legislature said has a general impact on the livelihood of the people of Peleliu.
Tsuneo expressed the warm appreciation that the people of Peleliu felt about the project saying "they are deeply moved by the generosity of the people and government of Japan."
The resolution, which was adopted by the State Legislature on the occasion and completion of the project, had been presented to Gov. Ngiraingas and Yamashita led by Legislator Joe Ngiramur and Tsuneo.
Chief Obak Singeo also delivered an appreciation remarks.
The government of Japan funded the project. ECOH Corporation is the project consultant while contractor was Penta-Ocean Construction Co., Ltd.
Constructed work started on June 2006 and was completed on the first week of this month.
The port had been extended and rehabilitated while the access channel and basin were dredged and navigational aids were installed.