By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizons Staff

Despite the transfer to the New Capitol in Melekeok, some government agencies in Koror remained without a permanent office.
According to Bureau of Lands and Surveys Director Gilbert U. Demei, this is because the Olbiil Era Kelulau has not yet turned over the keys of the old building in Koror.
It would be recalled that Demei, who is the chairman of the Capitol Relocation Consolidation Committee (a sub-committee of the 12th Independence Day Anniversary and Capitol Relocation Organizing Committee), requested from the OEK the keys to the vacated office spaces for the use of other agencies.
These agencies include The Archives Office, office of the public auditor, Ministry of Commerce and Trade (Division of Economic Development, Division of Transportation and Communication) and Parole Board Office.
Other agencies were also assigned to the Land Court Building that included Ethics Commission, Social Security Office, Pension Plan Administration and PALARIS, but these agencies have already settled there except the last two which are under construction.
Demei said that this is the reason why the front office of the Division of Labor remained in Melekeok, which means that foreign contract workers will have to take their photos and other documents processed in the New Capitol.
Labor Chief Russell Masayos recently asked to know why it took so long for them to wait for the transfer because they are currently experiencing a cramped situation at the Ministry of Finance Building.
Demei explained that under the existing Land Settlement Agreement executed on Feb. 3, 1997, the OEK Building is covered under section which states in part:
"That the ROP shall have the exclusive right to use the following properties until Palau’s capital is relocated from Koror and buildings are constructed at the new capital site adequate to house all of the offices currently occupying the following properties or ROP ceases to use these buildings: The President Offices, The OEK Building and the Supreme Court Building.
The Agreement also said that the Koror State Public Lands Authority leased to ROP such buildings and other facilities for a term of 25 years, which means that there are 15 years more for ROP to use those buildings.
Demei said that Minister of Resources and Development Fritz Koshiba is drawing a Land Settlement Agreement Committee created by Executive Order 240 to negotiate with the KSPLA and Koror State Government for the use of these facilities beyond the terms of the current Land Settlement Agreement between the ROP and KSPLA.