By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

The detailed design of the Project for the Rehabilitation of Arterial Roads in the Metropolitan Area in the Republic of Palau had been discussed during a meeting of various government agencies with the Japanese company that is doing the design study.
The meeting was done at the Ministry of Resources and Development office in Koror on Wednesday and concluded at the Palm Bay Bistro.
The main agenda included the discussion and confirmation on the detailed design, the modern sidewalk and beautification image to be undertaken and the implementation of the time schedule until the procurement of contractor.
R&D Min. Fritz Koshiba requested the Japanese company to fast track the finalization of the design in order to meet the target date of completion set by the government, which is December 2008.
The designing company, CTI Engineering International Co., Ltd. is led by Maruoka Keni, Executive Professional Civil Engineer and General Manager Infrastructure Management Division, and Tsuchihasshi Masahisa, Senior Chief Engineer Infrastructure Management Division, Second Project Management Dept.
Discussed were selection of ditches, construction limits at major intersections, construction limit on minor/access roads, location of V-ditch cover and its justification, relocation of guardrail at sharp curves and construction of sidewalk from Minato Bridge.
Also discussed were review of the existing drainage such as in the vicinity of CIP office and other areas.
Landslide areas were also identified such as at the official residence for Australian maritime Surveillance Officer, in the vicinity of Airai View Hotel, and Topside near the former office of the US Embassy.
Also discussed were cross-ducts installation, removal of existing traffic signals and relocation of telephone boxes, cables and conduits.
According to the tentative schedule prepared by the CTI Engineering International Co., Ltd, the conclusion of exchange notes is set on the second week of May 2007.
The Consummation of consultant’s contract and Issuance of Power of Attorney is on the third week of May 2007; Notice of Pre-Qualification (PQ) is 4th week of May 2007; Delivery of PQ Documents (1st week of June 2007); Receipt of PQ Documents and PQ evaluation and approval (3rd week of June 2007);
CTI noted that the Floating of Tender is done in 45 days, therefore, the receipt of tender documents should have been finished on first week of August 2007.
Then the tender should have been evaluated and approved on the second week of August 2007.