REPUBLIC OF PALAU (Palau Horizon) — Senate President Surangel S. Whipps and Senator Caleb T. Otto were among the group of Palau’s civic and traditional leaders who toured the Compact Road on Thursday, May 3. The leadership was informed by Alex Morrison, Contracting Officer of the Compact Road Project for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, that the largest development project in Micronesia’s history is slated for completion in late June. President Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr. led the group of leaders along with Ibedul Yutaka M. Gibbons and House of Delegates Speaker Antonio Bells.
The tour commenced in Ngerikiil, Airai and circled Babeldaob, stopping in Melekeok and Ngaraard to discuss various aspects of the project. Morrison told Senate President Whipps that the majority of the work on the road is now completed and that 98% of the end product is "very good". Morrison explained that, while some failures and problems have occurred in various areas and the project has posed extraordinary challenges, he is pleased with the overall quality of the work and says that these scenarios are actually beneficial as they ensure that, once turned over, the road will be of a high caliber. "Daewoo is doing a good job," he said, "they have shown quality work and have been very successful."
When asked about the Ngerikiil to Ngchesar road closure, also known as Shimizu, Morrison explained that because no road had existed in that area before, Daewoo is not contractually obliged to open the road. "Ngerikiil is not open because the Army Corps of Engineers has not yet accepted the road; until that time, it is Daewoo’s right to determine whether or not the road is safe for vehicle traffic." Daewoo has said the Ngeriikil road may be open within the month. "Please be patient," Morrison said to the leaders of Palau, "please allow Daewoo to finish their job." Having been in Palau since the start of the Compact Road project 8 years ago, he further commented on what an "awesome experience [it has been] to participate in the change of a nation."
Morrison also discussed the process for Palau’s eventual acceptance of the Compact Road, where the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will contractually accept the road before being turned over to the Republic. However, he also stated that segments of the road have already been accepted by the U.S. and must therefore be maintained by Palau. Once segments of the road have been accepted, a one year warranty period begins.
"We are very fortunate to have this road," stated Senate President Surangel S. Whipps. "We most definitely want to thank the United States for their support." Reminiscing on the leaders of Palau who had envisioned the Compact Road, the Senate President said, "if they were alive today, they would be very proud of this accomplishment."
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