By Moneth G. Deposa
Variety News Staff

AFTER it was earlier burglarized and vandalized, the Koblerville Youth Center seems now to have turned into a dumpsite.
The facility was built using funding from a federal Housing and Urban Development Block Grant but has not been open for operations since 2005 owing to the CNMI government’s lack of funding for the center.
In a visit to the place yesterday, this reporter saw volunteers removing debris and trash from the area.
“Since Monday we’ve been doing a major cleanup as some residents are dumping their garbage here. We’re upset to see that we’re not receiving the cooperation of some in the village who continue to dump their trash here,” said Ken Concepcion, the governor’s CNMI youth coordinator.
In March, burglars broke into the newly built center and stole two airconditioners. In following weeks, the facility was vandalized.
“We have yet to formally open this center...but it has already been victimized by burglars and vandals, and now they want it to become a dumping site,” Concepcion said.
He said those responsible will be prosecuted.
“We mean serious business here,” he said. “Despite the lack of operational funds for the center, we’re looking at every avenue to open this facility for our youth in Koblerville.”
The rising incidents of juvenile delinquency prompted them to open the center, he added.
Concepcion said 40-65 youths will be served by the center on a daily basis.
He said they are scheduling the formal opening of the center for next month.
Concepcion admitted that not a single cent has been allocated for the center’s operations due to the CNMI government’s financial crisis.
The center has three staffers —two from the Aging Office are paid through a federal grant.
“We will be conducting a fundraiser to generate money for our operations, supplies and equipment,” he said.
Starting May 25, a mini-carnival will be set up every Friday at the site to raise $400-$500 each week.
“This will be of no cost to the government as a volunteer member, Jeff Santos, will help us set up everything for the event, the proceeds of which will go to the center,” Concepcion said, adding that Santos’s company, Jeff’s Promotions, will volunteer its services and resources to make the event possible.
Food and craft vendors, local entertainment, games and rides will be the highlights of the mini-carnival that will start at 6 p.m. on Friday each week.
The event will be held in collaboration with the governor’s office and Reps. Cinta M. Kaipat, Covenant-Saipan, and Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero, R-Saipan.
Concepcion said a telephone line and DSL connection will be provided by Pacific Telecom Inc., but the center still needs computers, equipment and books.
“What we have now are books donated bycommunity members, the governor’s office, and the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library. We will be needing more materials for our youth and we’re asking the public and private sectors for support and assistance,” he said.