Both projects, inclusive of a massive water reservoir, are estimated to cost approximately $800,000 – all of which would come from Taiwan stimulus funds.
One of the roads runs in the hamlet of Ollei from Ollei Port to the hamlet’s water pump system and the other runs through Mengallakl and Ngriil hamlets. Both roads are considered national roads.
Earlier in the year bids were put out for the projects. FR Construction was selected to rehabilitate the road in Ollei and Rainbow Construction was selected to construct the water reservoir and rehabilitate the Mengallakl-Ngriil road.
Construction of the road in Ollei is nearing its completion as more than three fourths of the road has been completed.
According to FR Construction workers, if the weather holds out, they should be able to complete the project within the next 3 weeks.
On the other hand, work on the Mengallakl-Ngriil road has not progressed as fast but work on it has not stopped.
A state official said that each of the construction companies, in terms of their contracts, has as much as a year to complete the projects.
“It is too early to predict who is falling behind on schedule,” said a state official. “But, I am assured that all of the projects would be completed accordingly.”
Many of the residents of the state are pleased with sections of the roads that have been completed so far.
“If the rest of roads would be half as good as the sections that have been completed,” said a resident, “I would be happy. My car feels new when I drive on the completed sections.”
Though residents have had to contend with single lanes when driving, they are well aware that a little inconvenience due to construction is nothing compared to continued driving on rough, potholed riddled roads
