Construction manager Mike Vargas said they hired nine students from NMTI who are studying carpentry and various other construction trades.
The students are paid based on the CNMI minimum wage rate of $5.05 an hour.
Ray Alvarez, NMTI counseling and outreach coordinator, said the “hands-on” program is good training for the students.
Sanitation consultant Frank H. Cepeda said Pellegrino is pursuing the establishment of the slaughterhouse for his Marianas Meat Harvest Co.
The project was temporarily suspended although it had already obtained permits from various government agencies, including the Zoning Office, the Department of Public Works, the Division of Environmental Quality and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Cepeda said he is personally supervising the project to ensure it complies with USDA regulations.
The slaughterhouse is located near the NMTI building.
Five other NMTI students assigned to assist in the kennel construction at the mayor’s office animal shelter, which is also near the trade school.
Vargas said they will construct 36 kennels.
Last November, Saipan Mayor Donald G. Flores and Pellegrino signed a memorandum of agreement for the construction of a permanent animal shelter and dog kennel.
The mayor’s office supplied the construction materials while NMTI provided manpower.
Vargas said they are hoping to finish the project in 24 days.
“They have lots of knowledge and are working under my guidance,” he said, referring to the trade school students.
Vargas is also an NMTI carpentry instructor.
