This was emphasized in the memorandum of agreement recently signed by Mayor Donald G. Flores and NMTI president Anthony Pellegrino.
“The mayor’s office of Saipan and NMTI both see the benefits to be derived from improving the lot by construction the permanent animal shelter and dog kennel,” the agreement said.
In an interview, Flores said for starters they will set up 36 kennels at the animal shelter which used to be garment factory.
He said the mayor’s office will start procuring construction materials for the dog kennels.
His adviser Henry Hofschneider said they expect the development of the project before the year end after it finalizes its meeting this week with NMTI.
In the MOA, the mayor’s office is responsible for purchasing all construction material and supplies while NMTI will perform the project.
The mayor’s office will pay an hourly rate NMTI pays its supervisor assigned to supervise the project which will not exceed $10 per hour.
The labor costs performed by NMTI students will be paid by the mayor’s office at the prevailing minimum hourly wage.
“The MOS shall use its best effort to pay NMTI within a very reasonable time after receiving a billing from NMIT,” the MOA states.
Meanwhile, the responsibility of NMTI, aside from manpower, also includes the safety, work supervision and working condition of its students.
The MOA emphasized that NMTI should at all times ensure their students are equipped with the necessary tools and equipment to perform the project.
NMTI is also responsible for ensuring the project is in compliance with safety code, building code, electrical code and other applicable codes and rules and regulations.
Flores said they will start the full dog eradication program on Dec. 23. Dog tagging will also continue at the mayor’s office in Afetna Business Plaza in San Antonio.
