“This is bad for tourism,” Saipan Mayor Donald G. Flores said yesterday.
The last time his office repaired the road was in April just before the Holy Week.
The area, which is commonly known as Chalan Galaide, is a very vital alternative route of residents in Kagman and Capital Hill, the mayor said.
He said the road is also used by tourists because it is indicated on the tourist map.
Some tourists who wish to go to Mt. Tapochao usually take the Navy Hill Road, he said.
Heinz Staffler, a resident in the area, expressed appreciation for the road repair efforts of the mayor’s office.
Staffler said there were many instances when tourists got stuck after the vehicles failed to maneuver over the rough terrain.
The tourists ended up paying for towing service, he said.
“How can we showcase the beauty of the island when our tourists can’t even pass this road,” the mayor said.
Flores said he is hoping the Department of Public Work has a plan to pave the road.
During a heavy rain, the water usually creates potholes while washing away the coral that was used to temporarily repair the road, Flores said.
He said it is important for the government to develop the road because it will serve as an alternate route for those headed to Capital Hill.
“We can eliminate traffic and during emergency we can use this when going to the Commonwealth Health Center,” he said.
Flores said his office has been getting calls from residents in the area regarding the need to repair the road.
Yesterday, he said he was able to get a commitment from Precinct 5 lawmakers to provide fuel for the heavy equipment used in the road repair effort.
