Julie Ogo
ROTA Rep. Julie A. Ogo thanked the Department of Public Works for addressing the concerns of Rota residents regarding an unsafe portion of Route 10 in Sinapalo. She also urged the department to implement a more effective screening process for bidders of future road improvement projects.
In a letter to DPW Secretary Ray N. Yumul, the Rota lawmaker said she was pleased to know that he and Senate President Dennis James C. Mendiola had discussed the challenges pertaining to the incomplete road resurfacing project on Rota.
In October last year, DPW terminated the $2.9 million contract with Radio Com Saipan Inc. because, according to Yumul, “a number of years has passed since then, and the project is still not completed.” He also noted the lack of on-site equipment and the failure to complete an asphalt test strip.
Ogo told Yumul, “I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude, on behalf of the people of Rota and its leadership, for your efforts in addressing this serious concern.”
She also thanked DPW for the steps taken to correct the present road hazard resulting from the contractor’s “poor performance.”
Additionally, Ogo told Yumul, “I urge you and your technical and contracting staff to implement a more effective screening process for bidders on future infrastructure projects, including the selection of new contractors to rectify the defects caused by Radio Com.”
She echoed Mendiola’s sentiment, saying that the poor performance on the road project “is deeply troubling, particularly when significant financial resources are allocated to such projects, only for them to result in hazardous conditions that require additional funding and resources to correct.”
“It is alarming that these deficiencies pose a clear and present danger to motorists. I sincerely hope that appropriate signage with clear warnings has been installed to caution drivers, particularly during rainy conditions. The people of Rota expect and deserve better,” Ogo said.
Yumul, in a WhatsApp interview, said upon receiving Ogo’s letter, he instructed DPW staff members to ensure that they address her concerns.
“The department wants to assure the motorists on Rota that we will take all appropriate action to ensure that the highway is safe,” Yumul said.
