IT is good news that 2,500 homes will benefit from solar power grant. However, It is somehow tempered by the statement from the Office of Grants Management that its implementation will have a fiscal impact on CUC.
I feel we need to also address another item. That is how will the solar panels mounted on roof tops be protected during typhoons? We had solar panels on top of our MH II Building roof top. All of them were destroyed by flying debris, mostly tin roofing material from unfortunately and sadly poorly constructed residential units. I would also like to mention that there are many abandoned buildings around the island that have been left to deteriorate and poses serious hazards, especially during typhoons.
We all saw the destructive power of these flying tin roof knocking down power poles as they wrapped themselves around power lines. Roof mounted or ground mounted solar panels will not be spared this destructive power. They will all be at risk of being destroyed.
What needs be done is to insist that all buildings constructed of tin roofing must be done so in accordance with applicable building codes and practices for a typhoon proof construction. All abandoned structures should be taken down or at least made safe removing parts that can easily be detached. If the land owner(s) and/or lease hold owner(s) of abandoned structures are not capable or willing to make buildings safer, then the government should decide the best course of action and levy the cost onto the land with a note that property must first settle any government incurred costs in order for the property to be free again. This may sound harsh but what are the realities? The facts are that during the last two typhoons, many sound structures were damaged by flying debris mainly tin roofing material.
Spending $25 million only for it to be destroyed after a typhoon is not a good investment.
Based on my own experience, the solar panel project will fail unless construction of buildings is made typhoon-proof and abandoned, dilapidated buildings are attended to.
Sincerely,
EFRAIN F. CAMACHO
Navy Hill, Saipan
