The Compact Road is the best road that Palau has and despite a few cracks here and there, the occasional landslides, and of course, one too many bumper-to-rail dings, it is aptly maintained.Its maintenance is performed on a daily basis by a handful of people who earn on average $200 (that is, prior to the necessary tax deductions and most certainly before the other costs of conveniences and customary obligations – which seem to be scheduled on a pay period.)
I have great respect for the men who brave all weather to keep the Compact Road clean.They do battle the weeds and brush along the road every workday of the week.Their plan of work is quite simple: “Start here, end there, and then repeat.”
I drive on the Compact Road almost everyday and can bear witness to the implementation of the men’s plan.I have also noticed that they, unlike most of the people who work in offices or within residential limits, can’t afford to drive home for lunch; and worse, I imagine that if one them is injured, it would be sometime before he or she would receive proper medical attention – that is, unless a good Samaritan passes by and offers them a ride.
I am guessing that you might have seen these men as they work.I think it is fair to assume that you also have noticed the dings on the rails, the cracks on the pavement, the bumps and dips near the bridges, the remnants of barbecued cars, the strewn inedible and inconsumable leftovers of unscrupulous motorists, long stretches of skid marks, and just recently, road kills– not you, I hope.I wonder if you have raised any dings about the men not doing their work like the many who seem to think otherwise.
If we have to do something about the state of the Compact Road, I think it is best we start with the people who actually take care of it.They are literally dinged up – physically and verbally, and most definitely not monetarily.
I applaud the governors and state employees of Airai, Aimeliik, Ngatpang, Ngeremlengui, Ngarchelong, Ngiwal, and individuals who have from time to time done work on the Compact Road.I praise the first lady of the country and all her supporters for the beautification project, which has brightened up the road. I do not think that these people pointed fingers or lay blame on anyone about the condition of the road, but rather extended blistered and calloused hands to support the few who are left on the road daily.
Yes, the Compact Road would be in far worse condition if a few more people are added to the list of those who have the uncanny ability to notice the missing road buttons; and yet, find it incomprehensible that a man with a rake on the Compact Road is worthy of a pay raise.
I think the few men who have been tasked to weed the Compact Road of unnecessary growth deserve merit; and you and I ought to, at the very least, give them water once in a while.You and I should take notice of the men of the Compact Road – make their day.Drive safe!
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