The shelter is constructed of mostly local materials, except for its roof. It is approximately 12 feet by 16 feet and has adequate space to seat as many as 25 students. It has been erected at the turn from the Compact Road to Urung Dock – the pick up and drop-off area for the students’ bus.
According to Kanai, the structure, deemed by some as merely a bus stop, is so much more than just a bus stop.“This simply structure will provide not only shelter for students and their parents from the sun and rain as they wait for their transport to and from school,” Kanai said. “It will also serve as a rest area for visitors to the state.”Kanai said the idea of the shelter came about after his friends noticed students and their parents lining the side of the Compact Road near Urung Dock to wait for their transport. “During rainy school days, the students would sit in their parents cars to wait for the bus,” Kanai said. “And until the bus arrives, everyone would have to wait in their individual vehicles. The shelter that my friends and I have put up will provide an area to which the students and their parents could be conveniently sheltered at a safe distance from the Compact Road.”Further, Kanai said that parents would be able to sit and chat amongst themselves in the shelter as they wait for the return of their children from school.Kanai’s friends said that they initially planned to erect the shelter prior to the beginning of this school year. However, due to scheduling, other customary obligations, and time dedicated to obtaining all the proper permits – all of which have been acquired – from varying agencies, the project was delayed.“The delay certainly would have not prevented us from building the shelter,” they said. “The whole idea of providing simple things for the service of our children and our people is just too good to let pass.”The group is currently planning a contest, which they will announce upon completion of the shelter, to give the structure a name. “Every citizen of the state will have an opportunity to put his or mark on the history of the building,” Kanai said. “My friends, my supports, and I will be meeting no later than next week to iron out the details of the contest. ”Contest or no contest, the shelter, except for minor details is ready for use. Students from Ngaraard State who attend schools in Koror can now use the shelter.
