On Saipan, the homestead moratorium has to remain in force because there’s not enough public land for distribution, Reyes said.
“As a general concept, the governor supports the reopening of homesteads on Rota and Tinian because we understand there’s still enough land available there,” he said.
In a previous statement, the governor said he issued the moratorium because of the high cost of homestead development per hectare which could reach $161,000, while the development of infrastructure could cost up to $118 million.
Reyes said the governor also welcomes any proposal from the residents of Rota and Tinian regarding the proposed housing project of the Department of Public Lands.
DPL Secretary John H. Del Rosario said the $256 million 300 quadruplex units will benefit at least 1,400 families on Tinian and Saipan.
The project involves 200 three-bedroom or two-bedroom two-story housing units in Koblerville, Saipan and 100 units on Tinian.
“The governor supports the most efficient and most economical approach,” Reyes said, reacting to reports that some residents on Tinian prefer the current homestead program.
