By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE proposed improvement of Chalan Galaide Road will cost up to $10 million, Department of Public Works Secretary Ray N. Yumul told Saipan lawmakers.
Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation Chair John Paul P. Sablan and House Floor Leader Marissa Flores recently reached out to DPW Secretary Yumul, expressing concerns about the deteriorating condition of Chalan Galaide, which stretches from Mount Tapochao to Navy Hill.
The road also known as Route 38 has deteriorated significantly due to runoff from its terrain, lack of adequate drainage, and repeated heavy rains.
Yumul said DPW is coordinating with the CNMI Capital Improvement Project office and the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. to ensure that restoration of the road aligns with ongoing underground utility upgrades. The department’s preliminary review found that the proposed improvement will affect 59 real estate properties, 10 of which belong to the Department of Public Lands.
The public works secretary said no complete community severance assessment has been performed for the 30-foot-wide road. He explained that to meet project standards, a severance map establishing a 70-foot right-of-way must first be completed. The map comes at an estimated cost of $80,000 to $150,000.
Yumul added that right-of-way acquisition would cost between $1.2 million and $2.6 million, while construction of the roadway, drainage, and other infrastructure, including a ponding basin, will cost between $5 million and $8 million. The total estimated cost of the project ranges from $6.2 million to $10.6 million.
Currently, Chalan Galaide Road is not included in the Territorial Transportation Improvement Program. However, Yumul said DPW may petition the U.S. Federal Highway Administration to include the project, provided that all right-of-way, engineering, and environmental requirements are met. Legislative support would strengthen the CNMI government’s position in seeking federal funding.
In the interim, the DPW maintenance team and the Saipan Mayor’s Office will continue temporary repairs to the road.
“Your inquiry is timely, and your support is valuable as we work to secure the resources necessary to fully rehabilitate this corridor,” Yumul said. “Should the Legislature identify supplemental funding or wish to collaborate to accelerate the right-of-way actions or project delivery, DPW would welcome the opportunity to coordinate further.”
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
