By Emmanuel T. Erediano
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Variety News Staff
REPRESENTATIVE Roman C. Benavente last week pushed for the completion of Obyan Beach and Ladder Beach Road projects, which have been delayed for almost two years.
Benavente, who has focused on infrastructure projects in Precinct 1 since he was first elected in 2012, urged Gov. David M. Apatang and Department of Public Works Secretary Ray N. Yumul to “pursue” the completion of the roads leading to two of Saipan’s premier tourist destinations.
Benavente authored Saipan Local Law 23-9, which allotted $503,900 in exclusive casino license and poker fee collections for the Obyan Beach Road reconstruction project, and S.L.L. 23-17, which re-appropriated $376,800 to fund the paving of Ladder Beach Road.
The Obyan Beach Road project covers the downhill stretch from Naftan Road (Route 302) to the beach park parking lot, while the Ladder Beach paving project spans from Naftan Road to the Ladder Beach parking lot. However, only Phase One of the Obyan Beach Road project has been completed.
DPW Secretary Yumul said they had to rebid Phase Two, which includes asphalting and construction of a ponding basin. As for the Ladder Beach Road project, Yumul said it’s still in the architectural and engineering design phase.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of Naftan Road on Thursday, Benavente took the opportunity to ask the governor and the DPW secretary to push the projects forward.
“It’s not finished yet. There are still some contractual matters that need to be addressed,” he said, referring to the Obyan Beach Road project.
“The governor is in front of me, the DPW secretary is in front of me; I’d like to see that done. I know your passion as well for Precinct 1, governor,” he added.
“Governor, the remainder of the Obyan and Ladder Beach Road projects — please pursue that,” he said.
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.
