Agriculture Director Richard Seman disclosed in an interview that there will be a change in the way water supply is provided to Kagman farmers.
He did not elaborate but added that the new terms will somehow lessen the government’s role.
Seman said the government will continue to provide the Kagman farmers with water services, but the government should not carry the burden alone if no water comes out.
He said it’s about time that farmers should start taking part in maintaining the irrigation system for their commercial farm plots.
If there are problems with farmers’ own pipes and the solution is within their means, Seman said the farmers might as well help the government solve these problems.
A farmer pays a flat rate of $10 per month for the water provided by the government through the Saipan and Northern Islands Soil and Water Conservation District.
In the revised budget bill that Gov. Benigno R. Fitial is expected to veto today, the Soil and Water Conservation District would get $2,892 for non-personnel and utility costs in fiscal year 2009.
