THE multi-million water desalination project will finally move forward after the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.’s board of directors approved yesterday the hiring of a consultant who will help design the request for proposal and assist in selecting the winning bidder.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has also completed the scope of work for the Saipan water master plan.
Due to advancements in desalination technology, CUC customers are expected to pay significantly less for the desalination project which would have cost more in 1995.
In that year, CUC said the project would cost customers $5 to $7 per 1,000 gallons of water.
“The cost to water consumers is expected to be much less now,” said CUC spokeswoman Pamela Mathis.
Saipan Water & Ice, Felipe Atalig and a Korean company have shown interest in building the project.
The CUC board led by outgoing Chairman Edward C. Sablan, whose term expires today, approved the hiring of a consultant to finally get the project off the ground.
“The timing is right for this project. Quality water remains to be one of our biggest problems here,” Sablan said.
Francisco M. Camacho, chairman of the CUC board’s operation and water desalination committees, wants the planning for the development of the RFP to begin as soon as possible.
But Rosario Elameto, CUC board member, said the utilities agency should thoroughly review bidders’ proposals to avoid protests, and to ensure the quality and efficiency of the project.
Laura Manglona, CUC board member, said there may also be a need to conduct a public hearing on the project.
