According to members of the NSA, they had previously met with BWA steering committee earlier in 2008 to learn more about the alliance, its goals and objectives, and the potential support it accords to member states.
“We had met with members of BWA in mid-2008,” said Abraham Osima, a member of NSA. “However, certain events had delayed the progress of the necessary work needed to completed before the state could join the alliance.”According to Osima, Ngarchelong State held its legislative election soon after members of the 13th NSA met with BWA representatives. Further, new elected members came on board the NSA, which necessitated further meetings with BWA. Moreover, the NSA had reorganized and its leadership had changed; however the priorities of the NSA had remained intact.“Nearly every member of the NSA had been actively involved in the 2008 campaigns, especially during the few months before the General Election,” said Osima. “But, we had kept in touch with BWA.”Joyce Beouch, BWA coordinator, further added that Assemblyman, Allen Kangichi, had represented NSA in a BWA symposium last September. Additionally, other members of the NSA have, from time to time, consulted BWA steering committee members on issues and concerns about Ngarchelong’s watersheds and water sources.“Many of the NSA members have indicated earlier that Ngarchelong will join BWA,” Beouch said. “I have had a chance to address some of the concerns, which ranged from concerns of accessibility to the states water sources to state and national statutes governing natural resources, that were raised.”The passage of the resolution does not guarantee Ngarchelong State’s BWA membership until Governor Browny Salvador and NSA’s officers sign BWA’s Master Cooperative Agreement (MCA); however, the resolution has created urgency for relevant state leaders to move forth to join BWA.“A date has not been determined as to when and where the signing of the MCA would take place.” Beouch added. “I have received information, however, that members of the NSA and Governor Salvador are pushing for the signing no later than the end of this week. I have prepared all the necessary documents and informed BWA steering committee members.”
