to secure assistance to restore lands in Angaur and Peleliu which have agricultural potentials.
Toribiong in a letter to Kuartei said that as part of the original Compact of Free Association between U.S. and Palau the former agreed to provide technical assistance to Palau through a feasibility study and cost of rehabilitating and restoring the fertility of the topsoil of Angaur and Peleliu states which was damaged after the it were bulldozed after World War II battles.
Toribiong added that the U.S. was also committed to look for funds to provide assistance to revitalize the topsoil of both islands.
“I believe a soil study of the land in Angaur and Peleliu has been completed by the United States Department of the Interior, but no further action was taken. This letter is to ask you to address this issue during the Compact Review and to negotiate further assistance from the United States,” Toribiong said.
He said because of the spiraling fuel prices, it drove up the cost of necessary items that it is better that we utilize local resources and to decrease Palau’s dependence on imported products.
Toribiong said that the land in Angaur and Peleliu is available to be used for farming, development, tourism and many other purposes which could produce new income for Palau.
“But we cannot take advantage of these resources until the topsoil issue is resolved. With the assistance of the United States, we can develop these lands to help Palau in the long and short term.” Toribiong said.
