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Some streetlights may be turned off
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Posted on Oct 17 2006
The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. may have to turn of the lights in some Saipan streets to save costs, the administration said yesterday.
According to press secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr., the plan was discussed during Monday’s Cabinet meeting.
The Department of Public Works and CUC were tasked with conducting a survey of Saipan’s streetlights to identify which lights could be turned off without putting public safety at risk. The two agencies will report to the Department of Finance.
“We will make sure that there is balance between the need to save money and the need for adequate lighting in some areas of concern,” Reyes said.
Burglary incidents have been on the rise recently, with some of the cases involving tourists.
In related news, Finance Secretary Eloy Inos reminded department heads of continuing austerity measures during the Cabinet meeting, according to Reyes.
Restrictions on hiring, travel, and purchase of capital items remain in place, he said.
Exemptions from the government austerity holiday, which will be observed for the fourth time this Friday, will be reviewed constantly to maximize savings.
Over 600 employees have been exempted from the austerity holidays, which entail a 10-percent pay cut for affected government workers.
The CNMI government has passed a $193.5-million budget for fiscal year 2007.
