IPI to probe threat posed by cranes

Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC has told the U.S District Court for the NMI that it will look into the Commonwealth Casino Commission’s concerns regarding the alleged danger the tower cranes in its construction site poses to the community.

In its 29th status report filed with the U.S District Court for the NMI, IPI, through counsel Michael Dotts, said they will investigate and determine how serious the crane concerns are.

“I am aware that there is a concern over the safety of one of the cranes on the jobsite. Although this action does not deal directly with the safety of the jobsite, in the interests of public safety and because of the request of the CCC, counsel will investigate to determine how serious of a matter this is,” he said.

According to Saipan Tribune archives, IPI construction site manager Jesse Aquiningoc told CCC board members during the board’s meeting last Thursday that he believes that, if not repaired immediately, Tower Crane No. 6 that is facing the beach may start to collapse in three months.

IPI’s construction site in Garapan has three standing tower cranes: Tower Crane No. 5 facing Joeten, Tower Crane No. 6 facing the beach, and Tower Crane No. 1.

Along with his weekly reports, Dotts also informed the court that he intends to file a motion to withdraw himself as IPI counsel due to non-payment of legal fees. “Counsel expects to file the motion later this week. IPI is looking for substitute counsel,” he told the court.

Meanwhile, Dotts reported that six IPI employees from the Philippines were repatriated last Tuesday.

In regards to its remaining Chinese national workers, IPI is still waiting for the Chinese embassy to approve Saipan-Korea-China flights to repatriate them.

Dottts also reported that the lease for Lucy’s Apartments has been terminated and IPI is in the process of transferring its remaining employees who reside there to the Sugar King housing as part of cost-cutting efforts.

IPI also remains on top of their settlement payments and are on track with their payroll payments.

“IPI’s parent company has sent, by wire transfer, the August Settlement Payment to United States Department of Labor on July 30, 2021. The next settlement payment will be due on Sept. 1, 2021. Payroll was distributed in full and without incident on July 30, 2021. IPI’s next payroll is due on August 13, 2021,” Dotts said.