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Based on CPA master plan CUC may have to relocate its power plant
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Posted on Sep 10 1999
With the planned expansion of the Commonwealth Ports Authority in Rota Harbor, the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. may have to look for another site for its power plant on the island.
Based on CPA’s master plan, Rota Harbor will be expanded in the year 2007 where a commercial dock will be established along the shoreline adjacent to the existing CUC power plant.
CPA executive director Carlos H. Salas said the ports authority cannot give away the land to CUC because there is no other area on the island-municipality of Rota that is best suited for the construction of a commercial harbor.
Improvement of the harbor is badly needed because the cost of shipping goods to Rota is currently high and an expanded commercial dock would allow the entry of more ships and lower the cost of goods, said CPA board chairman Roman S. Palacios.
In a meeting with CUC and CPA, Salas said it was agreed that both agencies will discuss with the Division of Public Lands the possibility of acquiring an alternative site for the power plant .
The utilities firm needs at least two-hectares to build its 10 megawatt power plant. CUC also needs an area closer to the dock for accessibility in the delivery of fuel.
Rota Mayor Benjamin M. Manglona has earlier urged CPA to maintain ownership of its property which CUC has proposed to use for its proposed Rota Power Plant. The Mayor’s Office has pledged to work with CUC in looking for an appropriate site outside of the West Harbor area.
According to Manglona, the piece of land located in West Harbor is better left with CPA as he recommended CUC to look for another site. The 1995 Rota Physical and Economic Master Plan specified that the CUC Power Plant and the Public Works Facilities be transferred from the port area to a more central location in the future.
Manglona said CPA must not deviate from its master plan where the major improvement and operation are expected to take place in the Harbor. Given CPA’s present and future needs, he said he believes that the ports authority cannot afford to give its land away considering the fact that the agency has plans to acquire private land for more space in the West Harbor. Lindablue F. Romero
