PSS seeks aid for Anatahan school construction

Plans to expedite the construction of the proposed Anatahan school in the Northern Islands are facing delay due to the absence of transport services that would carry construction materials to the island.

The Public School System has expressed concern over the lack of an adequate transportation which would haul concrete and other supplies to the construction site, citing this as one major factor slowing the project down.

Board of Education Vice Chair Roman Benavente said the most ideal way of transporting the required materials is through the use of a Chinook helicopter, a chopper big enough to accommodate large cargoes.

“Right now, we foresee difficulties as far as landing the materials to the island. Although building the school itself may not be a problem, transporting the materials is our major concern,” said the vice chair.

The BOE official is urging various government agencies to assist the school system identify resources which would make possible the delivery of the materials from Saipan to the island of Anatahan.

Earlier, PSS had planned to coordinate with the Governor’s Office and the U.S. Navy for access to a two-propeller helicopter which the navy normally utilizes in transporting cars, tanks, and huge loads.

“For me, this is the best alternative. I am familiar with the topography of Anatahan and where they want to erect the school. It’s hilly and they will have to carry the materials by hand to reach the top,” said Mr. Benavente.

Inaccessible by land transportation, the area can best be reached through an aircraft, according to the BOE official.

“I am not saying it’s impossible but it would be very risky to use another means of transportation because the materials could get damaged,” he added.

He cited that if exposed to saltwater, roofing materials made of tin could accumulate rust.

“The site is very near the ocean so there’s every chance this could happen,” he explained.

“I am hoping there would be collaboration between PSS, the Governor’s Office, in conjunction with the US Navy with regard to this effort,” he said.

This year, PSS is set to build a one-story structure to accommodate some 20 elementary and high school students residing on Anatahan.
PSS Administrative Officer Yvonne Atalig said the building is large enough to house two classrooms.

The facility will also have room for a support building for the administration office and a cafeteria.

“The documents are all ready and we will soon be bidding the project,” said Ms. Atalig.
Oleai Elementary School Vice Principal Jess Wabol has been assigned to handle the classes at the proposed school.

So far, this is the second attempt to build a school on the island since the first one was destroyed by a typhoon years back.

“This time it’s going to be stronger and typhoon-proof just like any other school that you see here,” she said. (MM)