Paseo de Marianas opens today

After almost 10 months of construction, the long-awaited Paseo de Marianas project is finally completed and is all set for its grand opening this evening at the mall site in Garapan.

Project coordinator Bill Wanket of the Department of Public Works and Maeda Pacific Corp. general manager Tom Nielsen both confirmed yesterday that the construction period of the mall project is “complete and ready.”

“All the power poles that used to be standing around the area are now gone, all the shelters are up, and we also have water running, and all the power is underground” he said. “Everything is set and ready, and all that’s left is turning on the lights [tonight].”

A ceremony is scheduled at 5:30pm today that would include the long-anticipated ribbon-cutting, marking the official opening of the multi-million dollar mall project. Wanket said the ceremony also includes several speakers, among them Gov. Juan N. Babauta, live entertainment, and a raffle drawing. He said various businesses surrounding the area have also donated items for the ceremony.

Also, construction included the renovation of the site police station—koban. The station includes a closed circuit television that would enable officers to monitor the mall. About six surveillance cameras would be installed around the mall for security purposes.

The mall project, estimated to cost about $3.31 million, got underway on Jan 13, 2004. It was initially scheduled for completion on Oct. 7, but additional work around the area resulted in the extension of the contract.

The Strategic Economic Development Council first floated the idea of renovating the Garapan area in the late 1990s as part of its tourist-related beautification program.

The mall project is the third phase of the approximately $25-milion Garapan Revitalization Project. The Promenade project, which covers the 3rd Street or Hotel Street, includes the setting up of a lighting system, drinking fountains, covered shelters, and public toilets.

The Revitalization Project aims to transform the downtown Garapan area into an attractive and safe focal point for tourist and resident activities, including strolling, outdoor dining, outdoor musical entertainment, and festivities.

The government said this project would generate at least $200 million in revenue for the government within the four-year period of the revitalization.