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On utility disconnection
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Posted on Mar 14 2001
The Issue: Utility Agency begins disconnection of government offices Marianas-wide.
Our View: Paralysis could send employees home earning freebies at taxpayers expense.
There are several highly controversial issues that would emerge as the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (CUC) proceeds with disconnection of government offices Marianas-wide. They are:
1). Did CUC install power meters in all government offices Marianas-wide other than private buildings being leased by various offices?
2). If CUC didn’t install meters in government quarters such as the Public School System, Department of Public Safety, the Guma` Justisia, Commonwealth Health Center, etc. how accurate are the charges it imposes on these government offices?
3). If CUC claims that its estimates are accurate, how is it that small government office with less than twelve employees, air-conditioners and several computers pays $22,000 a month in power bills?
4). How is it that this small office pays this much in monthly bills while one of the largest grocery stores here with walk-in freezers, computers, deep freeze, coolers, air-conditioners, huge lighting system, wholesale, etc., pays a meager $27,000 a month?
The other culprit in this messy equation is the Senate, specifically, the Rota and Tinian Delegations. They wanted their loot divvying the $7-9 million to establish satellite offices that are at best useless. In the process, it earmarked some $400,000 for monthly government utilities payment. Isn’t it true that monthly government utility bills is over $800,000?
CUC is equally guilty of cosmetic reduction in expenses. The greater question is: How does it spend the $5 million it receives from private consumers? Can it justify its generous pay raises, first class junkets and other expenditure that are eventually passed on to taxpayers? How much was the dollar cost of its most recent junket to Texas? Is it $10,000 or more like $100,000?
This boat is rudderless and without the benefit of a strong captain. The blame game is at its peak. We must settle this issue with strong resolve to tidy up our quarters. The taxpayers are NOT at fault at all. Si Yuus Maase`!
