Grotto to undergo makeover
Reality TV makeover would have nothing on this one.
In another attempt to refurbish existing tourist sites on Saipan, the Office of the Governor began soliciting bids yesterday for companies that want to take on the facelift of the Grotto Park in Marpi.
Public information officer Peter Callaghan disclosed that $200,000 has been earmarked for the makeover of one of the most popular dive sites on Saipan.
The money came from a federal grant released by the U.S. government to assist all insular areas and territories after the 9/11 incident.
Callaghan said the grant would be used for the repair of the handrail leading down to the Grotto, the repair of the steps and the application of non-skid surface on each step.
The Request for Proposal issued yesterday include the installation of a bridge to the rock being used as take-off point of divers, installation of railing around the top area of the Grotto and a catwalk cantilevered out over the opening of the Grotto.
The makeover would also include the construction of a cantina with cradles for the dive tanks and a floor space for tables and chairs to be used by tourists. There would also be picnic shelters with concrete table and benches with shelter, guttered and connected to a 500-gallon water catchment.
Also, the project would see the construction of restrooms, with an elevated 1,500-gallon water tank, as well as a sunken 1,000-gallon septic tank with a leach field.
Callaghan said six barbeque pits would also be installed; the tangan tangan overgrowth to the cliff will be cleared to provide a panoramic view of the ocean; and a terraced viewing area would be installed.
The proposal also asks for the installation of paving blocks, crushed rock or compacted gravel bed for roadway into the park and parking area, a landscaping plan using native trees and shrubs, and the construction of three additional picnic tables with barbeque pits.
The Department of Lands and Natural Resources is asking prospective project managers to work closely with the DLNR and to provide a safety plan for personnel working on the project. The agency also asked applicants to secure require permits prior to any earthmoving or construction activities.
In his State of the CNMI address, Gov. Juan N. Babauta said the CNMI has been creating a demand that has resulted in the increased number of tourists.
“We are going to keep making the Marianas a better destination and opening our door to new markets,” said the governor.
To ensure the continued influx of tourists, the Office of the Governor is collaborating with the Marianas Visitors Authority and the Strategic Economic Development Council in promoting the CNMI to other countries.
