41 Saipan sites identified for cleanup

Gov. Juan N. Babauta has ordered the cleanup of 41 sites on Saipan, which would be undertaken by various government agencies in preparation for the upcoming 60th anniversary commemoration of the Battles of Saipan and Tinian.

In a memorandum issued to all department and activity heads, Babauta stressed the need to spruce up the appearance of the island in time for the June 2004 activities.

“We must undertake an organized program of cleaning up our roads, parks, and historic places so that our visitors will take away with them the image of a community that is not only blessed with natural beauty but one that takes obvious pride in the appreciation and preservation of that beauty,” said Babauta in his May 10 memorandum.

In June 2003, Babauta and Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente organized an Adopt-A-Beach-Park-Road Project to coordinate and assist existing programs for island cleanup and beautification.

“Building on the framework of that program, I am hereby assigning specific places to specific agencies as their areas of special responsibility,” Babauta told department heads.

Babauta and Benavente would be leading the islandwide cleanup on May 29 and June 6 on their respective jurisdictions: the Office of the Governor is assigned to conduct cleanup operations from Sarah Market north to the Capitol Hill intersection while the Office of the Lt. Governor would clean up the area from the Governor’s Office north to the Sadog Tasi traffic light.

According to the governor, Saipan anticipates hundreds of visitors, including war veterans and representatives of foreign governments, when the island hosts the 60th anniversary of the Saipan and Tinian battles.

The major events will take place during the week of June 12 to 17, but historical tours bringing veterans will begin as early as June 6.

“For our efforts to bear success, we must all become involved. Your staff looks to you for leadership and will follow your example. I am confident that by making a concerted effort, we will be able to accomplish our goal: an island that is visibly cared for by its people. I anticipate the cooperation of all government employees,” said Babauta.

Based on the allocation of sites assigned by the governor, the Department of Public Works would be responsible to clean the area of Marpi South to Tanapag Cemetery intersection while Commonwealth Utilities Corp. would handle the area from Tanapag cemetery intersection south to Sadog Tasi traffic light.

Other agencies involved are Department of Lands and Natural Resources, Commonwealth Ports Authority-Seaport and Airport divisions, Department of Public Health, Northern Marianas Housing Administration, Commonwealth Development Authority, Coastal Resources Management, Department of Public Safety, Children’s Developmental Assistance Center, Japan-Saipan Travel Association, Government Credit Union, Office of Personnel Management, Carolinian Affairs Office, Mayor of Northern Islands Office, Marianas Visitors Authority, Division of Environmental Quality, Judicial Branch, Multi-Purpose and Public Defenders Office, Marianas Public Lands Authority, Parks and Recreation Division, Mayor of Saipan, Department of Labor, Saipan Southern High School JROTC, Northern Marianas College, Department of Finance, Retirement Fund, Public School System, Department of Commerce, and Emergency Management Office.