Beach Road construction taking toll on businesses

Dear CNMI Community,

The road construction on Saipan’s Beach Road has had profound consequences on local businesses, many of which are struggling to stay afloat.

The prolonged construction has led to significant disruptions in traffic flow, resulting in a sharp decline in foot traffic, customer accessibility, and overall business visibility. Restaurants, retail shops, and other establishments heavily reliant on daily customers have seen reduced sales, with some businesses forced to reduce operating hours or close entirely.

The noise, dust, and detours have created an unwelcoming atmosphere for both customers and employees, further exacerbating the decline in business activity.

Despite the necessity of infrastructure improvements for the island’s long-term development, the immediate impact on businesses has been severe. Many have questioned whether the CNMI government is providing adequate support to help businesses navigate these difficulties. So far, there has been limited direct financial assistance from the government, leaving businesses to find ways to cope on their own. Some have turned to social media and online sales to retain customers, while others have sought collaboration with authorities to improve signage and access during construction.

There is a growing need for the CNMI government to step in with relief measures, such as tax breaks, subsidies, or emergency funds, to prevent further closures. Additionally, the government could provide support by expediting construction phases in high-traffic areas or organizing marketing campaigns to encourage residents and tourists to continue supporting local businesses. Without timely intervention, the long-term consequences could result in a weakened business environment, with many enterprises unable to recover from the financial losses caused by the roadwork.

As residents, stakeholders, community leaders, and business owners we bear the responsibility of demanding transparency and accountability from those who seek to lead us. These consequence and disparities need to be addressed, let’s encourage honest dialogue and ensure that the future of our Commonwealth is shaped by informed and thoughtful decisions.

Thank you for your time and attention. Let us remain vigilant and committed to holding our leaders accountable.

Frankie Manglona

Dandan Village

Letter to the Editor