WTF works on 3 projects for better water service

The CNMI government’s water task force is currently working on three major projects to promote water conservation, identify unregistered water users and repair leaks across the island.

“These projects cover some of the major problems that need to be addressed for us to finally enjoy an efficient water supply,” said Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente, who chairs the task force.

One of the projects involves the installation of smart “water meters”. The lieutenant governor said the contract for this is now being routed for certification, and is expected to be completed within the week.

The lieutenant governor also said that an advertisement had been issued seeking proposals from qualified companies to survey water service laterals and unregistered users.

Another advertisement, he said, had been issued for an islandwide leak detection survey of the entire water distribution system, including individual connections, and repair the leaks detected.

The scope of work for the leak detection contract covers a survey and repair service that will accurately identify the location and document the composition, vector and condition of the island’s existing water distribution system, including a comprehensive leak detection report, and repair of all leaks found throughout the island.

Services of Glimpses of Guam, a marketing and advertising firm, have also been retained by the task force to disseminate information to the public about the ongoing projects, according to the lieutenant governor.

Several consultants have been working with the task force to assist in expediting the projects.

Meantime, the task force has obtained a new derrick truck that will boost efforts at well construction and maintenance.

“We have been working on the procurement of this truck, which we need to be more efficient in our efforts to improve our water supply system,” said the lieutenant governor.

The truck, which arrived Feb. 18 from Nebraska in the United States, has the capacity to raise and lower well pumps into any wells in the CNMI.

The task force is currently working on several exploratory wells across Saipan. These are in Achugao, Agak, Marpi and Tapuchao.

The lieutenant governor said they are set to start well drilling operations in Gualo Rai as well. (PR)