Previous Story
Task force: More wells to augment CUC system
|
Posted on Apr 26 2005
Barely a year after it received initial funding, the Water Task Force reported that 23 exploratory wells have so far been drilled, and four architectural and engineering design contracts have been issued for 10 new water system improvement projects that include new reservoirs, pumping stations and water lines across Saipan.
It is projected that the majority of these exploratory wells will be on line to augment the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.’s distribution system by August this year.
Exploratory well drilling operations continue in Agag, Mt. Tapuchao, As Matuis, Marpi and Gualo Rai, while well field improvements are underway in Kagman, Agag and the Sablan Quarry well fields, according to task force chair Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente.
At least 15 more A&E contracts for other water-related projects are also pending funding.
“These projects are vital in efforts to improve CNMI’s water supply,” said Benavente.
The task force said construction materials continue to be procured for new wells and for the renovation of approximately 70 existing wells. A contract is also being routed to manifold nine new production wells in the Obyan well field. The estimated capacity of these wells is 500,000 gallons of water a day.
The task force also reported that 4,000 state-of-the-art smart meters will be installed starting next month. Another 8,000 will also be purchased. Installing the smart meters is an important component toward improving the overall water system on the island.
Moreover, a contract is under negotiation for an islandwide survey to identify and repair leaking waterlines.
Gov. Juan N. Babauta created the Water Task Force on March 6, 2003 and appointed Benavente to head the special body. Work officially started in December 2003 and initial funding was received in June 2004.
The Water Task Force is composed of representatives from the public and private sectors.
