It’s a go for Tinian, Rota problem projects

Contracts were signed yesterday for the long-stalled construction of the Rota Health Center and Phase 2 of the Tinian High School.

The government awarded the contracts to AIC Marianas for the $4.9 million Tinian project and Guam Pacific Power Corp. for RHC’s $4.6 million project. The contract signing was held yesterday morning at the Governor’s Office. Both projects had been derailed due to a lack of funds and some legal impediments.

Authorities said that the RHC construction will take place in two phases so that the facility can continue to operate. The new design, done by Taniguchi Ruth Architects from Guam, includes renovation of the clinic and completion of RHC’s building A.

“When it’s complete, it will be one of the most modern facilities in the region. It’s designed to meet Medicare standards and it’s designed to grow with the community,” said the government.

Phase 1 is the completion of Building A, designed to serve as an outpatient facility that includes a nurse’s station, checkup rooms, isolation rooms, and a family room for visiting family members.

Phase 2 is the renovation of Building B or the existing health center and the upgrade of emergency facilities. The building, built in the ’80’s, will be renovated to serve as an emergency and in-patient facility. It will continue to offer dental care, x-ray services, and delivery rooms.

The existing clinic will be directly connected to Building A by a corridor.

The health center will “eventually” contain a hemodialysis facility, another longstanding project. Authorities said the hemodialysis project will be located in the existing cafeteria under a separate contract. The cafeteria is currently not in use.

The government said that RHC will have a generator and water storage to ensure uninterrupted operation during storms and times of crises.

The RHC project is expected to be completed within 300 days from the issuance of a notice to proceed.

Meantime, the $4.9 million Tinian project includes the renovation of existing classroom facilities, construction of a new six-classroom building, and a modern six-lane track and field similar to the Susupe track and field. The scope of work involves renovation of existing buildings (Phase 1) and construction of new facilities (Phase 2).

The breakdown of the project costs follows:

* renovation and repair of Phase I classrooms, $596,974;

* construction of a six-classroom building, including a special education classroom, $1.3 million;

* construction of a science and chemistry building, $783,738;

* construction of a library building, $830,834; and

* construction of the track and field, $1.4 million.

The architecture and engineering design for Phase 2 of the Tinian High School project was awarded over a year ago to Herman Cabrera & Associates.

The Tinian project was delayed for nearly a decade now following a disagreement between the Public School System and Guerrero Brothers Inc., the contractor for Phase I. GBI reportedly stopped its construction back in 1996.

The PSS and GBI entered into a contract in October 1993. In November 1996, the contractor reportedly abandoned the project, prompting the PSS to terminate the contract in April 1997 for default.

The matter was brought to court, which then later ordered that it be settled among parties out of court.

Authorities said the company barely finished phase one of the three-phase project, which originally cost $9.5 million. A minimum of $4 million had been spent for Phase 1 of the project.