‘Problem project’ breaks ground—for the 3rd time

ROTA—This island witnessed yesterday the third groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation of the Rota Health Center, with a fervent hope that this time the long-stalled project would finally reach completion.

Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente and the Rota Legislative Delegation led other officials in breaking the ground for the $4.6 million federally funded program, which has been dubbed as one of the CNMI government’s problem projects.

ÅgThis project, along with the construction of the Tinian High School, has been a thorn on my side for the past seven years,Åh Public Works official Richard Cody said during the ceremony, as he recounted the different problems encountered since the project’s inception over a decade ago.

He cited lack of funding, the many changes made to the project’s design, and the failure of two previous contractors to finish the project, among other things.

The new contractor is Guam Pacific Power Corp. It has 300 days to finish the project, as designed by Taniguchi Ruth Architect from Guam.

In an interview, Sen. Diego Songao expressed confidence in GPPC. He noted that unlike the previous contractors, GPPC has posted a bonding company that is listed with the U.S. Treasury, as required by the administration.

ÅgThis is the third time that we have broken ground for this project. I’m very hopeful that GPPC will complete the project, with the help of our construction manager. The Rota people have waited for this facility to be renovated for the past 12 years,Åh Songao said.

Funding for the project came from different sources including the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Benavente said that construction would take place in two phases so that the facility could continue to operate during construction.

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 later feature a hemodialysis facility, another longstanding project. The hemodialysis project will be located in the existing cafeteria under a separate contract. The cafeteria is currently not in use.

The health center will also have a generator and water storage to ensure uninterrupted operation during storms and times of crises.

ÅgThe new facility will be one of the most modern facilities in the region and will meet Medicare [and Medicaid] standards,Åh Benavente said.