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More accountability eyed in Managaha landing fees
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Posted on Mar 12 2006
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial wants the next Managaha leaseholder to have more accountability in the collection of the landing fees.
The government’s current lease agreement with Tasi Tours is scheduled to expire at the end of August 2006.
Acting Public Lands Secretary John Del Rosario said his office was planning on putting out a request for proposals for the Managaha concession at least two months before the current lease expires.
“There will be definitely one requirement that I want the new concession to include [in the contract] and that is better accountability in the collection of the landing fees. I believe that presently, it is out of control,” the governor said.
“They (collectors) just sit at the picnic table. Every time tourists get off from a boat, they take the cash and put it in a paper bag. It’s windy out there, you know,” he added, half in jest.
Tourists who visit Managaha Island are assessed a $5 landing fee each. Tasi Tours collects the fees and transfers it to Public Lands, which then remits the funds to the general fund for appropriation.
Fitial said Managaha landing fees generate over $1 million in revenues for the government a year.
