Kagman wells back in operation

Two wells in Kagman that supply water to farms and ranches in the area are back in operation.

The water wells became inoperable early this year but are now back in full operation after being repaired.

Repairs for wells KG18 and KG20 were finally completed last week using local and federal funds.

Torres had vowed to provide better water services to Kagman’s farmers and ranchers by repairing both water wells and to improve the water catchment system, water storage, and irrigation pathway.

Supporting farmers and ranchers is critical since it would protect all locally grown produce of the islands, he said.

“Kagman is home to over 50 farm plots, some of which are around one to two hectares in size, and accounts for a large portion of produce harvested on Saipan.

“Wells KG18 and KG20 provide upwards of 64,000 gallons of water per day to these farm plots. As a farmer myself, ensuring that our farmers get the resources they need to provide for their families and our community remains a personal priority of my administration,” added Torres.

Land and Natural Resources Secretary Richard B. Seman said the two wells’ motors and submersible pumps were replaced and new ones were installed.

“[DLNR] remains committed to serving the farmers in Kagman and in the CNMI. More technical and specialized services will be provided in the coming months,” said Seman, who added a new voltage control monitor overloading was also installed.

Division of Agriculture’s Manuel Tenorio said the two water wells would be of great help since some of the farms and ranches in the area are slightly elevated.

“The restoration of KG18 last Thursday would not satisfy the needs of the Kagman farmers alone due to the inclined elevation of the western plots. The additional capacity of KG20 provides sufficient water pressure to extend water services to those plots,” added Tenorio.

CNMI County Farm Service Agency Committee chair Ramon B. Camacho thanked the Torres administration for the repairs. He said wells that function properly are crucial to farmers and ranchers’ daily operations, especially in Kagman.

“KG18 and KG20 have been in and out of service for awhile. These submersible pumps continue to be replaced every two to three years due to the immense load of water they are tasked to transport,” said Camacho. “But I am glad that they are now fixed so that our farmers and ranchers will be able to supply their farms [and ranches] with ample water.”