The shipment of basic goods to Rota is beginning to normalize, with supplies already arriving at the CNMI\u2019s southernmost island.<\/p>\n
A representative of Sinapalo Safeway told Saipan Tribune that they have received their shipment through GPPC, where they split the cost of shipment with the private company. <\/p>\n
\u201cThings are going back to normal and a small cargo boat from GPPC transported 10,000 kbs of basic goods to Rota,\u201d the Safeway representative said in a telephone conversation. \u201cWe also get some of our commodities from Guam by using a small fishing boat.\u201d<\/p>\n
This upbeat sentiment was echoed by Rota Legislative Delegation chair Paul A. Manglona, who affirmed the resumption of shipping services to the island through various community partners. <\/p>\n
\u201cStar Marianas Air has been helpful in accommodating cargoes for Rota,\u201d he said. He conceded, though, that air-flown goods are not cheap.<\/p>\n
With the opening of Rota\u2019s East Harbor for shallow draft vessels that have roll on\/roll off loading\/unloading operations, several shipping schedules are already confirmed beginning this week.<\/p>\n
Manglona said that the air freight and the opening of the East Harbor was a big help in alleviating the crisis.<\/p>\n
Delegation vice chair Rep. Donald Manglona said that he also talked to Friendship Forwarders-Friendship Enterprises Inc. \u201cFrom my understanding, the first of three voyages is set to sail [on Wednesday].\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTwo [more] voyages are set to sail next week. I am working with Friendship Forwarders to assist our people in getting their products down to Rota,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
The Commonwealth Ports Authority approved the use of Rota\u2019s East Harbor by shallow draft shipping vessels after Rota Mayor Efraim Atalig gave his consent.<\/p>\n
Atalig, in a letter to GPPC\u2019s John Reyes last week, authorized GPPC Inc. to use the East Dock for loading and unloading services. \u201cAs we discussed in our telephone conversations, I am authorizing GPPC to engage with the above referenced activities.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we all know, we have issues with the West Dock. I am sure that the problems will be solved very soon. In the meantime, the East Dock is available for your activities temporarily,\u201d Atalig added in his letter.<\/p>\n
Friendship Forwarders sales manager Noel C. Masongsong, in a letter to the delegation, said their vessel is capable of unloading goods through roll on\/roll off system, whict no longer needs the use of a dock crane.<\/p>\n
Star Marianas president Shaun Christian earlier explained that Rota\u2019s lack of shipping services is exacerbated by its dock crane not being operable.<\/p>\n
That mean Star Marianas planes have to carry the cargo to Rota, affecting the availability of passenger airline seats going to the island.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrozen meats and fresh produce are almost sent always via air cargo because shipping schedule is not regular and reliable. So, it gets pretty expensive,\u201d said Manglona.<\/p>\n
Manglona earlier asked Gov. Ralph DLG Torres to declare a state of significant emergency on Rota due to a brief shortage of food products and other basic commodities that could threaten public health and safety.<\/p>\n
A delegation resolution he introduced a few weeks ago highlighted the crisis and prompted Star Marianas Air to transport 5,000 lbs of urgently needed goods to Rota from Saipan.<\/p>\n
Harvest, Lucky Store, Sunshine Variety Shop, and Three Kings Market are some of the other shops on Rota that sell basic commodities.<\/p>\n
Rota experienced consecutive weather disturbances, including Typhoon Mangkhut that devastated the island in September last year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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