The 2nd Phase of the Tebadel Waterline Distribution project worth over $800,000 is scheduled to start this July and to complete in October, according to response from Minister of MPII Charles Obichang to Senator Jonathan “CIO” Isechal’s inquiry into the status of the project.
Senator Isechal said that constituents have been calling him regarding the status of the project.
Tebadel Waterline Distribution project connects main waterline from Airai KB Shell Gas Station to Tebadel area of Aimeliik State to service the growing population in this subdivision.
According to Minister Obichang’s letter, the project was costed out at $1.8 million dollars. Both Aimeliik State and Airai State contributed each $100,000 and national government through budget appropriations contributed $400,000 in 2019. The project was then divided into 2 phases, and the first phase commenced while they sought source of funds for the remaining $800,000.
Obichang reported that President Whipps this year, allocated the remaining $800,000 from the 2021 Economic Stimulus Package to complete the 2nd Phase, which will connect the waterline currently near Everfortune area in Airai to Tebadel.
He added that they have received a follow up request from congress to extend the waterline beyond Tebadel to Ngerderar area in Aimeliik which is experiencing growth in residential housing. This, he said, will cost an additional $720,000. The current funding will only bring the waterline to Tebadel and Obichang requested that Congress help identify funding to complete this new extension.
Tabedel, Sechersoi, Techudech and Ngerderar, four communities in Aimeliik closest to Airai, has seen growth in residential population in the last 10 years as population move outward from Koror toward Babeldaob but seeks to remain in close proximity to Koror for employment and education.