A Ribbon Cutting ceremony was held on May 15, 2025 to commemorate the opening of the new Airai Accessibility Ramp at Airai Side. The ramp and beautification project were the result of a Public-Private Partnership established under an MOU signed on October 23, 2024. On the public side were the National Government represented by Minister Ngirabelas Tmetuchl, Palau Visitor’s Authority by Director Kadoi Ruluked, and Airai State Government by Governor Norman Ngiratecheboet.
The Government side, through funding support from the Republic of China-Taiwan, funded over 60% of the total costs. The rest of the funding was through the efforts of the non- profit groups on the private side being the Class of 1993-Palau, Omekesang through its President Tessy Nobuo, and Palau Parents Empowered through its Executive Director Cesca Morei- Misech. Those who stepped up with donations to help the cause have been featured on social media and other publication outlets.
The Board of Directors of the Class of 1993-Palau spearheaded the design and build of the project. Ground-breaking to start works was on January 27, 2025 and final works were completed in early May for a total time of approximately 3 months.
Initially, the project was supposed to be limited to the ramp itself but through several change orders, the rest of the site was improved and beautified including a rinsing station, eight concrete benches, one concrete table, a 3-tiered riprap wall to protect the shoreline and create more sitting areas, a new beach, tiled seating areas under the ramp, nineteen solar lights, and a breakwater barricade to protect the shoreline and swimmers, and a safety float line for additional safety. There is even an arch that appears to be a gate to heaven and which would be ideal for graduation photographs and ceremonies like weddings. The ramp itself meets accessibility standards including those for safe slopes and turning points, tactile indicators, and color contrasts for the visually impaired. The ramp is not only aesthetically pleasing, it is very functional not only in providing access for all to the benefits of the sea but also providing a safe setting for physical therapy and other health uses and remedies.
The Airai Accessibility Ramp of 2025 is the second ramp built by the Class of 1993- Palau. This first ramp was built at Ngermalk, Koror, at the request of Koror State Government.
The opening of the ramp was held on Thursday, May 15, 2025 attended by many persons including President Whipps, Ministers, Ambassador Lee, Senators and Delegates, Governor Norman Ngiratecheboet, members of the 9th Olbiil Era Ngerchumelbai, members of the Class of 1993, Omekesang, Palau Parents Empowered, donors and sponsors, and many community members.