Bai-re-Keai, one of Palau’s four traditional meeting houses (bai), is finally getting the much-needed repair after many years. Storms and typhoon Surigae had battered the traditionally constructed building leaving a compromised foundation and tattered roofing.
Aimeliik State Government represented by Governor Browny Simer, Ngarkeai klobak (Ngerkeai traditional chiefs) represented by Chief Rengulbai Kalistus Ngirturong and the Palau Community College executed a Memorandum of Understanding to repair Bai-Re-Keai, Reroofing and Renovation Project.
Bai-re-Keai, the meeting house for the Ngarkeai klobak, was turned over to Aimeliik State Government to manage, maintain, and use for tourism programs with shared use by the Ngarkeai.
Aimeliik State government uses Bai-Re-Keai as its main tourism site. It houses the visitor center and promotes all other cultural attractions of Aimeliik to visitors.
The renovation project cost is $28,912, shared by Aimeliik State Government and the Ngarkeai. The State government will pay 80% of the cost, while the Ngarkeai chiefs will pay 20% as their “nglosech.”
The project started on July 3, 2023, and is expected to be completed by October 31, 2023. (By: L.N. Reklai)