By: L.N. Reklai
June 6, 2016 (Koror) “We will be opening at least one of the three (3) bids on the Koror-Airai Sanitation Improvement Project sometime this week,” reported PPUC CEO Kione Isechal on the progress of the ADB funded Koror-Airai Sanitation Improvement Project.
“The project is divided into 3 bids and all are expected to commence sometime this summer and scheduled to be completed by March or April of 2018,” added Isechal.
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The Koror-Airai Sanitation Improvement Project includes construction of new sewage treatment plants in Kesebelau, Airai and Malakal, Koror. 5 years management of these two plants is also a part of this construction bid. Also included is the construction of 4 new pump stations, rehabilitation of 1 major and 35 minor pump stations and construction of 3 new “gender sensitive” public toilet facilities and rehabilitation of 3 existing ones. Also included is the rehabilitation and expansion of the sewer network and installation of system to monitor in real time the sewage operation.
“After I receive the Project Management Unit (PMU) recommendations this week, we will take action on at least one of the three bids that makes up this entire project. I also expect the water improvement project to begin this summer so we will see great deal of construction activities starting this summer,” stated PPUC CEO Isechal.
The project is implemented by PMU which consists of key personnel from PPUC and Project Implementation Assistance (PIA), consultants from ADB. These are tasked with supervision, monitoring, reporting, quality and cost control and others to ensure effective implementation of the project.
The $28.8 million Sewage Improvement Project, is an approved loan by Asian Development Bank Board of Directors in 2013, that is expected to deliver improved “environmental and public health and improved delivery of sanitation services” to the estimated 20k plus residents of both Koror and Airai States, according to ADB report. [/restrict]