By: L.N. Reklai
November 7, 2016 (Koror, Palau) Belau submarine cable project is still on schedule to be completed by the end of 2017, according to report released by the Belau Submarine Cable Corporation (BSCC) yesterday.
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According to the report, as of September 2016, BSCC and Ngeremlengui State Public Land Authority executed a lease for a parcel of land in Ngeremlengui as the site of the cable landing station and related installation.
Procurement for design and construction of the cable landing station and the related civil works are progressing with contracts expected to be executed shortly. Procurement for this works utilizes the International Competitive Bidding for Works (ICB) method.
Also in September 2016, BSCC formally engaged the Project Management Unit (PMU). This is part of package 4 of the loan for legal and consulting services unit to assist BSCC implement the project. McCann Consulting International, a team of international and local consultants with experience in submarine fiber optic cables, the telecommunications sector, and other necessary disciplines, received the contract under Quality Cost-based Selection for a Consulting Firm method.
The PMU will be engaged until end of March 2018 to ensure successful completion and operation of the project.
According to the report, BSCC will be hosting an Asian Development Bank ADB delegation and certain consultants from the PMU. The discussions will center on how to continue operationalizing BSCC and preparing Palau for the arrival of a submarine cable.
Packages one and two, Spur to connect Sea-US Cable System and Indefeasable Right of Use were approved in March of 2016 by ADB.
The BSCC is currently seeking a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), with the hope that such person can become the permanent CEO in the future. [/restrict]