KOROR, Palau (AP) – The Palau Public Utilities Corporation (PPUC) is seeking $787,683.90 from the Palau National Congress to fund community service projects that would provide utilities to underserved areas.
In a letter to the Senate, PPUC CEO Frank Kyota said the funding would be used to complete 11 “Community Service Obligations” (CSOs) projects aimed at assisting “residential customers who are unable to afford the costs of connecting to power and water lines on their own.”
“The PPUC views the requested appropriation as fulfilling an important and targeted CSO,” Kyota wrote in the letter. “These funds will ensure that all members of the public have access to vital utility services.”
The specific projects listed for funding include pole relocations in Taberengesang, Melekeok, and Ngaraard, a power line extension in Elab, a sewer connection for the Palau Health Center, a waterline for the Irisiong Subdivision, upgrades for solar customers, a retaining wall for the Ollie Water Pump Station, power line extensions in Ngerdebsiu and Elechui, and upgrades for the Palau Marine Authority and Seventh-Day Adventist Church facilities.
The letter cites Executive Orders Nos. 373 and 465, which designate subsidizing CSOs as a responsibility of the national government and its state-owned enterprises.