WILMER JOEL
Ground was broken for a new “resilient” multi-functional facility on Tuesday at the Mokeo Weto where NTA headquarters is located.
The facility is part of the Urban Resilience Project funded by the World Bank. The World Bank’s Resident Representative for the North Pacific, Omar Lyasse, said the project will house “critical components of the National Disaster Management Office and the Ministry of Finance, Banking and Postal Services, as well as emergency response and humanitarian stockpiling facilities.”
He added that the building is designed to withstand future natural disasters, ensuring continuous government services and representing sustainable development practices.
“World Bank is proud to be your partner to address urban resilience and disaster management,” he said. “Our work together on the Urban Resilience Project speaks to our commitment to collaboration with the government of RMI to build livable, resilient urban areas.”
“This is not merely another groundbreaking ceremony for our new building but for the first-ever climate-resilient government,” said Minister of Finance David Paul. “We are creating a space where sound financial governance meets proactive disaster preparedness, where national planning and emergency response are integrated under one roof to serve our people more effectively.”
Kenneth Kramer of PII recognized the challenging nature of the work but expressed confidence in the organization’s ability to succeed. “We’re really anxious to get this done,” he said. “It’s a great challenge and we’re really up to it.”
Kramer said the project requires materials from various countries: cement from Thailand, steel rebars and roofing from Korea, blocks from Fiji, consumables and fire protection from Guam and the USA, specialized lumber finishing from New Zealand, aggregate and sand (due to the unsuitability of local sources) from the Philippines, and office furniture from Singapore, along with pipes and other materials from China.
Minister of Natural Resources and Commerce Tony Muller said the project fulfills a local saying: Majuro, the eyes of the people. “I encourage the people who are at the forefront of these works to keep up the good work and keep the momentum going,” he said. “I foresee that this is not going to be an easy sail; however, we all need to convince ourselves that even as a small country, we need to be ready to comply with even the strictest rules if these will translate to national and community benefits.”
Delap Councilwoman Crystal Jurelang gave the traditional address on behalf of Lerooj Esther Zedkeia, and Minister of Public Works Thomas Heine offered the welcome remarks. Assembly of God Pastor Lobaj Kaminaga offered the invocation and benediction.
Unveiling the curtain were Delap Councilwomen Crystal Jurelang and Stacy Peralta, MOF Assistant Secretary Malie Tarbwilin, and National Disaster Management Officer Yetta Aliven.