Construction of new government facilities and maintenance of existing ones is in progress with over $40 million in US Compact funds from FY2016 — while another $9.1 million in Compact funding for this year about to kick in.
This total of $51.3 million in US construction money approved for use may be the most ever at one time and reflects the fact that from 2012-15, most Compact infrastructure money was on hold waiting for Public Works’ Project Management Unit to solve organizational problems. With the aid of New Zealand-based Beca engineers, literally dozens of projects are now moving.
Two education and health projects — valued at over $1.3 million — are held up pending resolution of lease issues, while the ECC gym renovation — $1.6 million — is on hold “subject to RMI and NAVFAC meeting.” The education project pending lease approval is Airok Elementary School, while health assistant housing for a new clinic in Rita is on hold awaiting lease approval. The ECC, as it has been for over five years, continues to be in limbo.
But numerous other US-funded projects are moving, including many on Ebeye.
Example of the projects with FY2016 money include:
• 10 new classrooms for Laura Elementary, 70 percent done, $1.9 million
• Jaluit High new boys dormitory, 45 percent done, $1.2 million
• North Delap Elementary (former Head Start), 21 percent done, $1.5 million
• Ebeye elementary phase one, bids being evaluated, $2.8 million
• Delap Elementary one classroom, done, $165,000
• Nallu, Mili Elementary classrooms, notice to proceed, $767,000
• Jaluit High new cafeteria, design ongoing, $1.1 million
• Majuro hospital redevelopment phase one, 11 percent done, $5.2 million
• Ebeye water, sewer and sanitation phase one, ongoing by ADB/KAJUR, $1 million
Read more about this in the January 13, 2017 edition of the Marshall Islands Journal.