by Michele Catahay

Guam - While construction work is ongoing at the major intersections on island, the mayor of the northern village of Yigo says he would like the Department of Public Works to address issues and concerns along Route 15, the area affectionately known as the Back Road to Andersen.

According to Mayor Bob Lizama, he's been making pleas to DPW to have this roadway fixed by adding guardrails, more lighting and even signs for safety. "They say that with the military buildup that Route 15 is going to be corrected. Right now, Pagat is part of Route 15," he said. "That has yet to be corrected. We're still fighting to keep Pagat the way it is. If, in fact, Route 15 is going to be a part of the military buildup, it's kind of slow. In the meantime, Public Works needs to come out and provide guardrails, anti-skid [sic]. These are the things we've asked."

According to Lizama, Route 15 is under the jurisdiction of Public Works and that the upkeep and lighting of the area should be included in the agency's budget. At the request of the mayor, DPW started clearing the vegetation on the side of the road, which Lizama says is dangerous for motorists.

"It's gotten so bad that you have 20 foot of green wall actually that is cut by the buses and the trucks and overtime and it's not being cleared back, it became a green wall. It looks so nice, but it's not safe. We hope that Public Works will continue to put attention to Route 15," he added.

Even if the area is cleared, Lizama says the village also needs guardrails there. In addition, he says Route 15 also lacks proper signage telling motorists of uneven road pavements. He said, "There's a section along Route 3 between West Gayinero and Mount Santa Rosa that is uneven. That's a project that has gone to deaf ears. We were told before by Public Works that it's been assigned and it's going to happen but this administration is going to fold. So what's going to happen with that particular project?"

With the lack of necessary funding for this road project, the mayor is asking residents to drive with caution. "We also asked the drivers of the roadway, knowing the conditions of Route 15 - the Yigo side, it has been a challenge for this government to repair and better improve it because of financial problems and so. We ask that you adjust to the conditions of the roadway," continued the mayor.

Lizama has also requested for DPW to turn the roadway near Mount Santa Rosa into a three-way stop, but nothing has been done. He says at least two traffic-related fatalities were reported in this particular area. "I will not stop," he promised. "As mayor, I will continue to hold my correspondences [sic] that I've given to Public Works and attach it to my next letter to Public Works relative to the latest fatality - where are we and what are we going to do with this particular area?"