Port breaks ground for waterline replacement project

Modernizing the island's only commercial seaport, officials break ground at the Port Authority of Guam in Piti earlier today, launching the start of the waterline replacement project.

Port Guam General Manager Rory Respicio says it’s a much-needed fix for the 50-year-old waterline that has been causing problems for at least the past three years. 

"So whenever there is a break, we call on Waterworks and they are responsive to repair it," he said. "But more importantly, we work closely with the Coast Guard to provide all these mitigations that the port operations will continue. It’s possible that the captain of the port can shut the port down if there’s no water at the port because of safety issues, because of regulatory concerns."

He says a brand new waterline system is part and parcel to making sure the port is one hundred percent operational, among other upgrades still in the works. 

"Of course we still have to do the rehabilitation of the wharfs, the facilities," Respicio said. "You can see three gantry cranes in the background that need to be replaced, one of them by 2026, 2028, and 2030. And so this is all part of our work and continuing to make sure that the port is resilient and will stay operational regardless of what the challenges may be."  

Funded through the port’s 2018 revenue bond, the 4.8 million dollar contract was awarded to BME and Sons, Incorporation.

The project will take about a year to complete.