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FSM Social Security cuts costs with locale moves

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): February 2000 - Recent relocations of FSM and Pohnpei and Chuuk states' Social Security offices were designed to cut costs and to better serve FSM citizens, according to Marilyn Johnson, FSM Social Security administrator.

The new places in Pobnpei offer more space, and "We will save about half of what we were spending on rental," said Johnson.

Still, renting is not a long-term plan for the Pohnpei State office, which moved from the Pohnpei Community Civic Action Building to the first floor of the Perman Building across the street from the Post Office in Kolonia.

"We are looking for a permanent place to locate the Social Security offices here in Pohnpei" said Johnson.

The FSM Office is now located on the newly constructed third floor of the Namiki Building, also in Kolonia.

The office in Chuuk has also been relocated because it had been too far from the center of Weno, making, visiting difficult for those often needing the services.

Meanwhile, the Yap and Kosrae Social Security offices remain located in the same places.

The Kosrae office will remain where it is located, for the building has served its purpose well, said Johnson.

She added that the lease in Yap expired in December, but negotiation with the Yap State government is currently going on.