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Efforts to Implement Project in Chuuk

PALIKIR, Pohnpei (FSM Information Service): July 4, 1997 - On July 7, 1997, Vice President Leo A. Falcam communicated to Chuuk Governor Ansito Walter July 7, 1997, notifying him that because of the excellent progress Chuuk State Government has made in meeting the effectiveness for the ADB loan, efforts are being made for the implementation of the project in Chuuk.

In this regard, the Project Manager Robert Goodwin is to visit Chuuk from July 6th to the 11th, to finalize arrangements for the execution of the tripartite financing agreement and project implementation agreement and to sort out various implementation matters with Chuuk Public Utility Corporation and the Department of Planning and Statistics.

FSM Office of Planning and Statistics reported on July 8, 1997, that the Chuuk House of Representatives and the Senate have passed the necessary legislation to authorize the loan and to appropriate the State's counterpart contribution to the project in the amount of $885,000. The bill was signed by the Governor on June 2, 1997.

Good progress has been reportedly made on the conditions of disbursements and all documentations confirming compliance with the conditions of disbursement.

A November 1995 Water Supply and Sewerage Project Report showed that on Weno, the population was 14,888 and to only around 8,000 were getting regular water service and the rest were getting water from wells.

Improved water systems will beneficially effect a healthier community and public institutions, improve industries and commerce which in turn will increase employment opportunities.