The demolition of 14 Northern Marianas College buildings that were destroyed by Super Typhoon Yutu is now complete.
Saipan Tribune learned that the demolitions were completed on Jan. 11, 2021. These buildings include A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, Q, R, and S.
NMC interim president Frankie Eliptico said this task was one of the most extensive demolition projects in the CNMI. With that done, NMC will now move forward with the facilities master plan, which will establish the framework for the current and future growth and development of capital improvement projects on campus, including classrooms and other learning spaces, offices, laboratories, and open spaces.
Although the demolition project resulted in a significant amount of construction debris, efforts were made to divert material to the Marpi Landfill. In all, a total of 43.32 tons of demolition debris went to the landfill, 37 dump truck loads went to recycling centers, and 116 dump truck loads of demolished concrete material went to some private properties.
“We are thankful to the U.S. Department of Education, the governor, the NMC Board of Regents, the guidance of regulatory agencies, and others for their support and help with our recovery activities,” said Eliptico.
He also acknowledged the work of NMC team members. “They have been working diligently to move this project forward despite the challenges of the pandemic.”
The construction barricades that were in front of the demolition site have been donated to the Public School System for temporary walkway roofing.
The NMC demolition was funded by the U.S. Department of Education through an emergency assistance grant.
In a previous interview with the construction company, ITS Corp, its project manager, Danny Vatalla, said the demolition started last Jan. 11 and they had until Jan. 11, 2021, to complete it.
In previous interviews, Eliptico said the demolition of the buildings is primarily for safety purposes but will also make way for new buildings to be built. The proposed new buildings will include design and construction elements that will allow them to withstand natural disasters like Super Typhoon Yutu.