Construction update: surprise, surprise for contractors

The world of contracting is full of surprises for construction companies, and the latest construction news is no different.

The Guam Department of Public Works issued a Request for Proposal for the design of a new correctional facility in Guam.
See “Jailhouse will rock: upgraded prison to be built on Guam,” in the Nov. 6 issue of the Journal and on www.mbguam.com.

Department of Corrections facility in Mangilao. Journal file photo.

The original date that bids were due was on Sept. 11. That was extended to Oct. 11, then to Oct. 26 after Tropical Storm Bolaven, then to Nov 15.

The date that bids are due has now been extended to Jan. 5.

As to why the response date has been extended again, Linda J. J. Ibanez, deputy director of DPW; told the Journal via text on Nov. 22 that the extension is due to a “request from potential bidders.”

In other DPW news, the Office of the Governor issued a joint release with DPW on Nov. 22 that said the two were “pleased to announce the successful completion of the 60% design milestone for the modernization of the Hagåtña Swimming Pool Facility.”

The pool has seen problems for years that included issues with the infiltration system, infrastructure issues and according to media reports most recently a fire in July 2022 at the location opposite the Agana Shopping Center and has been in use since 1968 according to the release.

“The upgraded pool encompasses repairs to the main pool, a new children’s pool, installation of a new water filtration and chlorination system, various site and accessibility improvements, and the addition of a new canopy and bleacher seating with storage,” the release said.

“The upgrade of the Hagåtña Swimming Pool Facility will bring this public resource up to code with the current Guam public health, welfare, and safety standards,” said Acting Governor Joshua F. Tenorio in the release. “This modernization project is also designed to meet Olympic size standards and will serve as a pivotal venue for water sports competitions. These enhancements are anticipated to attract international participants, potentially bolstering Guam's tourism sector and forming a crucial component of the island's broader tourism recovery plan,” Tenorio said. mbj

Panel reflects on 50 years since Operation New Life

Scholars, community leaders, veterans, and former refugees gathered at the Guam Museum Theater in Hagåtña on July 26, for a public forum marking the 50th anniversary of Operation New Life, a massive U.S. military-led evacuation effort that brought more than 110,000 Vietnamese refugees through Guam in 1975 following the fall of Saigon.

Construction update: surprise, surprise for contractors