In continuing work on its 2004 Industry Environmental Initiatives, the Saipan Garment Manufacturers Association (SGMA) met with officials from the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation (CUC) and the CNMI Department of Public Works (DPW) to address plans for environmental and health and safety issues on Saipan.

Meetings held with CUC’s Joe Camacho ended in plans to hold training seminars for all SGMA members on waste water management practices, proper screening for sewer debris control and inspections of subcontractor premises for installation of additional waste water filtration systems.

Camacho said that laundry service operations are sending pebbles associated with laundry of denim products into pump stations that move sewage waste. With additional filtration techniques, this can be drastically reduced which helps preserve the longevity of pumps installed on sewer lines. Screen traps will reduce this activity, and training and periodic inspections will ensure compliance with local regulations. Plans are to schedule association/CUC seminars.

SGMA met with the DPW’s Scott Hiney to discuss issues related to the industry’s environmental impact. Training sessions will begin at SGMA offices by DPW personnel to address littering concerns, recycling through waste audits by DPW, road water and storm drain runoff evaluations and inspections for recommendations on cost reduction through glass and aluminum recycling.

DPW’s Hiney discussed plans with SGMA to introduce the nationally recognized Keep America Beautiful Campaign to the CNMI.

SGMA’s Richard A. Pierce met with DPW’s Technical Services Director Dick Cody and Philip Sablan to discuss the installation of pedestrian safety equipment in the Gualo Rai area populated by garment worker pedestrians.

Crosswalk markings and overhead directional lighting equipment will be paid for by SGMA and installed by DPW personnel. Training will focus on industry worker education, and the CNMI Department of Public Safety will be asked to approve for federal Transportation requirements and enforcement once the crosswalks are installed.

SGMA plans to use the high-density Gualo Rai area as a test ground for the equipment, training and approach to a pedestrian and motorist critical safety concern. Eventually, these types of crosswalk markings and equipment would be installed in other areas on Saipan.

“Everyone that has driven through Gualo Rai village understands the dangerous situation that exists. We have high hopes that workers, motorists and residents will be safer and less troubled by the traffic that is there with workers coming and going legally across the major thoroughfare, with the installation of these pedestrian safety devices”, stated Pierce.