Peilapalap, Pohnpei: April 6, 2023 – Governor Oliver received Mr. Rodger Gardner USAID Country Coordinator, Micronesia who introduced experts from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) who are on the island to look at Pohnpei State water systems.
Mr. Gardner introduced Ms. Angela Sandoval from the US EPA Region 9, based in Guam, who works in the FSM, RMI, and Palau with local governments to identify possible environmental hazards that need to be removed in addition to providing technical expertise for compact projects involving water and sanitation. Mr. Barry Pollack, a retired U.S. EPA employee is assisting Ms. Sandoval in providing consulting services and assisting governments to resolve environmental issues.
Also accompanying Ms. Sandoval and Mr. Pollack was Ms. Susan Jamerson, who works with the U.S. EPA as a contractor. She explained to Governor Oliver that she is assisting Pohnpei State along with Ms. Sandoval and Mr. Pollack, specifically Pohnpei Utilities Corporation (PUC) to identify funding sources for water system projects. One priority water project mentioned by Ms. Jamerson was the replacement of the water tank in Dolonier, Nett.
The team of experts expressed their appreciation for working with PUC and Pohnpei’s EPA on water systems, plans, challenges, and funding solutions. They noted that Mr. Leeronson Hairens from PUC was very helpful in helping them understand Pohnpei’s water system plans and challenges. On behalf of the Pohnpei State Government, Governor Oliver thanked Mr. Gardner, the team of experts from EPA, and the U.S. Government for their support to PUC and EPA on water and environmental issues in Pohnpei and looked forward to further updates and outcomes of projects.
Also joining Governor Oliver was Environmental Protection Agency Executive Officer, Mr. Francisco Celestine, Overseas Development Coordinator, Ms. Shirley Ann Ligohr, and PUC Water Manager Leeronson Hairens.
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