Lawmaker urges alternate Kagman access road as Route 34 remains vulnerable

Rep. Angelo A. Camacho is calling on the Department of Public Works to fast-track plans for an alternate access road into Kagman, warning that the community faces isolation if the already-damaged Route 34 fails again or is shut down for permanent repairs.

In a May 4, 2026, memorandum to DPW Secretary Ray N. Yumul, Camacho stressed the urgency of the situation following damage from Super Typhoon Sinlaku.

“At present, Route 34 serves as the sole point of entry and exit for residents, emergency services, and the transport of essential goods,” Camacho wrote.

He noted that part of the road partially collapsed after the storm, leaving only a single lane open. While temporary repairs are in place, Camacho warned that a full closure will be necessary to complete permanent fixes.

“This reality presents a significant and unacceptable risk to public safety and community stability,” he said.

Camacho added that without an alternate route—suggesting possible access through Lao Lao or As Teo—Kagman residents remain exposed to serious risks.

“Should the road fail again, or when it is closed for permanent repairs, the community could be effectively isolated,” he said, pointing to potential disruptions to emergency response, medical access, and the delivery of food, water, and other essential services.

“The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated,” Camacho said. “Establishing an alternate route is not simply a matter of convenience, but a critical necessity to ensure continuity of essential services and to safeguard the well-being of residents.”

He urged DPW to “prioritize this issue and take immediate steps” toward identifying and developing a reliable alternate route, emphasizing the need for coordination with relevant agencies.

Yumul, in a message to Marianas Press, said efforts to establish another access road have been ongoing.

“I have actually asked him for a support letter. Since the onset, I have pushed for an alternate roadway into Kagman,” Yumul said.

He added that while the sinkhole along Route 34 has been addressed, major work remains.

“Approximately 250 feet of roadway still require full reconstruction due to extensive linear asphalt cracking and underlying structural failure,” Yumul said.

“This section continues to pose a safety hazard and remains vulnerable to further deterioration, especially during heavy rainfall. Until reconstruction is completed, the risk of additional collapse persists,” he added, “underscoring the need for an alternate access route to ensure uninterrupted mobility and public safety for Kagman residents.”

Yumul said DPW is pursuing multiple avenues for assistance, including coordination with the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.