An aerial view of Saipan after Typhoon Soudelor. Photo: Facebook
Construction costs on Saipan have tripled due to high demand after Typhoon Soudelor devastated the island and damaged hundreds of houses and business offices.
The dearth of contractors, the sheer number of houses and offices that need to be repaired, and the fact that the majority of construction materials are imported have exacerbated the problem.
Our correspondent in the Northern Marianas, Mark Rabago, says the high demand for contractors has led some full time workers to take on extra part-time work on the weekends.