The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation(CUC), CNMI’s sole provider of electric power, water and wastewater services, is facing allegations of inefficiency and mismanagement from a former employee.
Candice Nicole LG Muña, a grant writer whose employment was terminated after an extended probationary period, has launched a public campaign against the utility company. Muña claims she witnessed actions during her tenure that warrant further investigation.
According to Muña, her time at CUC revealed “a pattern of inefficiency, mismanagement, unjust hiring practices, and handling of grievances by HR and senior management, corruption, cronyism, and mismanagement of the utility that directly and adversely affects the lives, health and well-being of the people of the CNMI.”
CUC placed Muña on administrative leave before her termination, citing incidents of insubordination,unauthorized representations on behalf of the corporation, and other personnel-related issues.
In response, Muña has founded non-profit organization, Kånnai Kommunidåt - Payúúr Toulap (Hands of the Community), which she says is dedicated to promoting government accountability, transparency and environmental justice. The organization recently secured a grant from Micronesia Climate Change Alliance to produce a documentary on the history of CUC and energy injustice in the CNMI.
Speaking to Flametree TV Productions, Muña described her nonprofit’s mission: “We’re formed to ensure government accountability and transparency [to empower the people’s voices]. As well as advocate for concerns and issues that the people care about. To ensure democracy and environmental justice.”
CUC has responded to the allegations, calling Muña a “disgruntled employee.” Muña, however, identifies herself as a whistleblower seeking to expose systemic issues within the utility provider.
This is an ongoing story. Both parties have provided statements to Flametree TV Productions and Marianas Variety.
For additional context, visit Kånnai Komunidåt’s Facebook page.
