The Puntin pier is being renovated, an important project for Korcula

Reconstruction of the Puntin pier in Korcula Old Town is one of the most important projects for the people of Korcula. There are also larger and more expensive projects, but Puntin has been a protection against bad weather for decades, its reconstruction was barely welcomed and it will cost 10.5 million kuna.

As the director of the Korcula County Port Authority Ante Tvrdeić says, the condition of the popular pier is not good for the last twenty years. Puntin is full of cracks, the top has sunk into the sea 45 cm and is threatened with collapse from years of waves.

As early as 2017, geomechanical tests were carried out, in 2018 a project was made which would improve the ground of the pier, install a new protective shell and, in agreement with the conservators, pave the pier with stone. As part of the project, the complete arrangement of the lighthouse is planned, and the building permit was obtained in 2019. In the same year, funds for reconstruction were provided, since the pier was in line with the objectives of the Operational Program Competitiveness and Cohesion, the European Union co-financed 85%, about 9 million kuna and the rest was provided from the state budget. The total value of the project is 10.5 million kuna.

Although it took effort and work to prepare the project documentation, performing demanding and complicated works with heavy machinery in Korcula Old Town is quite a challenge. The works officially started a few months ago and will last one year. They should be finished in October 2021. By the summer, all heavy construction works should be completed. 

This will be followed by the construction of a parapet wall, a stone pavement and a protective multi-layer shell. Although the pier will be visually the same as before the works, as much as 80% of the damaged pavement stone will be replaced with new ones, and Puntin will get new, stronger and safer foundations.

The contractor is the company Pomgrad Inženjering from Split, already known to the people of Korčula, which has already successfully completed several major projects in the area of the island. The director of County Port Authority Korčula is satisfied with their performance, as well as with all other participants.

Regarding cooperation on the project, communication between all project participants is extremely good, we have regular weekly coordination during which we analyze all activities, solve current problems, follow the schedule and analyze project implementation, we are really satisfied with the work of all project participants. This is the first project that CPA Korčula is realizing in this way of financing, we hope that its implementation will pass without major problems. We are aware of the exceptional importance of the Puntin pier, both for the port of Korcula and for the Old Town and we want this project to be realized to the pride and satisfaction of all participants in its implementation, and especially to the satisfaction of all Korcula.

Tvrdeić

Judging by the dynamics of the works, the people of Korcula will soon enjoy the old-new Puntin. In addition, the project aims to increase the safety and quality of connections between the islands of Korcula with the surrounding islands and the mainland, creating better conditions for improving the quality of life of islanders and, ultimately, increasing the safety of both ports and passengers.

Source: Morski.hr