‘Fix jetty before disaster strikes’
FRESH calls have been made for a permanent replacement for a British-era jetty in Gazimağusa Port that partially collapsed six years ago.
Parts of the jetty, which was 115 years old, crashed into the water on April 22, 2017, just minutes after a man and two children had been walking on it.
In 2021 a temporary floating jetty was installed in place of the collapsed section and 120 tonnes of rubble were dredged up from the water.
However Gazimağusa Nautical Union president Melih Akgürel warned in December 2021 that the rest of the structure was also at risk of collapsing.
This week Mr Akgürel renewed his calls for a permanent replacement jetty to be constructed before “disaster” strikes.
He noted that the floating platform installed following the collapse has become worn out and has “caved in” at some points.
“A tourist was forced to jump onto the floating pontoons from the pier to get to a fisherman’s boat,” Mr Akgürel said.
“The iron legs holding up the remaining section of the jetty have rusted away. The walk boards are worn out. It should be repaired immediately, otherwise it may collapse.
“If we don’t want any type of disaster to occur, let’s get involved and do whatever is necessary. There are 60 boats tied to the jetty. Boat owners regularly pay their monthly or annual berth fees in dollars but get no service in return.”
Public Works and Transport Minister Erhan Arıklı stated that the Ports Authority has requested funds from the Turkish Embassy’s Development and Cooperation Office for the reconstruction of the jetty.
“If the request is approved then the construction of the jetty will begin,” he said.
Ports Authority director Ahmet Mevlanaoğlu said approximately $50,000 is needed for the reconstruction project.
“The project is ready, we are awaiting approval for the funding,” he said. “If the funding is provided, a tender will be opened and the jetty will be completed within three months at the latest. . . Our biggest goal is to restructure all of our ports.”