The Limassol Municipality is advancing a significant infrastructure project at the Akti Olympion site, which includes the construction of a new wharf alongside the current boat ramp and the restoration of the existing facility.
Approved by the Environmental Department, the project has been reviewed by various authorities, including the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, the Cyprus Ports Authority, the Department of Public Works, and the Forestry Department. The Environmental Impact Assessment study, submitted in April 2021, estimates the total cost of the development at €300,000.
Upgrades and Enhancements
The project entails the renovation of the boat lift/launch ramp and the addition of a new wharf adjacent to the existing ramp. Additionally, dredging will be conducted in the marine area around the wharf, which measures 34 by 34 meters. The enhancements aim to improve safety and functionality for boat owners by addressing issues of slipperiness and subsidence on the ramp.
Infrastructure Benefits
The new wharf will facilitate the temporary mooring of small boats and enhance the safety of launching and retrieving boats on trailers. This infrastructure is crucial for the daily operations of boat owners in the area.
Located in a well-developed tourist region, the project is situated within the Protection Zone Da2, which encompasses green spaces, parks, and other protected areas. To the north of the ramp is 28th of October Street, and the site is 65 meters from the sea, with a pedestrian and bicycle path along its southern boundary. A strip of flora including pines, eucalyptus, and acacias further enhances the coastal environment.
Construction Details
The new wharf will extend 15 meters in length and 2 meters in width, positioned 1.5 meters west of the current boat ramp. The wharf will be constructed with metal pillars anchored to the seabed and will feature a wooden floor elevated 0.80 meters above mean sea level (MSL), supported by horizontal metal beams.
Safety measures include a 1.10-meter high railing with chain openings for boat access, and solar-powered lighting poles will be installed. The dredging will ensure a depth of 1.5 meters around the wharf area.
(Source: InBusinessNews, www.cbn.com.cy)