€11.5m for reconstruction and upgrade of Prigradica Port

Hina - Minister of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butković signed a €11.5 million contract in Dubrovnik on Wednesday with Antun Banovac, Director of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County Port Authority, for the reconstruction and upgrade of Prigradica Port on the island of Korčula.

"Over the past eight years, the government has launched a major investment cycle in transport infrastructure, but what pleases me most are the investments in port infrastructure. If Croatia were not an EU member, it would have been difficult to realise all this. We've invested €500 million in port infrastructure alone, with Dubrovnik-Neretva County leading both in the number and value of projects," Butković said.

Minister of Physical Planning, Construction and State Assets Branko Bačić noted that the people of Blato on Korčula have been waiting 114 years for the Prigradica project.

"The port was built in the early 20th century with a 500-metre operational quay. At the time it was a major port, and we've long awaited the completion of the project on its northwestern side, which would provide protection. What's needed now is the construction of a breakwater and extension of the existing one. This project will finally be completed," minister Bačić said.

Upgrade to improve maritime conditions in the port

Banovac said that the upgrade would improve maritime conditions in Prigradica Port, which is exposed to strong northern winds and waves.

"We currently have a seasonal catamaran line, but once both phases of the project are completed, we'll have the conditions for a year-round service. This will improve both the quality of life on the island and the safety of the port. Last year we opened a passenger terminal in Vela Luka, and construction is under way on the Polačište ferry port. With this upgrade, Korčula island will be well connected," Banovac said.

On the same occasion, Željana Šikić, a member of the Board of the Hrvatske Ceste (Croatian Roads) company, presented a €3.9 million contract to Siniša Košćak, CEO of Colas Croatia, for the construction of a connecting road from the state road in Žrnovo to the Polačište ferry port.

"This modern road will provide a new link between the island and the Pelješac peninsula. Together with the Orebić bypass and the ports of Perna on the Pelješac side and Polačište on the Korčula side, it will form a new part of the network that will significantly improve access to the island and reduce congestion in Orebić. The construction deadline is one year," Šikić said.

The implementation of both projects was welcomed by Dubrovnik-Neretva County Prefect Nikola Dobroslavić, who added that the Prigradica port project completes the cycle of major investments in county port infrastructure.

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