The transfer of the commercial harbour of Halkida and the creation of a high quality marina in the area, has been set as a central development objective for Euboea by Vassilis Kikilias, during his visit to Chalkida.
Mr. Kikilias held a meeting at the Organization of Ports of the Prefecture of Evia (O.L.N.E.) with the President of the Organization, N. Kritsiilis, the Managing Director, Sp. Palaeologos andthe members of the Board of Directors of O.L.N.E, in the presence of the MPs of Evia, Symes Kedikoglou, Athanasios Zembilis and Constantina Karampatsolis, the Deputy Prefect of Evia,Giorgos Kelaiditis, the Mayor of Chalkideon,Elena Vaka, as well as members of the Coast Guard.
The Minister referred to a project that “will change the region for the next 50 years“, stressing that the transfer of the port with the simultaneous upgrading of the coastal front of Chalkida will create new jobs, boost tourism and give a strong development impetus to the local economy.
The beautiful Evia and the unique Halkida deserve and deserve the transfer of the commercial port and, at the same time, the creation of a very high level marina in the area,” he said, noting that the goal is “for our children to stay here in our place, have well-paying jobs and live better than we do”
He said it is a“heavy, national project”and urged all stakeholders to move quickly to move forward with the required approvals and master plan, while clarifying that there is no funding issue and the ministry will support the implementation of the project at every stage.
Mr. Symeon Kedikoglou, referred to a vision that now has a strong chance of implementation, noting that this is the first time that a Shipping Minister has visited the Ports Authority.
For his part, Mr. Athanasios Zembilis,said that the transfer of the port is a long-standing demand of the local community and will contribute to the development of the entire coastal front of Chalkida, giving a new tourist and development identity to the city.
Mrs. Constantina Karampatsoli, noted that this is a project of key importance, not only for Chalkida but for the whole of Evia, stressing that it is now “entering the implementation track”.
After the conclusion of the meeting at the O.L.N.E., Mr. Kikilias went to the Central Port Authority of Chalkida where he discussed with the Port Authority officials and was informed by the Port Manager, Commander L.S. Skliri Ol., about issues of the Port Authority.
