Sandy Ground Bridge: professionals are angry
Since the incidents that occurred on 19 January in Sandy Ground, the bridge has remained out of service. Boats can no longer use the access channel on the lagoon side, which is penalising certain professionals in the sector who are calling on the public authorities to take action. To date, no announcement has been made regarding its return to service.
On 2 February, nautical professionals from the lagoon, along with all other nautical professionals, alerted local elected officials and their departments, as well as the Prefect, to the consequences of this prolonged closure. Many companies engaged in technical, nautical and maritime maintenance activities based within the lagoon depend directly on the proper functioning and regular opening of the bridge.
Its closure prevents normal maritime access from the French side. The only alternative via the Dutch side remains very limited, as the lagoon does not have sufficient draught in several areas. If the situation were to continue, some companies would be forced to lay off their staff because they would be unable to maintain their activities, or even to cease trading altogether. The METIMER association also sent a letter to the local authority and the State services... which also went unanswered.
Actions to make themselves heard
Water sports professionals are asking to be given accurate information on the condition of the bridge, the provisional schedule for repairs or planned work, as well as a list of the companies involved and the expected date for the reopening of the bridge to navigation. These are elements that the lagoon's nautical professionals consider essential in order to be able to anticipate and organise their activities, inform their customers and make the right decisions to limit the economic and social impact... because fixed costs continue to accrue and 30 jobs are at risk. However, to date, it is difficult to know what the exact problem with the bridge is: the barriers? a safety feature that automatically blocks the bridge when they are defective, but this could be resolved by deploying local police officers; the motor that activates the jack, according to some sources? But has it been ordered? The diagnostic estimate carried out by a company and sent to the local authority has still not been approved.
The lagoon professionals' collective points out that this year's sea festival could not take place, that the marinas are still in the same state and awaiting a hypothetical DSP (public service delegation)... Today, they are angry at the lack of action by the Local Authority, which prides itself on wanting to promote the blue economy. They are considering taking action, even though they deeply regret having to do so! As we went to press, a meeting was underway at the Collectivité, the collective having secured an appointment with President Mussington and his staff. To be continued...
