“I am a sailor and what I want is to keep the port alive as a Commercial port,” declared Alex Plusquellec, president of the Federation. The agenda is clearly defined: to debate the project of the port redevelopment, unveiled by the General Council and the city of Nice, on July 10. Their perspective is clear: “the proposal has very appealing aspects but we do not want the port to be a postcard but rather a place of life and activities.”
Indeed, the dreams are not the same. The General Council and the city of Nice primarily envision building new parking lots, a pedestrian esplanade, an enlargement of the docks… The professionals, however, want dredging of the port, a maritime station, to boost fishing, and above all, to preserve multi-activity. The sailors and merchants are determined to fight to maintain and increase the port’s economic activity.
“We want to work with the city and the General Council, but they need to extend a hand to us,” explained Alex Plusquellec. Because the professionals are ready to negotiate and want true consultation. They have indeed sent 14 letters, including seven by registered mail, that have gone unanswered. “We want to ensure that everyone gets along, cohabits together so that the federation takes on its unifying spirit,” said Jean-Philippe Salducci, vice-president of the Federation.
More than 5000 direct and indirect jobs are generated by the port
As for the project of a large cruise port at Nice airport, it is out of the question for the professionals. The president denounces: “Building a port where, in bad weather, large ships would have to remain at anchor is nonsense!” Moreover, this project could harm the more than 5,000 direct and indirect jobs generated by the port.
Certainly, the fishermen are aware that the redevelopment of the port is essential. However, they envision it differently. “Do not kill the economic sectors that work, rather energize our ports and fishing instead of giving them up to the real estate speculation of a few locals. The port of Nice will be one where we work and not where we sleep,” concluded the president.
