The Department of Public Works has formally advertised a tender for the improvement of the Kato Pyrgos fishing shelter in the Tillyria region, with a contract value of €6,121,200 excluding VAT and a submission deadline of July 17.
The project covers the full redesign and modernisation of the existing harbour facilities, which serve professional and amateur fishermen as well as recreational boating. Kato Pyrgos is a border community that faces geographical isolation in the northwest of the island.
The works include the extension and reinforcement of the main windward breakwater using natural boulders and prefabricated concrete elements to protect the harbour basin from strong north-westerly swells during winter.
Extensive dredging is also planned to remove sediment and increase the operational depth of the shelter, allowing vessels with greater draught to enter and berth safely. Existing berths will be replaced with new reinforced concrete quays fitted with mooring bollards, fenders and safety ladders. The project also provides for a used oil and vessel waste collection station and the installation of firefighting systems.
Financing will come from national funds, with possible co-financing from EU Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Funds.
Tenders will be evaluated on the basis of the most economically advantageous offer by price and technical capacity. The execution period is set at 24 months from the contract signing date of November 17, 2026. If procedures go smoothly and no appeals are lodged with the Tenders Review Authority, the upgraded shelter is projected to be fully operational within 2028.
The project is expected to create dozens of jobs during the construction phase. The Department of Public Works has placed it at high priority as part of efforts to support border and remote communities.