Work on constructing the new port at Kozar in the Isisny Islands has begun amidst a boom in government spending.
As part of a major infrastructure development programme, the port will be redeveloped over the next three years – becoming the major sea-based entry point into the republic from 2023. The move is part of an agreed set of spending projects agreed between President Tattar and Prime Minister Dahn and has heralded a major increase in government investment – the highest seen since the 2007-2008 Unionist government. External inward investment is also powering the development – with financing from Polasciana’s new partners within the Gallian and Centrican League covering up to 30% of the overall costs.
The port will eventually see hundreds of new shipping lines created including many passenger routes. The government has said that the creation of a new ultra-modern cruise hub would see Polasciana added as a major destination on Long and Great Sea expeditions. Other container-based docks will enable extended exports and imports on competitive routes including through the Opellian Strait.
The government says that the development will cost up to ₭3bn by the time construction is complete, but critics fear that spending will increase dramatically.
“We support the redevelopment of this port – it will be a major landmark for our economic development, but the government needs to be open and honest about how much it will cost. We will see rising costs already.” said Béspuran Councilwoman Martina Seyler who has previously criticised the government for not basing the new ‘global port’ at Phyillistina rather than Kozar, which already hosts a major passenger and shipping terminal.
