Asked about the concern raised by the municipality of Carmelo regarding the need to modernize the current terminal, Gandini acknowledged that there is awareness about that demand. “There was a private Buquebus initiative, through the Cipreses, but that proposal did not materialize. It won all its deadlines on August 16 and remained on the road,” he explained.
However, he revealed that the company Colonia Express presented a new proposal, which although it is not part of the private initiative regime, raises a specific solution. “Colonia Express wants to invest in improving and expanding the current terminal, taking charge of that investment and then discounting it from the rate you pay for operating at the ANP docks, both in Carmelo and Colonia,” he said.
Gandini positively valued this idea and expressed his expectation that he prosper: “It probably is not ready for this summer season, but for the next one. Carmelo needs a terminal according to the times and with the possibility of enhancing passenger transit.”
Only two designated concapitan ports
How will it be remembered in the last administration of Luis Lacalle, the port captain was established in Carmelo, a position that was occupied by Alejandro Brusco, and consulted by the echo about that position, Gandini was categorical: the city will not have that position. “It is resolved that Captain of Puerto will be in Montevideo and in Nueva Palmira, nothing more,” he said. He argued that, unlike these ports, Carmelo does not require the complexity of a figure that articulates different types of boats or coordinates the use of channels and access areas.
“It could be debatable in Colonia, but Colonia has only passengers, so it does not require that complexity. In Carmelo either,” he said.
Gandini added that, although there is already a person designated for the position in Nueva Palmira-as the echo announced it in past editions, in the case of Nicolás Suárez de Canelones-, the corresponding procedure has not yet been completed, which hopes that “next week” will be finalized. In Montevideo, meanwhile, the appointment has not yet been made.
