The slipway at Mandrakia, on the southern side of Ermioni, has been filled in and levelled, between the present Ermioni Cafe and the Cookoida taverna exteriors.  The slipway had been the last vestige of the ramp that existed for launching fishing boats from the shore into the sea, even before the coastal road was constructed in the early 1990s.  Work started on this project at the end of May by the Ermionida Municipality, with the final top level being laid on Monday 8th June.  A few local citizens had objected to the slipway being filled in, but the reality was that this boat feature wasn't being used anymore, apart from car-parking along the roadside.  It does now offer pedestrians the chance to walk continuously along the whole Mandrakia waterfront, without having to jump down between the raised sides of the slipway.

The project was entitled: 'Creation of a single quey and removal of the boat lifting and launching ramp (the Glystra at Mandrakia in Ermioni)' with a total budget of 279,000 euros.  The removal of the slipway, which had significant damage, included the removal of the upper layers and damaged areas of the old ramp, a new coating of reinforced concrete, and the construction of joints between the old and new coatings for maximum durability.  We'll have to wait and see what this new area will be used for in the near future.

Many Ermioni businesses and residents, particularly those operating or living along the Mandrakia waterfront, had requested and been waiting for the old slipway to be filled-in and levelled for many years.  Some local business owners believe that filling in the slipway will encourage someone to take over the vacant old Veggera taverna, as now they can place outdoor seating and canopy on the newly created area, opposite the old taverna.  Whatever happens, the completed result now gives the local residents, visiting tourists and sailing flotillas more space and safety to enjoy the wonderful environment along Mandrakia and Kapari Bay. 

Sadly, the Municipality missed a great opportunity to create a small communal 'park' for Ermioni residents and visitors to enjoy, with planted trees and canopies for shade, seating/benches, water-feature/fountain, a small play-area for kids.  Instead, with this result, we have ended up with a vast, flat, boring concrete slab, open to the elements.  Let's hope it's not left in it's present state for long.