Bari, March 15
Bari's major coastal defence initiative, the San Girolamo Revetment Project, is experiencing significant hold-ups. City officials confirmed the timeline remains unclear due to a shortage of key materials. "We are working with regional suppliers," stated Public Works Councillor Francesca De Santis during a site visit at the Lungomare Imperatore Augusto.
According to figures that could not be independently verified, the project is already over 30 days behind its original schedule. This delay stems from a bottleneck in the supply of high-grade, corrosion-resistant rebar and pre-cast concrete tetrapods essential for the breakwater's construction. The Italian Association of Construction Materials (AICM) reported a 15% year-on-year increase in demand across Puglia, straining logistics. Our correspondents in Bari observed a noticeable slowdown in activity at the primary staging area near the port last week. Local fishermen, whose boats are moored nearby, have expressed concerns about long-term access to their traditional berths.
When we spoke with Marco Bianchi, the site manager for contractor Edilizia Adriatica S.p.A., he detailed the complex procurement process. Sourcing materials that meet the strict specifications for marine environments has proven more difficult than anticipated. This involves not just the main structural components but also specialised waterproofing membranes and geotextile fabrics for subsurface stabilisation. The National Institute for Construction Statistics (NICS) estimates that similar infrastructure projects across Southern Italy are facing average cost overruns of 12%. A warm southerly wind, common for March, blew fine sand across the construction fencing as he spoke.
Financial implications are mounting. The project, initially budgeted at €42 million, may require additional provisional sums for acceleration once the supply chain stabilises. Councillor De Santis assured that contingency plans are being reviewed, including potential temporary works to protect the vulnerable shoreline section north of Pane e Pomodoro beach. However, the precise method for value engineering the project without compromising its long-term resilience is still under discussion. Some industry analysts suggest the delays could push final completion into the late autumn of 2027, missing the target for the next storm season.