Könnern. The steps are impressive, as is the mighty slipway for boats that can be launched here – the concrete Saalesteg jetty near Georgsburg Castle in Könnern differs from the other jetties that the Salzlandkreis district has built in collaboration with the towns and municipalities along the Saale between Könnern and Calbe. The entry and exit facility, built of solid concrete due to local conditions, has now been completed as part of the major project "Saalesteganlagen im Salzlandkreis" (Saale jetties in the Salzland district). District Administrator Markus Bauer therefore handed over the facility to its intended purpose a few days ago, together with Mayor Martin Zbyszewski and interested residents of Könnern. The jetty can now be used by waterway travellers, free of charge of course.
District Administrator Markus Bauer said: "The jetties are more than just entry and exit aids for water hikers. They are all real milestones for social development in the Salzland district." This is because they have created further incentives to discover the region between Halle and Magdeburg. "This has also made us more attractive again as a place to live. This is important, because only if people feel comfortable living here will they be available to companies not only as a labour force, but also as volunteers for society." He referred to the Salzlandkreis 2030 strategy for the future, which is the basis for such progress. The District Administrator also thanked Mayor Martin Zbyszewski for the successful cooperation on this project.
The mayor also thanked the Salzland district for its initiative. "The result is really impressive. It really is a great opportunity. Visitors tell us that regularly." He also thanked Betonwerk HTB Könnern GmbH & Co. KG for the donation of 10,000 euros. Martin Zbyszewski also referred to the commitment of the local history association. The association has erected a sign with a QR code that not only welcomes guests digitally, but also points out the sights in the region. District Administrator Markus Bauer said that this was exactly what the Salzland district wanted. "That further ideas are developed locally on how the region can be marketed." Wooden benches are also to be installed on site, as the mayor explained.
The planning and construction costs for the concrete footbridge totalled around 1.2 million euros due to the special construction method. The town of Könnern contributed around 120,000 euros to the project and, like the other towns and municipalities, will be responsible for maintaining the facility in future. This is provided for in an agreement between the Salzland district and Könnern. The Salzland district was able to obtain funding for the majority of the costs from the federal and state governments from the "Joint Task for the Improvement of Regional Economic Structures" funding programme. Ladders for smaller boats and an underwater safety barrier are still to be built for the Könnern facility. Planning is currently still underway. In total, the planning and construction costs for all seven landing stages amount to around five million euros.