A concession from the Brittany region
Since 2007, the Brittany region has been the managing authority for Saint-Malo's port facilities, which include the ferry terminal, the commercial port, the fishing port and the two marinas. The Bas-Sablons marina, located in Saint-Servan, is operated by the municipality. It has direct access to the sea via a weir, and offers 1,200 berths on pontoons, around 100 on moorings and 70 visitor berths. The waiting list of 1,300 yachtsmen implies a lead time of around fifteen years.
Infrastructure problems
In its report, Brittany's regional audit chamber points to a number of shortcomings. In particular, it cites the management of infrastructures and services. The lack of dredging over the past 40 years has forced a large number of boats to run aground, partly in the mud. The wifi network is unsatisfactory, and the pontoons are showing their age.
Poor personnel management
In these terms, the auditing body insists on poor personnel management. "The port's administrative department is not adequately staffed. Following the departure of permanent staff, the systematic use of contract workers means that the necessary skills are not available. The absence of written procedures, the lack of reliable information and the shortcomings of internal control explain the shortcomings of the information system. These are illustrated in particular by partial figures and the excessive production of administrative certificates in order to obtain cancellations or reductions in revenue vouchers."
Unjustified payments to the Town Hall
The chambre régionale des comptes points out that the port of Bas Sablons pays, partly unjustifiably, an amount of around ?280,000 to the main budget of the municipality of Saint-Malo, corresponding to around 10% of sales or seven full-time equivalents, far from the services provided by the town.
Lack of commitment to development
The report highlights the commune's lack of commitment to the development of the Bas Sablons water sports center, which is difficult to access from the town. The limited opening hours and lack of shops are also highlighted.
4 recommendations
The regional audit chamber of Brittany makes 4 recommendations to the city of Saint Malo:
- Provide the port with a trained and supervised administrative department.
- Record a provision for human resources litigation.
- Monitor the port's movable and immovable assets.
- Review calculation methods for general administration costs.
A process is also underway to pool the management of the Bas Sablons port with that of Port Vauban when the concessions expire.
