Hamina delays decision on 100-metre flagpole removal

A decision to dismantle Hamina’s 100-metre flagpole has been postponed after city councillors requested further clarification, Yle reports.

The item was withdrawn from the agenda of the city development committee’s meeting on Wednesday evening. The committee’s chair, Jaana Suikkanen (National Coalition Party), said the matter would likely return in September or October.

Technical director Sari Paljakka had proposed the removal in April after an inspection revealed cracks in the pole’s coating. The high zinc content in the steel had caused the galvanised layer to become excessively thick and brittle, creating a safety risk as pieces could detach.

Removal is estimated to cost €120,000. The committee initially approved the demolition in April, but the city board chair, Titta Erkkilä (Social Democrats), exercised the right to reconsider, sending it back for further debate. Councillors had previously cited safety concerns.