Launch of a study on the vulnerability of buildings in the upper town of Bonifacio

Faced with the risk of collapse of around thirty buildings on the edge of the cliff, in the upper town of Bonifacio, a study on the vulnerability of the structures of these houses began this week, with results expected in spring 2026, the public authorities announced a few days ago.

This situation being "unique in France and perhaps in Europe," given the number of houses concerned, this study, estimated at "more than 300.000 euros" and "theoretically paid for by the owners," will be financed by the State "through the Barnier fund," specified Anthony Barraco, sub-prefect of Sartène.

Entrusted to L'Apave, a design office, it must complement the expertise of the cliff carried out under each building and presented in September 2024. This had revealed concerns about the foundations of the 33 houses above the cliff.

"The analysis of the building will lead to feasibility studies for work compatible with those that could be carried out on the cliff," the sub-prefect specified.

When asked who would pay for any work, the speakers did not resolve the issue. While building repairs are normally the responsibility of the owners, work on the cliff, which belongs to the Corsican Community, falls to the public authorities.

In September, Mayor Jean-Charles Orsucci clarified that these analyses were voluntary and at the initiative of the state, but that if any weaknesses were revealed, owners would have to address them at their own expense and without fail. This was provided that this was still possible, and therefore at the risk of further evictions.

Two iconic houses were evacuated in December 2022, much to the dismay of their owners, and legal proceedings are underway.

"We will do everything to preserve this treasure; our goal is to secure the property as much as possible," promised the deputy prefect.

Mayor Jean-Charles Orsucci made no secret of the fact that he would make a distinction between owners of second homes and those living there year-round, surprising many of them.

The study will have three phases: "modeling of all the buildings" this week, then an interior inspection of the buildings this week and then "at the end of August or beginning of September," said Laurent Sialelli of L'Apave.

A third phase will study how each building will behave in the face of different hazard scenarios (landslides, rockfalls), in order to "imagine technical solutions to safeguard the assets," explained Mr. Sialelli.