Update from Mayor Kavadias on infrastructure projects in South Corfu
CORFU. Update on the progress of major projects in the Municipality of South Corfu following the 2nd Municipal Council accountability session.
(From the office of the South Corfu Mayor) The present Municipal Authority, respecting the citizens of South Corfu, has until today avoided engaging in confrontation with the previous administration. However, the recent statements made by its members following the 2nd Accountability Session of the Municipal Council compel us to restore the truth with specific facts. We have a duty to responsibly inform our residents about the actual condition of the projects we inherited and the actions we took to safeguard them.
1. Road Network: Projects Continue Despite Past Mismanagement
The road maintenance project (budgeted at €1.5 million) concerned the entire Municipality. Instead, we inherited a situation in which 80% of the funds had already been spent almost exclusively in the Municipal Unit of Meliteieis (excluding Stroggili and Chlomos).
Our work: We inherited a remaining balance of €433,000 and succeeded in completing the Vassilatika–Korakades works, projects in Petriti, the Latzes–Argyrades road, and a section in Stroggili.
The result: A balance of €280,000 remains, and we granted the contractor an extension until 28/05/2026 in order to complete the project.
The project was not lost; it continues, despite the fact that most of the funds had already been absorbed before we took office.
2. Lefkimmi Indoor Gymnasium: Securing Completion with an Additional €1 Million
The previous administration scheduled a project based on an incomplete study and insufficient funding.
Our work: We commissioned a new study and increased the funding to €3,799,788.58.
The benefit: We secured an additional €1,000,000 and released €760,560.73 from the Municipality’s own resources, which will be allocated to other projects in 2026. The project now has guaranteed funding for its completion.
3. Rural Road Network: Addressing Legal Gaps
It is true that there was a joint venture between two contractors. Subsequently, one of them declared bankruptcy. As a result, the project could not be executed in practice. In order to save it, we proceeded with the substitution of the contractor, a move that was not accepted by the Court of Audit.
The solution: We are immediately proceeding with a new tender process. The new contractor will be installed within six months. The project remains active and will be fully implemented.
4. Electromobility: Restoring Legality
It was found that the €1.45 million procurement had been tendered with serious inconsistencies (different equipment listed in the study and in the tender notice), without a prior decision by the Municipal Committee to amend the Technical Data Sheet.
The action: We cancelled the flawed tender and are proceeding with a new call for bids with full transparency and technical accuracy.
5. SMART CITY: Digital Transformation with Substantial Energy Upgrade
The “Smart City” project, which was officially contracted by our Municipal Authority, did not remain limited to its initial narrow objectives. We proceeded with key interventions to ensure maximum benefit for citizens:
Strategic Amendment: We requested and achieved an amendment to the Technical Data Sheet, incorporating the installation of 350 modern LED lighting fixtures.
On our own initiative and with €600,000 in funding from municipal resources, we are moving forward with the replacement of an additional 2,000 lighting fixtures with LED technology.
The result: We are transforming our Municipality into a modern “smart” Municipality, while achieving a major energy upgrade and a drastic reduction in operating costs (electricity bills), resources that will return to the public through other services.
Conclusion
South Corfu does not need communication fireworks, but projects with secured funding and sound studies. The present Municipal Authority works daily to “correct” the shortcomings of the past and deliver to citizens the infrastructure they deserve.
All of the above constitute indisputable evidence of a strategy that corrects mistakes, secures lost funds, and produces tangible results with transparency and planning.
