Vidos Association accuses municipal authority of neglect and ‘admission of inaction΄

The image of Vidos islet lacking adequate transport links, basic infrastructure, and fire-safety measures is described in a statement issued by the Vidos Protection and Promotion Association, following its meeting on 6 July with the Mayor of Central Corfu and Diapontia Islands, Stefanos Poulimenos, and the responsible deputy mayors.

According to the Association, the current situation on Vidos was presented in detail during the meeting, with the island described as being in the most abandoned state seen in recent years.

The statement notes that access to the island is served exclusively by a private small boat operating on a limited schedule, while the municipal vessel remains out of service, with no tender having been announced for its operation. At the same time, it points out that the restaurant and refreshment kiosk remain closed, the camps and creative activity programme are not operating, the public toilets are locked, the showers are damaged, and the beaches are not receiving the necessary maintenance.

Particular emphasis is also placed on fire-safety issues. The Association claims that there are fallen pine trees and uncleared vegetation, while the pumping station and part of the firefighting network are not operational — a situation which, it says, significantly increases the risk during the current fire-prevention period.

According to the statement, the mayor acknowledged that Vidos is in its worst condition in recent years, attributing the problems to a lack of financial resources and staff. The Association considers this position to amount to an admission of an inability to effectively manage the island and argues that the current situation was presented as having become “the only option.”

The Association’s representatives also state that they requested the immediate implementation of a number of basic measures, including additional boat services to Vidos, the presence of municipal staff throughout the day, the reopening of the toilets, the removal of fallen trees, and the restoration of the pumping station. They claim that all of these proposals were rejected, with the only positive development being the acceptance by the Deputy Mayor for Municipal Property of the proposal that the Association should contribute to the preparation of the terms for the new tender for the restaurant and refreshment kiosk.

The Association states that it will continue its efforts to restore accessibility and safety on Vidos, while announcing that, if the fire-safety issues are not addressed, it will also appeal to the Fire Service.

GIORGOS KATSAITIS