Flooding in Spilia yet again: Businessman Periklis Mitsialis at his wits’ end — “Same old story”
CORFU. Periklis Mitsialis, owner of “Pitonomisties”, has seen his property flooded time and again over the years, expressing his deep frustration and despair.
Once again, heavy rainfall has been enough to cause serious problems in the Spilia area of Corfu, bringing to the surface a long-standing issue that has plagued the area for around a quarter of a century.
Among those affected is businessman Periklis Mitsialis, owner of “Pitonomisties”, who has seen his property repeatedly flooded over the years, expressing his strong protest and despair.
The root of the problem
The problem dates back to the completion of the project to separate stormwater from wastewater, which was carried out to facilitate the operation of the town’s then-new wastewater treatment plant. Full separation was never achieved, leaving the sewerage system in the heart of the Old Town, in Campiello, as a combined sewer system. When it overflows, the excess flows through an outlet into the tourist boat shelter area.
At the same time, the main pipeline in Spilia leading to the wastewater treatment plant has outlets towards the area where the ferries to Igoumenitsa used to berth. Following heavy and persistent rainfall, either because of excessive flow or because the main pipeline leading to the New Port becomes blocked, wastewater and stormwater overflow, backing up through the manholes. The result is that the entire area, from Mavros Gatos to the former Courthouse, is flooded.
Local business owners and residents are once again calling on the relevant authorities to address the problem and carry out the necessary technical interventions, bringing an end to years of disruption and hardship.
ELENI KORONAKI
