Σάββατο 23.11.2024 ΚΕΡΚΥΡΑ

Redevelopment of old slaughterhouse - €1m lost

slaughterhouse
27 Δεκεμβρίου 2023 / 10:16

CORFU. Responsibility for integration into the new ESPA programme now in the hands of the new municipal authority.

The project for the redevelopment and reconstruction of the building that once housed the slaughterhouse in Mandouki has ended in failure. The funding of one million Euros was lost as the programme period for the Interreg V-A Greece-Italy 2014-2020 "JUMP" project came to an end.

This was the long-awaited reconstruction of the property with the aim of transforming it into a multi-space cultural venue, a project considered to enhance the entire suburban area of the town. The funding had been secured since 2017, under Mayor Nikolouzou's administration, but the project never commenced. The next municipal authority of Meropi Ydraiou announced an open tender on May 23, 2022, to find a contractor.

 

Huge delay

The emptying of the building was carried out with a significant delay of over six months, and as a result, the contractor was unable to begin in a timely manner to complete the project within the contractually stipulated time. The issue was discussed in the recent meeting of Central Corfu Municipal Council - the final one for this year. The proposal of the Deputy Mayor of Technical Services, Nikos Kalogeros, was the commitment of the Municipality that the work would continue with the same resources until the project is incorporated into the new ESPA programme, which commences in February or March.

Referring to the history of the contract on Thursday afternoon at the council meeting, the Deputy Mayor justified the delays. "The space housed the materials warehouse and a section of the Cleaning Services for years. The study was prepared, and the tender was announced on time. Meanwhile, the Municipality was looking for a space to relocate its services, but two announcements were fruitless, as well as the direct negotiation that followed. There was a forced transfer of services, with a delay of 6 to 8 months. At the start of the contract, problems arose, and an update of the study was necessary."

He proposed the approval of the commitment of the Municipality that the project would continue with its own resources.

Meropi Ydraiou

Available nformation indicates that there were technical weaknesses; however, the outgoing Deputy Mayor of Technical Services, Nikos Kalogeros, assured Enimerosi that all the problems have been overcome. "It is an active contract, with a well-prepared and updated study, any weaknesses have been addressed, and would be a pity to enter into new procedures. It will be included in the new ESPA programme, specifically within the framework of Sustainable Urban Development." The outgoing Mayor Meropi Ydraiou claimed that discussions have taken place with the Interreg Management Authority in Thessaloniki so that the project does not bear the "stamp" of abandonment, as it is an active contract.

Response from the opposition parties

However, the funding has closed definitively. It is considered highly doubtful that the project can be integrated into the new ESPA programme without new procedures. As for continuing the work with existing resources, it is practically impossible, given that the municipality's treasury is already in deficit.

On the other hand, inclusion in the ESPA programme essentially means that the €1m funding will consume a portion of the programme that would have been available for other projects. The decision was approved by a majority amid strong criticism from the opposition. With reservations but to avoid the dissolution of the project, Fani Tsibouli, Chrysanthos Sarlis, Giorgos Karydis, and Konstantinos Grigoriadis voted "present." Chrysostomos Boukas voted "against."

 

 

CHRISTINA GEREKOU

 

Photo: Enimerosi