Which will be the first water supply projects with the €2m funding

The situation resembles the trick of Nasreddin Hodja (a character known in Arabic as "the glory of faith"), who gradually removed animals from an overcrowded room, creating a sense of relief. In the informational meeting between local authorities and stakeholder representatives, the latter stated that the most significant outcome was the prevailing good atmosphere. As for addressing the infrastructure crisis plaguing the island and its tourism, no one came away any the wiser.

The atmosphere, already tense due to the joint summer protests over road conditions, water supply, and waste management, deteriorated further following the recent contentious tourism forum. Ultimately, the main focus of the meeting was on water supply adequacy. Issues related to traffic and waste collection/management were deferred to a subsequent meeting.

Regarding water supply, the situation hinges on the anticipated emergency funding of €2 million: €1.6 million will go to DIADEYAK (Central and Southern Municipality), €400,000 to the Northern Municipality, with an additional €200,000 potentially allocated by the Regional Authority for the central area.

Key priorities include replacing problematic sections of the primary water network near Agia Ekaterini, along Eth. Paleokastritsa Road (Armeni), and at Katsaratika/Perama, to connect the network to the Zougros borehole. This aims to address the acute water shortages experienced in the area since early summer, which persist to some extent.

The slow pace of developments was criticised, as it does not align with the urgency of the situation. The emergency was identified in the summer, recognition was requested in November, and yet no tangible progress has been made. Regarding the much-touted assistance from EYDAP (Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company) staff, their involvement is expected to focus on technical expertise. However, no personnel reinforcements are anticipated. "We pay handsomely, yet we can't even find a plumber in Athens," was the response to related requests, even when raised indirectly.

In any case, an initial team led by the Director of Water Management is expected to arrive, primarily to recommend replacing most of the primary network (from Chrysiida), where half the water is lost due to leaks. With a network like that, what use are alternative water sources?

Authorities also presented contingency plans, including the transport of water by tanker ships, should supply issues arise again, as they did last year. This proposal was, understandably, left without comment.

GIORGOS KATSAITIS

Photo: shipfriends