In a pointed public statement, the leader of the «Free Kythira» municipal faction Anargyros Sofios denounces serious shortcomings in fire protection in the Kalamavros area, one year after he submitted a related inquiry to the Municipal Council. As he reports, only one of the area’s three water reservoirs is operational, despite the funds that have been spent, and during the major fire in June, fire trucks were forced to travel a long distance to obtain water.
Mr. Sofios raises questions about the use of funds and hints at negligence or deliberate action. At the same time, he praises the citizens, the firefighters, and the volunteers who acted immediately, making special mention of Father Panagiotis Megalokonomos, who opened his monastery to house firefighters.
Below is Mr. Sofios' statement.
ON FIRE, MONEY, AND «TOMORROW»
On May 29, 2024, that is, more than a year ago, I submitted a formal inquiry to the City Council regarding the water reservoir in the Kalamavros area, which at the time was completely empty. I highlighted the danger posed by this situation: in the event of a fire, there would be no water available nearby for firefighting equipment.
The response I received at the time was that «TOMORROW» the municipality would address this critical issue. A «TOMORROW» that never came.
One year later, of the three reservoirs in the area:
• Only one is functional,
• Another one has a leak and isn't working properly,
• And the third one remains completely empty.
It is worth noting that significant public funds had previously been spent on repairs to these specific tanks. Nevertheless, when the major fire broke out, fire trucks and water tankers were forced to travel a distance of 8 kilometers —to the hydrant at the Pitsinianika-Mylopotamos intersection—instead of the 1 kilometer it would have been if the area’s reservoirs had been functioning normally.
It is reasonable to ask ourselves:
Mr. Charchalakis, why is the tank still inactive?;
Where did the money that was spent go?;
Is this unjustifiable inaction due to negligence, or is there some other motive behind it?;
Amid all this sloppiness and the obvious inadequacy of the municipality’s political administration, however, there are also shining examples. The devastating fire highlighted the greatness of the local community:
Many of our fellow citizens, from every corner of the island, rushed to help in any way they could. They put their work aside to protect their homeland and their community. They deserve our deepest, most sincere congratulations—along with our frontline firefighters, our volunteers, Civil Protection, and the Forest Service—they fought an unequal but heroic battle.
They weren't expecting «TOMORROW»
I would like to focus in particular on my uncle, Father Panagiotis Megalokonomos, who opened the Monastery of Saints Anargyros and hosted more than 30 firefighters for three days, offering them everything he had. To those who called him a “worthless human being,” I have only one thing to say: his silence spoke louder than their screams. Dignity and generosity need no defenders—they speak for themselves.
To the Municipality of Kythira:
If you can't, ask us for help—until it's time for us to take over.
To my fellow citizens:
I am proud to be one of you.
P.S. Roads in many areas—including the one where the fire broke out—need to be widened and improved because there is a risk of people becoming trapped. You don’t need to break the law, but please take the necessary steps through legal channels.
With respect
Sophios Anargyros
Leader of the EK Municipal Party Faction
Member of the KEDE Tourism Development Committee
