The issue of waste management It seems to be a concern for citizens once again, this time in the Saint Pelagia. The issue brought to light a resident of Agia Pelagia who runs a business just a stone's throw from the waste collection site. More specifically, he posted a photo from that point on, during those days Easter, where trash accumulates. With a sufficient amount of humor but also irony tried to to protest.
A short while later, the The mayor of Kythira posted a message on his Facebook profile with a photo taken at the location today, saying the following: «These photos were taken today, 10 minutes ago. In contrast, the photos that sparked negative comments on Facebook (mainly from people who had no idea what they were commenting on) were taken many days ago. When trash collection was suspended on Thursday due to COVID-19 cases and in anticipation of the three-day weekend and holiday, Community President Yiannis Chlambas moved all the trash bins behind the wall, and there wasn’t the slightest problem. Moreover, starting tomorrow, all collection routes will resume as normal, since the holiday leave period has ended.».
The municipality urgently needs additional waste collection capacity for the summer
It is a fact that the cleaning service has recently been facing problems in staffing and the vehicles, and, as was to be expected, there would be gaps in garbage collection, especially during Easter, when there is increased traffic on the island. It seems, however, that despite the service being staffed by both permanent and contract employees, The problem will worsen in the summer, given that the volume of waste—as well as the number of tourists—increases every year.. Consequently, there is necessity for reserves who will prevent the worst from happening. Just imagine if two garbage truck drivers were to contract COVID-19 on August 10…
The pier is the wrong location for waste collection in Agia Pelagia
At the same time, user comments on social media express the dissatisfaction regarding the location selected by the Municipality to be converted into a rudimentary waste management facility. In the the heart of the village, in the most busy and a place of tourist interest, tourists are faced with a a sad sight. And at the same time η A foul odor completes the misery.
Reports of illegal activities at the site. Contamination and pollution of the shoreline
As mentioned in the posts, The shoreline has been hastily paved over, apparently to make room for more people and all kinds of trash cans. In the photos that are published It's clearly a slapdash installation., which creates painful images. This is obviously another an unfortunate intervention by municipal authorities, involving concrete barrels placed on the shoreline, which the authorities have yet to determine whether it is illegal, as alleged by citizens. Nevertheless, the mayor points out that Community President Yiannis Chlampeas is doing everything he can to handle the situation as best as possible. But that alone isn't enough. The problem remains. One of the photos also shows that the natural environment and the shoreline are being polluted and contaminated. Once again, it becomes clear that A plan is needed to designate areas where waste will be deposited, given the severe weather conditions that affect the island and cause trash to be scattered here and there by the wind..
Please note that the competent authority The deputy mayor in charge of sanitation is Mr. George Kominos And it will be interesting to see what he does in the coming days now that this issue has also come to light. As a reminder, on March 19, a month and a half ago The President of the Municipal Council of the Capital Community of Kythira had lodged a protest accordingly regarding the lack of foresight in the the gymnasium of Kythira High School, one of the most busy landmarks of the settlement.
