In response to the Ecclesiastical Council of the Holy Church of Panagia Konteletous of Livadi, the Municipality of Kythera, through the Mayor Efstratios Harhalakis, published an official document on the issue of water consumption debts. In the reply, it is clarified that the issue of debts is not recent and that the Municipality maintains a firm position against the impossibility of cancelling debts, as defined by the legislation in force.
The Mayor points out that, according to the law, debts to the Municipalities can be written off only under specific conditions, as mentioned in article 174 of the Code of Municipalities and Communities. At the same time, it is stressed that the issue has been examined by the relevant departments of the Municipality and its legal adviser, with the result that the Church's request for the debt to be written off was rejected, as the conditions were not met.
The Municipality of Kythera acknowledges the important public benefit activity of the Church, but clarifies that, both under the Water Supply Regulation and the relevant provisions of the law, the case of water consumption by this Church cannot be subject to a reduced tariff. At the same time, reference is made to two serious issues that have arisen and prevented any aid to the Temple, which relate to the legal status of the sports facilities used.
Finally, the Municipality invites the Ecclesiastical Commission to provide specific data on water consumption and, if there is a suspicion of incorrect recording or leakage, to submit a request for further investigation by the Municipality's services.
