With a detailed report on his achievements from 2015 to 2025, the Mayor of Kythira, Efstratios Charchalakis, offers his own response to allegations of alleged neglect of the northern part of the island. In response to criticisms characterized as misinformation and an attempt by «certain circles» to create false impressions, Mr. Charchalakis details the projects that have been implemented, the studies currently in progress, as well as precise data on daily interventions in the communities of Potamos and Karava.

The aim of this public statement is to present an accurate picture of the infrastructure projects and to refute the criticism by presenting measurable data. The announcement also takes clear jabs at the stance of local mayors during municipal budget votes, while it is strongly emphasized that the implementation of major development projects cannot be achieved with «empty promises,» but requires many years of systematic and painstaking effort.

The Mayor's open letter follows verbatim:

My fellow citizens, CHRIST IS RISEN!

I had no intention of spending time—time that is extremely valuable—on this post; however, I feel compelled to provide you with detailed information to prevent misinformation and false impressions.

Certain circles—for purely personal, ideological, and, unfortunately, petty political reasons—have for years been promoting the view that the municipal government has «abandoned to its fate» the northern part of Kythira, the communities of Potamos and Karava.

But is that really the case?;

Unfortunately for all of them, reality exists.

Today, once again, I am releasing specific information regarding the municipal government’s multifaceted efforts in the northern part of Kythira. From local projects to major, significant projects that take years to come to fruition and cannot be completed overnight. It is unfortunate that When voting on municipal budgets, local mayors may choose to either abstain, vote «present,» or vote “no.”.

I am also publishing the detailed daily wage rates for rural road construction in the region, for the years 2024 and 2025 only (current term), because there is much debate, but the numbers are indisputable.

PROJECTS BY THE MUNICIPAL AUTHORITIES IN THE POTAMOS COMMUNITY

2015 – 2025

Complete renovation of the Municipal Hall (cost €200,000/own resources).
Establishment of a modern Citizen Service Center (€30,000 / own funds).
Creation of a Permanent Exhibition on the Antikythera Mechanism (50.000€/Leader).
Resolution of the problem of permanent accommodation for the Potamos Kindergarten.
New street furniture throughout the community (signs, lighting, benches, trash cans, etc.).
Completion of the detailed design studies for the River Theater (5 studies). We sought and secured funding for the project in the amount of 950.000€ from the Region of Attica, and we are awaiting the auction.
Completion of the studies for the river restoration project. We sought and secured funding for the project in the amount of €1,400,000 from the Region of Attica. and we are awaiting the auction.
Renovation of Tanks and Pumping Stations throughout the Community.
Telemetry – Remote Control of Water Supply Networks and modern digital water meters throughout the Community.
New cobblestones in Kato Chorio Potamou.
Completion arenovationς Urban Planning SchoolLeio Potamos (€400,000/Leaderand own resources).
New certified and licensed soccer fieldPotamos Sphere.
New wells and new water supply networks under the TRITSIS ProgramΣ: New wells in Koumelia, Moschato, Gipedo Potamou, Plakouta, Psoma, Diakopoulianika, and Petrouni. New water supply networks: a) a new pressure pipeline from the Petrouni reservoir to the reservoir TACAN (3,740 m), b) replacement of the old asbestos pipe from the intersection of Petrouniou and Diakopoulianikon Streets to the Potamos reservoir (3,770 m), c) replacement of the pipeline from the Plakouta, Koumelia, and Cooperative wells to the reservoir TACAN (755 m).
Completion of the roads to Kaki Lagkada and Ag. Anastasia with funding from the Region of Attica.
Coastal lighting in Agia Pelagia and Neos Kosmos.
New road Ag. Pelagia – Ag. Anastasia.
Regeneration of the wall along the coastal road of Agia Pelagia. The project is being carried out by the Municipality of Agia Pelagia in collaboration with the Municipality of Agia Marina and the Municipality of Agia Marina.
Rainwater drainage systems in Agia Pelagia.
Seatrack in Agia Pelagia.
2 desalination plants in Agia Pelagia with a capacity of 600 km³/d.
New Water Supply Network in Ag. Pelagia: A contract is expected to be signed with the new contractor following the withdrawal of the original contractor (€3,100,000/Region).
The issue of ownership of the Old Customs House building in Agia Pelagia has been definitively resolved. Following years of thorough efforts by our municipality in its dealings with ETAD, it was determined that the property belongs to EEPKA, which will develop it.
Completed the studies for the upgrade of the Port and Fishing Harbor of Agia Pelagia from the Port Authority. Project cost: 3,200,000€. The permitting process has begun.
The study for the restoration of the landslide in Galani has been completed and submitted for funding. Project cost: 470,000€.
The study for the flood protection works in Agia Pelagia has been completed. The project has been funded with €750,000 from the Region and the signing of the Program Agreement is expected. The study for the flood protection works in Agia Pelagia has been completed.
Coming soon the design and construction specifications for the Biological Treatment Plant for the Northern Section through a Program Agreement with the Attica Islands Network. The site for the wastewater treatment plant has been selected, and permits are pending.
New road markings on municipal roads in Potamos and Agia Pelagia.

2024 Daily Wages for Rural Road Construction in the Community of Potamos:

26/04/2024: Road grading and widening from Perifereio Potamou to Psoma (1 day's rent for a JCB).
27/04/2024: Road grading from the Venardos Hotel to Gerontiko (1 day's work with a grader).
29/04/2024: Preparing access routes to Plakouta, Koumelia, and Moschato for the drilling rig (1 day's rental of a JCB).
30/04/2024: Road widening and backfilling in Vythoula (1 day's rent for a JCB).
28/06/2024: Road grading from Agios Charalambos to Kampo (1 day's rent for a JCB).
01/07/2024: Cleanup from the Venardos Hotel to the Peripheral Road (1 day's rent for a JCB).
13/07/2024: Road grading in Fyri Ammo (1 day's work with a grader).
15-26/07/2024: Cleaning, scraping, and grading of the main road from Agia Pelagia (Fonomandra) to Paleochora, as well as broader cleanup of illegally blocked rural roads (11 days’ wages for a crawler loader operator).
27/07/2024: Cleanup in Agia Pelagia (1 day's rent for a JCB).
10/08/2024: Road grading at the Potamos Stadium to allow access for a drilling rig (1 day's rental of a JCB).
13-14/09/2024: Road grading toward Katharades, from Amoroso to the old ring road, and from Agios Stefanos to Agios Vasileios (2 days' work with a grader).

Total: 22 days of work in the Potamos Community in 2024, out of the 60 days covered by the annual contract and the 13 communities of Kythira!

2025 Daily Wages for Rural Road Construction in the Community of Potamos:

08-05-2025: 1 day's rental of a JCB in Galani
09-05-2025: 1 day's wages in Agia Pelagia
04-06-2025: 1 day's wages in Agia Pelagia
07-07-2025: 1 day's wages in Agia Pelagia
22-07-2025: 1 day's pay for a grader to Agios Nikitas and Agios Artemis
05-08-2025: 1 day's wages in Plakouta
06-08-2025: 1 day's wages in Koumelia
18,20,21-08-2025: 3 days' wages in Vythoula, Disterna, and Sylaka
28-10-2025: 1 day's pay for a grader operator in Potamos

Total: 11 days' pay in the Potamos Community in 2025, out of the 60 days covered by the annual contract and the 13 communities of Kythira!

PROJECTS BY THE MUNICIPAL AUTHORITIES IN THE COMMUNITY OF KARAVA

2015 – 2025

KARAVAS:

Renovation and Aesthetic Upgrade of the War Memorial in the Municipality of Karava
Renovation of the Old Community Clinic in Karava
New Water Supply Network for the Main Settlement of Karava
Paving and a new water supply network in Gerakari
Maintenance by the Karava Board of Directors
Renovation and Cleaning of Tanks and Pumping Stations
New traffic signs and street furniture
Development and Signage of Hiking Trails
Small dams for retaining water from the Karava Stream (LEADER)
Renovation of the public restrooms in Karava
Completion of studies, financing, and completion of the major road project «Diakopouliánika – Progi – Agios Ioannis Gerakariou»
Upgrading the road network in Gerakario by expanding the firebreaks
New wells in Diakopouliánika and Petrouni (Recovery Fund)
New water supply networks under the TRITSIS Program: a) Replacement of an old asbestos pipe at the intersection of Petrouniou-Gerakariou Street and Diakopouliakon Street to the Potamos Reservoir: 3,770 m; b) Replacement of the pipeline from the Petrouni Reservoir to the Gerakari Reservoir: 500 m.
Completion of Studies for the Karava Girls' School
Firefighting and helicopter refueling tank in Gerakari
Cleanup – Covered Firebreaks in Gerakario (program ANTINEROII)
Support for Local Businesses Through the Program LEADER
Creation of mountain biking trails under the Program LEADER
Completion of the Diakopoulianika–Karavas Road with a budget of 120,000€ (own funds)
Completion of the study on the upgrade and protection of the Agia Patrikia Fishing Shelter. The study was submitted to the Port Authority on February 13, 2026, and the project’s permitting process has begun. Project cost: €1,600,220.00.

AMOS PLACE:

Construction of a road leading to the Moudari Lighthouse, in collaboration with MOMKA. A long-held dream and goal has become a reality.
Improving road access to Agios Nikolaos of Moudari.
Renovation of the public restrooms at Ammos Square.
Completion of the design, financing, and construction of the new Platia Ammou reservoir; improvement of the settlement’s water supply infrastructure; and ensuring water sufficiency.
Funding for a feasibility study on the renovation of the Ammos Square Port was provided by the Region of Attica. The study has been completed, and the project’s permitting process has begun. Project budget: €3,550,000.00.

2024 Daily Wages for Rural Road Construction in the Community of Karava:

10-15/02/2024: 6 days' pay for a grader at various locations in the community
05-08-2024: 1 day's rent for a JCB in Diakopouliánika
22-10-2024: 1 day's pay for a grader in Koumelouni

Total: 8 days' wages in the Karava Community in 2024, out of the 60 specified in the relevant contract and the 13 communities of Kythira!

2025 Daily Wages for Rural Road Construction in the Community of Karava:

10,12/05/2025: 2 days' wages for a JCB to Manganou
26-06-2025: 1 day's pay for a grader in Pirgiant
18-07-2025: 1 day's pay for a grader to Agios Nikolaos and Skoteini
19-07-2025: 1 day's pay for a grader to Koumelouni
14-08-2025: 1 day's rent for a crawler loader to Ammo Square – Fanari
16-08-2025: 1 day's wages to Lagkadi, Vaïlou
30-08-2025: 1 day's pay for a grader to Dendrolivana
15-11-2025: 1 day's pay for a grader operator in Kalakathi

Total: 9 days' wages in the Karava Community in 2025, out of the 60 specified in the relevant contract and the 13 communities of Kythira!

Friends,

The projects we have already completed on the northern island are significant. More important, however, are those we have been studying and refining for so many years. Because major development projects are not achieved through revolution, nor through loud rhetoric, nor through sarcasm, nor through empty promises. They are achieved through systematic study and hard work, through painstaking and time-consuming processes. Anyone who tells you otherwise is a common liar and nothing more. So I’ll highlight the most important projects in the region that are moving forward—and for which we have every reason to look each of you in the eye:

New Water Supply Network in Agia Pelagia: It will be completed by a new contractor. Approval to sign the contract is pending.
Potamos Municipal Theater: was funded by 000€ from the Region, and we are awaiting the call for bids.
River Restoration: was funded by 400.000€ from the Region, and we are awaiting the call for bids.
Wastewater Treatment Plant and Sewer Systems of the Northern Part of Kythira: The studies are being completed through the Islands Network and will be presented to the public.
Repair and Expansion of the Port at Ammos Square: The study has been completed; the permitting process is now underway. Project budget: 550.000€.
Repair and Expansion of the Port and Marina of Agia Pelagia: The study has been completed; the permitting process is now underway. Project budget: 200.000€.
Repair of the St. Patrick Refuge: The study has been completed; the permitting process is now underway. Project budget: 600.220€.
Study on the Comprehensive Redevelopment of Public Spaces in Agia Pelagia: The issues related to the Pan-Hellenic architectural competition are moving forward through a Program Agreement with the Attica Islands Network.
Reuse of the Old Agia Pelagia Customs House: A court ruling on its ownership is expected, following a lawsuit filed by Egchori Periouia against the Greek State. We believe the lawsuit will be successful and will pave the way for its renovation. Actions taken by our municipality have proven that the State does not hold valid title deeds.
Flood Control Projects in Agia Pelagia: comprehensive studies, funded by 000€ by the Region.
Landslide Mitigation in Galani: Complete and fully approved studies. A funding application has been submitted. Project budget: 000€.