Nikos Chardalias: Inspection at the stream Podonifti for flood protection

As part of the flood control works carried out in Attica, the Regional Governor Nikos Hardalias today conducted an autopsy at the stream of Podonifti, on the occasion of the start of the cleaning of the closed parts of the stream. This intervention aims to enhance the drainage of the stream, removing debris and native vegetation, which is expected to significantly reduce the risk of flooding in the neighbouring areas.

The work involves the Municipalities of Penteli, Vrilissia, Maroussi, Halandriou, Filothei - Psychiko and Nea Filadelfia - Nea Chalkidona, with Mr.Hardalias stating that these interventions are a key step for flood prevention in the region. The cleaning of the closed parts of the Podonifti River is expected to be completed within 15 days, while the cleaning of the open part of the river from the administrative boundaries of the Municipality of Penteli has already started.

The Regional Governor of Attica, in his statements during the autopsy, stressed the importance of systematic actions for the protection of citizens:

«In the Region of Attica we are proving that we work systematically to protect citizens. Today's clean-up operations in the paved sections of the Podonifti River, one of the most important water resources of the basin, have the main objective of restoring the flow and reducing the risk of flooding phenomena, as has happened in the past with this stream.».

At the same time, Mr.Chardalias pointed out that today's intervention in Podonifti is not an isolated action, but part of a comprehensive strategy of the Region concerning the cleaning of rivers and streams throughout Attica. As he said, the flood protection of the area is progressing in several places at the same time:

«When I was in Kifissos 10 days ago to get a full picture of the operation to clean the paved sections there, I said that this was only the beginning and that we would immediately proceed to similar actions in the other rivers and streams, without being overwhelmed by any technical difficulties. We will proceed with the Iliadaphne, we will proceed with the Ilisos, we will proceed with the Vrilissos and we will intervene in every area where there is a need».

Mr.Chardalias also stressed the importance of cooperation between the first and second level of government for the success of interventions, recognizing the role of mayors and local authorities in addressing the problems:

«Cooperation between the first and second level of government is very important, because mayors are the ones who are close to the problems every day, the ones who know their city better than anyone else and I think that this effort will continue. It is valuable to be useful, to be in the field and in cooperation with our mayors, as here with the Mayor of Halandri, Simos Roussos, and the people of society to try to find solutions.».

Alongside the clean-ups, the Regional Governor announced that point interventions will continue where necessary, in order for Attica to be prepared as best as possible for the severe weather phenomena expected. Mr. Chardalias made it clear that the clean-ups will not be occasional, but will be done on a regular basis, in order to avoid the recurrence of flooding phenomena:

«Every year from now on we will do the obvious, we will clean up streams and rivers that were left unmaintained. We'll put them into contracting. We won't clean them up this year and we'll wait decades to tackle them again, as we did in the past.‘.

Finally, Mr.Chardalias asked for the help of the state, noting that, although the Region has the responsibility for the streams, it also needs the necessary resources to complete these projects effectively. The autopsy was accompanied by the presence of local officials and executives of the Region, while the cleaning work continues with the aim of strengthening flood protection in all sensitive areas of Attica.