The reaction of Kythira Mayor Efstratios Charchalakis to the a strongly worded letter of protest sent by the Mylopotamos Association for Public Works (SKEM) regarding the delay in restoring the local irrigation network.
In an official letter, the mayor directs his criticism at the association’s administration, citing an insult to the institution and to himself, while attempting to completely dispel the impression of the Municipality’s «absence,» by highlighting a series of major infrastructure projects currently underway in the community.
«Style is the hallmark of the writer»
At the beginning of his letter, Mr. Charchalakis expresses his strong dissatisfaction with the tone of SKEM, noting in particular that «contrary to the goals and objectives of an association» and insults a body elected to serve three consecutive terms. Addressing the members of the Board of Directors, he pointedly remarks that people with their own academic background should not need to be taught how to address institutional bodies.
The €5,000,000 Sewer System as a «shield»
In response to the accusation of neglect, the mayor cites the Mylopotamos sewer system as his main argument, a project of immense technical difficulty and a long-standing demand for decades, which—as he emphasizes—was deliberately ignored by the Association. In fact, Mr. Charchalakis reveals that Mylopotamos was not included in the initial studies for the Southern Section and was added solely due to his own personal insistence, despite the fact that it increased the budget by nearly 5,000,000 euros.
In his effort to present a comprehensive revitalization plan for the fire-ravaged town of Mylopotamos, the mayor outlines a series of initiatives involving road construction, flood control projects, and urban renewal.
What is his response regarding the irrigation network?
In the midst of the protest, Mr. Charhalakis confirms that the final cost of repairing the irrigation system’s hydraulic failures will be approximately 35,000 to 40,000 euros. He clarifies, however, that the relevant funding will be approved in the upcoming first budget amendment of the Municipality.
In an attempt to justify the delays, the mayor cites the «severe understaffing» of municipal departments, pointing out that bureaucratic procedures do not happen automatically and that he is often forced to perform the duties of a civil servant, a fact that distracts him from his purely political responsibilities.
With this move, the municipal government is attempting to downplay the irrigation issue as a mere bureaucratic formality, while shifting the spotlight to the millions allocated for major infrastructure projects planned for the region.
