Serious allegations against the chairman of the Local Property Commission, Mr. Venardos, were made public by the well-known surveyor and engineer, Mr. Syrmalis. Specifically, in an email sent on Wednesday, March 5, to all municipal and local council members of Kythira – Antikythira, he denounced the «conversion of municipal land parcels into privately owned parcels.» He also notes that «Based on the irrefutable evidence I have attached to this study (contracts, aerial photographs from 1965 to the present, digital enlargements of aerial photographs, maps, orthophotos, and time-series satellite imagery), it is evident that a series of calculated actions has indeed taken place, resulting in thousands of meters of land and forest in the village of Enghori now appearing to belong to private individuals—specifically, the family of Evangelos Venardos (current president of EEPKA), thousands of meters of land and forest in the village of Engchorio.».
Yesterday, Saturday, in a conversation with Kythera.News, Mr. Venardos stated that the allegations are false and said he would take legal action. In fact, he sent an official letter to the Municipal Council of Kythera–Antikythera on Thursday, March 6, in which he notes: «I categorically state that no encroachment has been committed by anyone in the entire area. These are farmlands that, during the occupation, were cultivated with wheat and barley. The technical report (SS: by Mr. Syrmalis), aside from being slanderous, contains inaccuracies and deliberately conceals the actual facts.».
In fact, Mr. Venardos attacks Syrmalis, saying that: «Syrmalis was upset about the investigation underway in Potamos regarding the 4 stremmata that, according to his own survey, became 85,086.87»… Finally, he also takes a dig at another person, noting: «I wonder why the one in hiding doesn’t come forward himself but instead drags others into lengthy legal battles.».
Kythera.News contacted the president of the Municipal Council, Mr. Kapsalis, today to ask how the Council intends to handle this serious allegation made by Mr. Syrmalis. Mr. Kapsalis replied that all necessary procedures will be initiated to investigate the case and the allegations until the matter is fully clarified. The matter is expected to be brought before the City Council, and, as the chairman implied, initiatives from the mayor are anticipated.
This case further exacerbates the toxic atmosphere that has prevailed on our island in recent times. It is clear that the matter must be thoroughly investigated not only to clarify the specifics of this case but also to reassure citizens that every authority and power on the island is exercised impartially. The City Council must rise to the occasion. It must investigate the allegations and help defuse the tension.
Kythira and Antikythira are demanding clear answers, but they can no longer tolerate this toxicity.
