INTERVIEW WITH GIANNIS KONSTANTATOS

MAYOR OF ELLINIKO-ARGYROUPOLI

We have proven that we have the vision, the plan and the means to achieve the best possible outcome and to set new goals which, through sound planning and hard work, we will accomplish.

"THE GREEK NETWORK OF RESILIENT CITIES IS NOW A REALITY!"

The programme we announced, with the 33 major projects coming during the 2024–2028 term, has already to a large extent begun to be implemented, with the first results visible at the start of the new municipal period — even though the first five months have already gone by.

It is worth mentioning the reconstruction of the Marineio in Kato Elliniko, the asphalt paving works, the collection of abandoned vehicles, the equipment and renewal of the fleet, the regeneration of Mesolongiou Square, the family park in Agia Paraskevi, the Model Local-Government Centre for Environmental Education and Technology, and more. And also the emblematic projects in Elliniko, such as the World Hall of Pontic Hellenism, the Town Hall, the Athletics Centre, the Indoor Basketball Court and many others, which are in a period of preparation.

The fact that the Municipality of Elliniko-Argyroupoli has continuity and stands on solid foundations was one of the principal criteria of the citizens who placed their trust in me personally, in the members of our faction and in my associates, and in that direction we work every day so as not to disappoint them.

We are investing in the future, and today we find ourselves at a pivotal moment, where a new and larger cycle is opening, with a broader scope.

Because the Greek Network of Resilient Cities, which I envisioned and which is being implemented with 136 Municipalities taking part in its First General Assembly, will not focus on immediate firefighting and response, as it was successfully and demonstrably the case on Mount Hymettus with SPAY. The Network will have an entirely different scope. It brings new things to local government, such as the management of pollutants, forests and biomass, and for this reason it has aroused the enormous interest of all the mayors, since it will also bring revenue to the Municipalities through its operation and its activity.

In this context, we inaugurated the Model Local-Government Centre for Environmental Education and Technology "SPAY – SmartHymettus", on a site granted free of charge by the Municipality of Elliniko-Argyroupoli. This is an innovative facility, the like of which does not exist in Greece, and it will operate for the education of pupils, volunteers and civil-protection staff on environmental and forest-protection matters. The centre houses the facilities of the SPAY Modern Crisis Management Centre, a Conference Hall, Spaces for Research Work and Liaison with the Universities, four Vehicle Parking Areas, as well as Guest Houses that will host, at no financial cost whatsoever, students, researchers and missions of Municipalities, Bodies and Volunteer Groups from all over Greece.

Interview by: Vasilis Bampaolous General Manager of Arcus Real Estate