INTERVIEW WITH NIKOLAOS ASVESTIS

MAYOR OF MEGISTI

– You are mayor of one of the most beautiful islands of the Dodecanese, which lies, however, at the easternmost edge of Greek territory. Closer to Turkey, just 1.25 n.m. from the south-western coast of Asia Minor, than to Rhodes — how difficult is this situation?

The difficulties are many, owing to the fact that the distance from Rhodes is 76 nautical miles and the only transport links and supply come from there. Even for the most basic medical examinations, residents have to travel to Rhodes, which in the winter season becomes even more difficult because of bad weather, when a number of crossings go uncompleted.

– Although Kastellorizo has a unique identity and historical significance for Greece, it lacks the development it requires. There is no infrastructure, no roads — what do you intend to do during your term to change the situation?

Although Kastellorizo has a unique identity and is of historical significance for Greece, we must not overlook the island's immense national importance owing to its military and geographical position.

This cornerstone of Greece is the one that links the Greek EEZ with that of Cyprus. Our vision for the island and the goals we have set are the following:

• Sewerage system – Wastewater treatment plant

• Solid waste management

• Water supply network and reservoir

• Rural road construction

• Creation of a national network of footpaths and climbing routes

• Inclusion of our island among the 30 European islands that will be supported in their transition to clean energy

• Electromobility

• Energy upgrade of buildings

• Repair of the coastal zone and the harbour due to erosion and cavitation

– Although the sight as you enter the island's harbour, with its colourful two-storey neoclassical houses, is impressive, as soon as one approaches these buildings one realises that many of them are abandoned. Why is that?

Before the war, Kastellorizo numbered more than 12,000 inhabitants; it had a natural commercial harbour, trade flourished, and it was a wealthy island full of mansions and shops along the waterfront. After the end of the Second World War, it found itself bombed successively by the allied British, owing to the fact that the Dodecanese were under Italian rule, and subsequently by the Germans, with the result that it was completely destroyed.

For this reason, when the refugee Kastellorizians returned to the island, they found scorched earth and their properties destroyed, forcing them to emigrate to Australia, where today they number more than 60,000 expatriates of the 3rd and 4th generation. The good fortune is that many of our compatriots, after hard work, are returning to the island, and there is already extensive rebuilding under way.

– What do you believe must change on the island immediately, and what would you ask of the state if someone assured you that your request would be granted?

The state, regardless of political faction, shows the necessary interest and all eyes are turned to the island, but unfortunately we get caught in the "gears" of bureaucracy, with the result that we are delayed in carrying out the projects. We also have a municipality that is understaffed in every area — administration, sanitation, childcare services, and so on.

– What is the greatest difficulty faced by the few inhabitants of Kastellorizo?

The biggest problem, which causes insecurity, fear and indignation among our citizens, is the failure to staff the Megisti Multipurpose Regional Clinic, at the very least with a general practitioner.

– Do you believe that steps must be taken in order to increase the island's tourism resources? Do you have a strategy?

I believe that significant steps have been taken, and we are waiting anxiously for the projects I mentioned earlier to be carried out, which are of vital importance and development for the island. At the same time, actions will be taken to extend the tourist season with cultural events, programmes and funding concerning walking routes, climbing routes and the showcasing of antiquities and natural landscapes.

Interview by: Vasilis Bampaolous General Manager of Arcus Real Estate