“The fire has been put out — but the pollution remains. Who is to blame?” Protest rally against the public health risks from Goggakis
CORFU. A large number of residents, both young and old, are taking part in the protest, along with representatives of parents’ associations and local councils.
After fifteen days living next to thousands of tons of rotten fish and meat, the residents of Alepou in Corfu reached the limits of their patience and staged a protest rally and road blockade this afternoon.
The atmosphere in the area remains suffocating due to the decomposition of animal by-products that resulted from the recent fire at the frozen meat and fish trading company. The residents are stressing the immediate danger to their health, as they breathe in toxic substances and foul odours every day.
A large number of residents, both young and old, are taking part in the protest, along with representatives of parents’ associations and local councils, as well as representatives of the Medical Association.
The main road was blocked in both directions, as well as the road leading to the Goggakis company.
Traffic police are on site to manage traffic, due to the large turnout.
“Our patience has run out – we are living in danger.” Local residents state, “We’ve been living for two weeks alongside thousands of tons of rotten fish and meat, with all that this entails for our health, as we all breathe in the decomposition and toxic substances.” Many residents who were able to were forced to leave the area, waiting for the waste removal operation to begin.
The public are demanding an immediate and permanent solution for the collection and management of the waste, as the prolonged delay has exhausted their limits of endurance.
ELENI KORONAKI
