Ratification of marina contract in Parliament
ATHENS. Corfu stakeholders express serious concern about the land reclamation works and planning done without the town΄s participation.
The ratification of the contract between the Greek State and Lamda for the construction of a marina in Mantouki went before Parliament’s Plenary session on Thursday.
The debate in the Trade Committee concluded on Wednesday, with contributions from local representatives selected by the Presidium — among them the regional governor, the mayor, the president of the Chamber of Commerce, and Corfu MPs Biangis and Avlonitis, although the latter are not committee members. Corfu MP Stefanos Gikas was also present in his official capacity as Deputy Shipping Minister.
MPs and representatives of Corfu’s institutions voiced strong concern over the company’s plans, which include land reclamation covering 40 stremma to create the marina’s land zone, featuring a hotel and retail outlets. They stressed the urgent need for major upgrades to traffic, water supply, and sewage infrastructure in the area, which is expected to face increased pressure from the development.
Local bodies also protested the fact that planning has proceeded for two decades without the town’s involvement or consultation. Many questioned how it was possible for Corfu’s institutional and civic representatives to be invited less than 24 hours before the contract’s ratification in Parliament — months after it had already been signed by the company and the State.
Deputy Minister Gikas reiterated — for what he said was the fourth or fifth time — that within about a month, the government is expected to submit a bill to Parliament granting the remaining section of the coastal front to the Municipality.
GIORGOS KATSAITIS
