With the goal of enhancing Attica’s preparedness for potential extreme weather events, a meeting was held on Monday afternoon (18/11) by the Regional Governor of Attica, Nikos Hardalias, with all regional deputy governors participating.

The main focus was on flood protection, with Mr. Hardalias emphasizing the need to prioritize interventions in high-risk areas as part of the holistic plan established. The discussion highlighted preventive measures to be taken immediately to reduce flood risks, ensure the safety of citizens and their properties, and increase the resilience of infrastructure against possible severe weather conditions.

Particular emphasis was placed on maintaining vigilance and the constant presence of all regional staff in their respective areas of responsibility to promptly address potential issues and record needs in real time.

During the meeting, the process and timeline for tendering the first 54 flood protection projects within the first quarter of 2024 were discussed, out of a total of 158 projects to be scheduled. The need for closer cooperation with all municipalities in Attica was emphasized to ensure optimal coordination, timely information exchange, and joint management of arising situations. The Regional Governor underlined that effective cooperation is key to safeguarding human lives, properties, and the natural environment.

In statements after the meeting, Nikos Hardalias noted, “I asked the Deputy Governors to be continuously present in the neighborhoods. I want all of us to be on the ground, alongside the citizens. These are challenging times, citizens’ expectations are high, and our responsibility is great. In response to the concerns and anxieties of the Basin’s residents, we respond with actions, specific projects, interventions, and planning.

Anything concerning human life, property, and the natural environment is a non-negotiable priority for us. The reason we fight is for the people. It’s for our fellow citizens, our neighborhoods, our communities. It’s their concerns and expectations that we must meet in close collaboration with the municipalities and the relevant ministries every day.”

Participants in the meeting included Deputy Governors of the Central Athens Sector Konstantinos Zombos, South Athens Sector Christos Theodoropoulos, North Athens Sector Loukia Kefalogianni, West Athens Sector Vasilios Lolos, Piraeus Stavroula Antonakou, Islands Yannis Voutsinas, Eastern Attica Vicky Kavallari, and Western Attica Cleanthis Varelas, as well as Deputy Governor for Civil Protection Leonidas Manolakos, Executive Secretary Yannis Selimis, Special Secretary Elena Rapti, Director of the Regional Governor’s Office Giorgos Chalkias, CEO of “New Metropolitan Attica S.A.” Giorgos Kormas, Director of Civil Protection Nikos Passas, Director of Development Planning Mary Miska, Director of Technical Projects of the Region Miltiadis Kyrkos, Head of the Flood Protection Projects Directorate of Attica Stavros Lazaridis, Head of the Technical Projects Directorate of Eastern Attica Giorgos Psaromichalakis, and Head of the Hydraulic Projects Department of the Technical Projects Directorate of Western Attica Kleoniki Greka.