Attica’s regional governor, Nikos Hardalias, in an interview with Libre, presented the plan of Periphery for the major problems of the basin, emphasizing the need for instant management, clear responsibilities and faster decisions.
He said 55% of the major flood protection projects planned up to 2027 have already progressed, with funding secured and specific timetables. At the same time, he noted that the Region manages a total of 442 streams, which requires daily coordination with municipalities and relevant agencies.
Referring to the climate crisis, he said.
What he said about Fili and waste
Nikos Chardalias particularly focused on the issue of waste management, stressing that Attica needs a different operating model. He said the new Regional Waste Management Plan will focus on separate collection, recycling and the reduction of waste sent to landfill.
At the same time, he admitted that the Factory may not be a permanent solution, but noted that a safe transition period is needed until the new Waste Treatment Plants are completed.
“Fili obviously cannot be the permanent solution for Attica,” he said.
According to him, funding of more than 220 million euros for new infrastructure is currently maturing, while contracts that would have burdened EDSNA with more than 210 million euros were terminated.
“Stop the ball of responsibility for the traffic problem”
He also made a special reference to the traffic problem, which he described as an issue of everyday life and quality of life for millions of citizens.
The Regional Governor reiterated the need for metropolitan governance and unified responsibility for key roads, such as Kefisos, Poseidon and Ymettos.
“I asked for a face and accountability for the situation on the streets, to end the blame game,” he said.
In fact, he said the region has already moved forward with interventions for road safety and “smart” traffic management, while new interventions at intersections and road links are also being considered.
Perama and fuel tanks
Nikos Hardalias also spoke about the plan to remove fuel tanks from the urban fabric of Perama and Piraeus.
As he explained, a special inter-party committee has already been set up and a scientific survey of the state of the facilities is underway.
“Perama and Piraeus as a whole cannot live permanently next to a potential danger,” he said.
At the same time, he stressed that the issue requires cooperation with the government, ministries, municipalities and the companies themselves.
“In 2028 I will be a candidate again”
In closing, the Attica Regional Governor made it clear that he will be a candidate again in the 2028 local elections, noting that this will be his last term in local government and in the public sphere.
He said his goal is to complete the 300+1 projects currently underway in Attica, as well as the new “Aenon” Metropolitan Park in Falirikos Ormos.
“People are tired of theory and are demanding results,” he stressed.
Read the full EdO interview
