Samothrace officials demand solutions for long-standing infrastructure issues

Samothrace Mayor Thanasis Vitsas has highlighted several critical, unresolved issues facing the island nearly nine years after the devastating floods of 2017. Key concerns include the lack of a permanent town hall and health center, both of which are currently operating in temporary locations, as well as the closure of thermal baths.

Infrastructure remains a major priority, specifically the 10-kilometer coastal road leading to a significant beach. The project is considered ready for funding with an estimated cost of 12.5 million euros, but the municipality reports that no budget credits have been made available for the past three years. Additionally, the island faces challenges regarding the operation of a customs office and the utilization of the 7-day Visa Express program.

During a meeting held alongside the 19th Samothrace Journalism Conference, Deputy Minister of Interior Konstantinos Gioulekas and Regional Governor Christodoulos Topsidis discussed these priorities. While officials provided assurances and promised to relay the municipality's written reports to the central government, local concerns persist regarding the speed of implementation and the availability of necessary funding.