The outburst of residents of Mandra, Western Attica, at the regional council may not have been to the liking of prefect Rena Dourou, yet it was to be expected.
Over two weeks after the disastrous flood that left an entire city in a shambles, the mobilisation of state services is not what it should have been, despite the promises.
It is no coincidence that the prime minister and the regional prefect avoided visiting the razed city, limiting themselves to a stroll in the environs for just a few minutes…
The mud still covers the streets, homes, and shops that were destroyed. Residents and owners struggle on their own to clean up, with the help of some volunteers, and it is unknown if and when they will be back in operation.
Schools remain closed, with the education ministry appearing to ignore the issue, and in general no one knows when Mandra will regain the appearance of a functional city.
Even on the issue of the announced financial aid, it was necessary for the rage of residents to spill over before authorities decided to start accepting applications. They do not yet know when they will receive even those small sums for the catastrophe they suffered, so that they may stand on their feet.
The memories are still fresh of previous promises to the earthquake victims on the islands of Kos and Lesvos, who are still awaiting implementation of the announced measures to help them, which are stuck in the quagmire of bureaucracy.
It is no alibi for Mrs. Dourou to repeat the charges that previous administrations did the same, and that damages for the floods of 2014 have not yet been paid out.
At long last, after all we have endured in this eight-year crisis, the government and state services must respect the suffering citizenry.
Disasters and emergency events will continue to occur, and the state is obliged to be ready to manage them, and offer support to citizen that are afflicted by them. That is the role of the state in a well-governed country, and it is the duty of whomever is in power.
We have had our fill of rhetoric and promises. It is time to see works and deeds.
Whosoever does not understand this should seek public office.
TO VIMA
