Rafina: complaint over infilling of the Megalo Rema streambed

The issue of the Megalo Rema streambed returned to the Rafina-Pikermi Municipal Council, during the questions session that precedes the agenda. Interventions in the streambed were reported and questions were raised about whether they affect water drainage. Reference was made to works that started and then stopped. At a different point in the streambed, a large infilling was reported. The matter was not put to a vote, as it was discussed as part of the briefing.

The remarks were made by municipal councillor Terzopoulou. As she stated, while the streambed had been widened in some spots, at another point a “massive infilling” had appeared within the bed. The question she raised can be summarised as: “Are we opening the streambed here and then filling it in further down?” The intervention was linked to the risk of severe weather. It was pointed out that we are already in August, that is, close to the period of the first autumn rains.

Rafina-Pikermi mayor Dimitra Tseva made clear that the project does not fall under the Municipality’s authority. “On the Megalo Rema I have nothing to tell you. The project doesn’t concern us, it concerns the Ministry of Infrastructure,” she said. She noted, however, that she has met with Deputy Infrastructure Minister Nikos Tachiaos and has raised the issue. She added that the Municipality has also taken action in writing. No timetable for a ministry response was announced.

The Megalo Rema in Rafina has long been one of the most critical flood-control issues in Eastern Attica. Its drainage basin collects water from a wider area and empties into the sea near the port. Interventions in the streambed, whether widening or infilling, directly affect the flow. The issue has repeatedly occupied the municipal administration and technical services. Flood-protection studies and works are carried out at the central government level.

The discussion carries added significance after this summer’s fires in Attica. The loss of vegetation in drainage basins significantly increases the volume and speed of water. For this reason, anti-erosion and flood-protection works have been scheduled in Western Attica before September 15. No corresponding programme has been announced for Eastern Attica. Residents are asking to be informed about the progress of works.

The same Municipal Council session also discussed the inspection of around 450 municipal properties. According to the report, cases of encroachment have already reached the courts. Oversight of municipal property is a standing issue for Eastern Attica’s municipalities, where land values are high. Recording the properties precedes any claim. The Municipality did not announce a completion timetable.

Attica Today will follow developments on both issues. More from Eastern Attica on the Eastern Attica page. The Ministry of Infrastructure’s response on the Megalo Rema is awaited. Municipal authorities are urged to keep residents informed on the progress of flood-protection works. The issue will return with the start of the rainy season.