The confusion led to Amorgos the municipality’s plan for extension of the port in Katapola serve larger ships and smaller cruise lines and create new ring road. A significant part of the local community claims that these projects are not up to scale and promote the tourism model of the island. For its part, the municipality claims that the project is not normal. cruise shipsand the ring road is necessary so that the village does not deteriorate due to traffic.

The “Study on the Modernization of the Port Facilities of the Port of Catapola Amorgu” was presented a few days ago by the municipality for public comment. It includes four alternative proposals to increase the capacity of the port. As he points out, “the existing port facilities of the port of Katapola were designed in the 80s and consist of a 61 x 15 meter berth, to which only one coastal vessel can moor or a catamaran can moor from the side. In particular, ship “Skopelites” he is forced to moor on the coastal road, stretching his catapult on the paving stones, in which, after all, boats and boats are moored. There is nowhere for passengers to stay, and vehicles to be loaded are parked on the coast road, forcing passengers to “crawl” between vehicles, risking their physical integrity. During the parking of ships on the coastal roads, there is a large accumulation of vehicles, preventing entry and exit from the settlement.

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In addition, a 1,750-meter ring road is proposed as a side project that will bring vehicles directly onto the provincial road. In fact, it is argued that the island’s 2017 carrying capacity study (described as “outdated” even though nothing seems to have happened in the last five years to … increase the island’s carrying capacity) recognizes a significant load on road network of the island from June to August.

The goal is to serve large ships and small cruise ships. Many believe that the projects will lead to the development of tourism on the island.

Comments

The study does not appear to have received much positive feedback. Of the approximately 50 comments submitted by citizens, the majority are negative. Many believe that these projects will lead to the tourism of Amorgos. “Amorgos is taking slow but steady steps towards what is called “hypertourism”, the only guideline of which is anarchic development and a kind of micromegaloism, leading to the destruction of the natural and anthropogenic environment,” says Vangelis Despotidis. . “Katapola will be downgraded in terms of tourism as it transforms from a picturesque Cycladic port to a ‘high’ flow port,” underlines Giorgos Damigos.

What does the mayor say?

For his part, the mayor of Amorgos, Lefteris Karaiskos, believes that the project is necessary and will not lead to the development of tourism on the island. “Over the past 6-7 years, the growth of tourism has been great. The port is located inside the community and vehicle traffic is currently causing problems for residents, visitors and shops. With the modernization of port facilities, they will be able to “moor” larger ships, such as “Blue Star Delos”, while leaving room for seaplanes. In the future, we will create premises for servicing small cruises, i.e. for ships with a capacity of 50-200 people. Legislation requires the creation of a fenced passport control area, which we are currently doing at temporary facilities. Big cruise ships are not our target.”

With regard to the regional road, which the archaeological service had previously given a negative opinion, Mr. Karaiskos claims that it will be built in agreement with the Ministry of Culture. “Unfortunately, people demonize things,” he concludes.