Charges over Kifissos floods
A Piraeus prosecutor yesterday brought criminal charges against contractors, civil engineers and government inspectors involved in public works along the Kifissos River which broke its banks four times over the past five months causing extensive flooding. Hundreds of homes, shops and businesses in the riverside southern Athens and Piraeus areas of Neo Faliron, Moschato and Rendi were damaged during floods on July 8, September 3, October 18 and November 7, after heavy rains. The charges are for «intentionally and repeatedly causing floods with possible intent, endangering property and human beings and causing damage with possible intent.» Specific suspects are expected to be charged later this month. The prosecution followed an investigation during which two experts from the Technical Chamber of Greece were reportedly stonewalled by the Public Works Ministry, which was supervising the works. Sources said ministry officials refused to provide information or sent the investigators on a fruitless paper chase from office to office.
