Mayor wants public works to offset migrant facility
Athens Mayor Giorgos Kaminis on Wednesday called for a comprehensive plan for managing a burgeoning migration crisis and stressed that a plot granted by City Hall for the housing of around 200 migrants who had been camping in an Athens park is only a temporary solution.
In a letter to State Minister Alekos Flambouraris, who is coordinating the government’s response to the migrant influx, Kaminis said the plot in Elaionas, near central Athens, was a stopgap solution that could be used until “permanent reception facilities” are in place.
In the meantime, he said, public works such as repairing local roads and improving the substandard drainage system should be carried out.
“The time is right to send a positive message to residents that will counterbalance activities of xenophobes and racists,” Kaminis wrote.
On Sunday, 207 migrants were moved from tents at Pedion tou Areos to air-conditioned container housing units at Elaionas.
