Development Plan for Rodopi: Visit of the Coordinator of the Prime Minister’s Office for Northern Greece, Ms. Elena Sokou, to the Municipality of Maroneia-Sapes
During her visit, she gathered proposals and learned about the area's unique characteristics in anticipation of a development plan for Rodopi, modeled after the development plan for Evros.
Ms. Sokou visited the Maroneia-Sapon Municipality Hall, where she participated in a meeting with local government officials. She then met with the Union of Professionals and Artisans of Sapon, before visiting the Sapon Police Station, the Sapon Health Center, and the Returnees Settlement of Sapon.
Elena Sokou: “We need to see what kind of place we want and how we can retain our population”
Ms. Sokou emphasized that the Municipality of Maroneia-Sapon, an important part of Thracian land, has many development opportunities. She noted that the region has been a welcoming space for many people in the past, making it an example of coexistence and cultural diversity.
She explained that the goal is to highlight local features that will bring the development the area needs while also focusing on retaining the population, which is a key concern for the government. To achieve this, the ongoing meetings and interactions with local authorities, residents, and other stakeholders are crucial to understanding the region's potential.
The Prime Minister has shown personal interest in Thrace, and this has led to increased attention on the Northern Greece office in recent times. “We are already running a development plan for Evros, and we expect the development plan for Rodopi to follow,” she said. Ms. Sokou mentioned that discussions are taking place with the Mayor and other authorities to form a development plan for Rodopi, aiming to reduce or eliminate the inequalities often observed within and across regions and regional units.
"We need to see what kind of place we want and how we can retain our population," Ms. Sokou concluded, stressing the importance of improving the quality of life and economic opportunities for families wishing to settle in the area.
Apostolos Ioannou: “Our administration aims to create infrastructure that will provide jobs for the unemployed in the region”
The Mayor of Maroneia-Sapon, Mr. Apostolos Ioannou, welcomed Ms. Sokou, highlighting the need to address the issues facing the municipality, including demographic and economic challenges. These challenges are something they have been grappling with since taking office, aiming to foster development through new infrastructure and economic opportunities.
The municipality faces a significant demographic issue, with a population decrease of nearly 20%. Coupled with the financial difficulties of local households, this creates a serious problem. Mr. Ioannou emphasized that the administration’s goal is to create infrastructure that will generate jobs for the unemployed in the area. They are working with local authorities to bring businesses to the Sapon Industrial Park (BIOPA), where an existing business already provides employment for many families.
On Saturday, Ms. Sokou was scheduled to attend a meeting with local organizations in Xylagani, followed by a visit to the Folk Museum of the Xylagani Cultural Club. She also planned to visit the traditional settlement of Maroneia and take a tour of the municipality's coastal front.
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