Maronia–Şapçı municipality says it is ready for wildfire season amid prevention works and equipment upgrades
The Municipality of Maronia–Şapçı (Sapes) says it is in a satisfactory state of preparedness for the current wildfire season, with adequate vehicles and functioning facilities, according to Mayor Apostolos Ioannou during a municipal council session on Tuesday, June 23.
Ioannou said the municipality is continuing efforts to secure additional funding while maintaining existing civil protection capabilities, including machinery and preventive interventions across its territory.
He noted that 34 water hydrants were replaced and installed across the municipality last year and are fully operational for firefighting vehicles and municipal water tankers. The municipality has also allocated a grader, a water tanker and a JCB to civil protection services, while a newly acquired grader is expected to receive operating clearance and be deployed for firebreak maintenance.
The mayor added that the municipality is in the final stages of contracting two private operators to carry out fire prevention works in hard-to-reach areas, while cleaning of lowland zones will be handled using municipal machinery. A project funded through the Interior Ministry for natural disaster prevention is also in its final tendering phase.
Concerns over neglected plots and enforcement pressures
Ioannou also addressed the issue of uncleared private plots within settlements, saying the matter is a nationwide concern as enforcement intensifies through inspections by control authorities and municipal teams.
He said residents are largely cooperating, though several pending cases remain, adding that the municipality is working to sign a contract with an external contractor to ensure rapid intervention when needed.
Opposition calls for stronger tourism promotion and better communication
Separately, opposition councilor Giannis Kyriakizidis called for broader public and professional awareness of the municipality’s tourism website, mymaroneiasapes.gr, arguing that most residents and businesses remain unaware of its existence.
He questioned its management structure and selection criteria for businesses featured on the platform, noting low visibility across social media channels.
Mayor Ioannou responded that the platform, developed in cooperation with 2k Project, has been operating since last summer to promote the municipality’s historical, tourism and professional profile. He said relevant chambers and business associations were informed upon launch and that interested enterprises can still apply for inclusion.
He also accused the opposition of attempting to create “misplaced impressions” regarding the project.
Kyriakizidis said the initiative is positive but stressed the need for wider outreach to ensure effective promotion and participation from local producers and businesses.
Municipality aims for second Blue Flag by 2027
The Municipality of Maronia–Sapes is aiming to secure a second Blue Flag by 2027, expanding recognition beyond Kryoneri beach to include Platanitis beach.
The municipal council approved participation in the certification programme during its June 23 session.
Blue Flag criteria include bathing water quality, environmental education, and coastal management standards. For new candidate beaches, a preparatory compliance phase is required before certification can be awarded.
Authorities said preparations for the programme must be completed by early July, with applications submitted by November to the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature, the national coordinator.
Beaches are subject to continuous evaluation by national and international inspectors throughout the summer season.
Tension over tourism kiosks as municipal debate intensifies
Debate also emerged over delays in reopening two municipal tourism kiosks in Kryoneri and Imeros, with opposition councilors criticizing the lag in leasing procedures.
Officials said delays were caused by the need to complete legal and property regularisation processes before the new tender could proceed, which was finalised in early May.
Mayor Ioannou said the municipality will follow standard procedures through the municipal committee and tender process until final approval and awarding of the lease.
He also pointed to broader issues with municipal property management, noting that unresolved legal status of certain assets continues to create delays.
The mayor added that criticism from opposition members had, in some cases, complicated operational processes, sparking tensions during the council session.
