Funding to clear brush, branches sparks blame game
The Ministry of the Interior announced the immediate allocation of 1.3 million euros to the municipalities of Attica to collect the large quantities of dry branches and waste from private plots, recognizing the serious problem that has been created and the potential for fires.
Speaking to Skai Radio on Tuesday, the new interior minister, Thodoris Livanios, said the funding will allow the municipalities to contract private companies to collect the branches and other flammable materials, as existing means are not sufficient.
However, the Central Union of Municipalities (KEDE) lambasted the government, accusing it of attempting to pass the buck.
More specifically, KEDE said the government is placing the blame for the failed organization of fire protection on the municipalities, citing delays in the implementation of the Aegis program, which is the responsibility of the Civil Protection Ministry.
“The only ones who are not responsible for this situation are the municipalities as they did not have timely information, nor sufficient means and funding,” KEDE said.
On Saturday, five municipalities of Eastern Attica (Markopoulo Mesogaias, Rafina-Pikermi, Spata-Artemida, Kropia and Paiania) urged the Athens Region to help remove branches and waste that accumulated on roadsides from private plots that had been cleared.
