“In Fthiotida, particularly positive dynamics are developing in the entire spectrum of the public infrastructure sector and not only”emphasized the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Staikouras, speaking, today, at the second “THERMOPYLAE FORUM”, organized by the Hellenic Institute of Entrepreneurship & Sustainable Development (IEA) and the journalistic organization LamiaReport, with the honorary cooperation of the Holy Metropolis of Fthiotidos, the support of the Region of Central Greece and the Municipality of Lamia.

“Our region can be optimistic, since it creates the conditions for the dynamic promotion of development, employment, social cohesion and its overall strength”, said Mr. Staikouras, presenting in detail the progress of 16 projects in Fthiotida in all sectors of infrastructure.

Specifically:

Road works

1st Project. Central Greece Motorway (E65).

The sections Lamia – Xyniada and Trikala – Kalambaka are expected to be put into use before this year’s Easter, if no extreme weather phenomena occur in the meantime.

2nd Project. Diagonal Axis: Bralos – Amfissa.

The contracting company has been installed, preliminary works have started and project fronts have been opened.

During the last quarter, it was decided and the resources secured to upgrade the two single tunnels to twin one-way tunnels.

This is how safety and speed of movement are promoted.

Also, the composition of the expropriations is in progress.

The court is set, after adjournment, for April 9, 2024.

Finally, the installation protocols have been drawn up by the forest office of Amfissa and the forest office of Lamia, and the forest lands have been handed over.

The contractual completion date of the project is August 15, 2027.

3rd Project. Road Axis Lamia – Karpenisi.

The new tender for the project from the bypass of Makrakomi to the eastern face of the Timphristo Tunnel has proceeded.

On December 21, 2023, the first stage of the competition took place, which calls for expression of interest by submitting an application for participation.

6 participants emerged. The second stage will follow, with the invitation to submit a financial offer, from which the contractor will be selected.

4th Project. Reconstruction of Coastal Road Ag. Constantinos and remodeling of the entrance junction of Kameni Vourla.

The signing of the contract will take place next Thursday.

Irrigation Works

5th Project. Eastern Vistriza Irrigation Network.

The project is estimated to be completed in the summer of 2024, after a 12-year wait.

6th Project. Construction of an Irrigation Network in Heraklia.

Its completion is estimated for the end of the 2nd quarter of 2024.

7th Project. Multi-Purpose Dam on the Bugazi River.

The project construction promotion process has been reactivated.

The issuance of the final termination of the old contract and the finalization of its dissolution, the receipt of the work completed so far and the continuation of the construction of the remaining works with a new contract, after the renewal of the AEPO, are now expected.

8th Project. Undergrounding and upgrading of existing Anthilis and Roditsa irrigation networks.

The budget of the study is 2.6 million euros, while there is no estimate for the budget of the project, as we are still in the pre-study stage.

Additional hydraulic, electromechanical, topographical, geotechnical and environmental studies will be required.

The signature of the required supplementary contract is expected within the 2nd quarter of 2024.

Other Infrastructure Projects

9th Project. Building Infrastructures in Primary and Secondary Education.

In cooperation with the Management of the supervised company “Building Infrastructure”, the planning and implementation of initiatives to support the school units of Fthiotida continues, in terms of new constructions, repair of existing building infrastructures and supply of school units with new equipment.

10th Project. Restorations from natural disasters.

The restoration of school units, road axes, bridges and technical works is progressing.

The total estimated cost, for the Municipalities of Domokos and Lamia, is estimated at 30 million euros, not including the railway network, anti-flood works, dam failures and stream cleaning.

11th Project. Construction of a Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy and Nuclear Medicine Ward and Upgrade of the Emergency Department (ED) at Lamia General Hospital (GNL).

Both projects will be delivered, as we have committed, in November 2025, with funding from the Recovery and Resilience Fund.

12th Project. Creation and Expansion of Building Infrastructure of the University.

After our initiative, almost 4 years ago, it joined a single project with Volos, the construction of university building infrastructure in Lamia, with the PPP process.

The contractor is in discussions and final decisions on financing the project from a Greek credit institution and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), with the help of a technical, legal and financial consultant.

The University must proceed with the procedures for the issuance of AEPO, both in Lamia and in Volos.

The relevant procedures, before the final signing of the contract, are expected to last up to 8 months.

13th Project. Creation of a New Lamia Courthouse.

Following a Program Contract signed between the Ministries of Infrastructure and Transport, Justice and National Defense, officers of the Land Mine Clearance Battalion successfully completed the work of investigating and removing hazardous materials in the section of the former camp.

Now, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, as the contracting authority, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, is proceeding with the completion of the maturation actions, as well as the plans of the issues and outcome specifications for the whole (cluster) of Courthouses, in order to enable the start of the competitive dialogue, within two months.

14th Project. Utilization of the Historical site of Thermopylae.

Funding of 2.3 million euros has been secured from the Recovery and Resilience Fund.

This covers improvement interventions of soft regeneration, under the responsibility of the Municipality of Lamia, and restoration, fixing and excavation cleaning of the Wall of Fokea, under the responsibility of the Ministry of Culture (approximately 650,000 euros).

The last sub-project aims to highlight this great monument and make access to it easier and safer.

At the same time, the interest of a non-governmental body (Onassis Foundation), which we had secured for the financing, through a donation, of digital upgrading of the services provided in the specific area, has manifested itself in practice.

The physical object is the upgrading of the information center, with the installation of modern technology applications and equipment for the reconstruction of the historical battle, as well as a digital tour.

The Onassis Foundation commissioned, to a collaborating digital production company, the preparation of a relevant study / adaptation proposal and report of technical requirements.

At the same time, between the Ministry of Culture and the Onassis Foundation, the legal preparation for drawing up a Donation Agreement began, while a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the Ministry of Culture and the Municipality of Lamia to ensure the necessary conditions for the physical reception and installation of the digital exhibit at the premises of the History Center Thermopylae Update.

15th Project. Port of Stylidas.

With the effective cooperation of the ministries involved, the Region of Central Greece and the Port Fund of Fthiotida, the first 10 million euros, related to the dredging of the port of Stylida, have already been secured from the Recovery and Resilience Fund, with the project maturity body the TAIPED.

This amount will cover the dredging works.

The optimal way to cover the remaining amount is being sought for the commercial and tourist port.

16th Project. Utilization of Thermal Springs.

The development of the property in Loutropolis Kamena Vourlon has progressed.

The tender was concluded, with the announcement of the highest bidder, on January 5, 2023.

The bidder undertakes, through the lease agreement, to implement mandatory investments in order to upgrade and modernize the properties.

Also, the exploitation of the Camping Kameno Vourlon property (Koniavitis) progressed, with the signing of a relevant agreement with a contractor company.