The position of Deputy Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Kostas Katsafados, regarding the extension of the deadline for cleaning vacant lots was definitive. Speaking to ERT, the deputy minister clarified that no new extension will be granted, with the deadline remaining until June 15, emphasizing that “there is no reason or room for another postponement”.
Katsafados on Vacant Lots: “Local Government Participation Exceeds 94%”
Furthermore, Kostas Katsafados characterized the contribution of municipalities in the effort to clean vacant lots as catalytic, aimed at fire prevention ahead of the fire season. Specifically, the deputy minister revealed that local government participation exceeds 94%, noting that “compared to last year, municipality participation is much greater and expanded”. Commenting on addressing climate change and drought risks, he said characteristically: “We address climate crisis problems with a holistic approach, involving the central state, first and second-tier local government, and all this spreads to society”.
Indeed, as he said, “nearly 2,000 fires last year were due to human error”. The deputy minister emphasized that during lot cleaning, plant residues must be transported to municipal green points. He also announced that the Ministry’s budget for fire prevention and management increased to 40 million euros.
Fire Service Takes Over Vacant Lot Inspections
Regarding inspections of vacant lots, the deputy minister explained the new responsibility of the Fire Service, which will cross-check data declared by citizens on the lot cleaning platform. From June 15, Fire Service patrols will include on-site inspections to verify registered information – something that didn’t happen last year.
Regarding fire service staffing, he stated: “We have over 18,000 personnel, men and women of the Fire Service, who participate and offer their services during the fire season. This is the largest number the Fire Service has ever had”.
He also highlighted the enhancement of modern monitoring technologies using drones: “Last year, experimentally, 44 drones were deployed monitoring sensitive areas in Attica 24/7. This year, the number increased to 82 drones, covering the entire country”. Mr. Katsafados also mentioned the significant contribution of volunteers, saying that for the first time we have over 10,000 volunteers participating in Civil Protection.
Katsafados Comments on Mandatory Business Insurance Against Natural Disasters
Regarding mandatory insurance for businesses with turnover over 500,000 euros against natural disasters, Mr. Katsafados commented on some insurance companies’ refusal in certain cases, when housed in old buildings or near forest areas, referring to the relevant ministerial decision clarifying exceptions. “Anyone who doesn’t insure a business with turnover over 500,000 euros faces a 10,000 euro fine”, he emphasized.
Regarding state aid and compensation timeframes for natural disaster victims, he revealed plans to digitize many procedures related to the General Secretariat for Natural Disasters. “We are in a preparatory stage to create new legislation that will change the institutional framework, making it more flexible, modern and digital. It will have even more elements regarding compensation”, he added, noting that those submitting complete files will be compensated quickly for natural disasters.
“The responsibility (for delays) lies with private individuals who don’t submit files properly. The responsibility is with private engineers whose declarations are not complete”, he commented, emphasizing that the goal is to simplify procedures.
