PLAN FOR LAND-USE IN ANDROS ISLAND

People in Andros are very upset, because of the plan for the land-use in the island. While such a plan is unquestionably an important and much needed tool for the future development, the released plan represents a very badly-made study, which will lead the island in its end. All the mistakes, deficiencies and discrepancies of this plan could be stated here, but its main point is the exclusion of the whole island of any possibility of development, defining its main gloomy purpose as an area for holiday housing just for the few.

For a better co-ordination of the reaction of the people, a Co-ordination Committee has been established, consisting of representatives of all associations of the island, while the Municipal Councils of the three Municipalities expressed their opposition to the proposed plan for the land-use in Andros island.

During the recent celebration "Theoskepastou" in Chora-Andros, a large number of people expressed their anger. It is worth mentioning that for the first time no government representative showed up.

Meetings between the Mayors, sub-Prefect, Prefect, and associations have already took place, in addition to meetings with the deputy Minister of Environment, Planning and Public Works. It should be mentioned here that only a few typical procedures were left for the proposed plan to be signed and be in effect, but after these meetings, the deputy Minister agreed for an extension, till our proposals are ready.

Additionally, on Wednesday April 4, a big assembly of all people in Andros took place in Stavropeda.

The conclusion from all these meetings, gatherings and appointments is:

• The plan for Land-Use in Andros island is totally unacceptable.

• The Municipalities, in co-operation with the Co-ordination Committee, will immediately assign to a group of scientists having a thorough knowledge of the characteristics of the island, the task of studying a new Plan for Land Use, which will be submitted (with the consent of the people) to the Ministry for approval, hoping this time it will be taken into consideration and not thrown away, as was the fate of our previous proposals.

• People in Andros island are going to be in alert, in order to repel all attempts for degrading the island.