The mayors of Phaistos, Archanes – Asterousia, Gortys and Viannos unite their voices, calling for immediate planning, financing and a timetable for the Southern Road Axis, which they characterize as a key project for the development of the Cretan south
Determined to keep the issue of the Southern Road Axis at the top of the political and development agenda, the mayors of Phaistos, Archanes – Asterousia, Gortys and Viannos appeared, speaking on the “Rush Hour” show of KRITI TV with Manos Daskalakis.
The local authorities sent a joint message to the central administration, requesting specific planning, timetables and funding for a project that, as they argue, is a prerequisite for the development prospects of the Cretan south.
The mayors underlined that the discussion about the new international airport in Kastelli cannot be limited only to the areas located near the new gateway to Crete. On the contrary, as they stated, the big challenge is to effectively connect the entire south of the island to the new airport, in order to be able to take advantage of the opportunities created in the tourism, investment and local economy sectors.
According to them, the current state of the road network is an obstacle to development. In many places, the roads are characterized as narrow, dangerous and unsuitable for the increased traffic load that is expected to be created in the coming years.
At the same time, they pointed out that access from the new airport to the coastal areas of the south still requires significant travel time, which limits the competitiveness of these destinations.
Particular reference was made to the great development potential of the areas of Messara, Asterousia, Gortyna and Viannos. These are areas with intense agricultural production, important archaeological sites, unique natural landscapes and tourist destinations that attract more and more visitors.
However, as it was emphasized, without a modern and safe road network, these potentials cannot be exploited to the extent required.
The mayors made it clear that they are not simply asking for maintenance interventions or piecemeal improvements, but for a comprehensive plan for the Southern Road Axis, which will effectively connect the southern regions with the new airport, the VOAK and the major urban centers of Crete, including the south of Rethymno, such as Agia Galini, but also the dynamic Ierapetra from Lasithi.
As they stated characteristically, Crete cannot develop at two speeds, with the northern axis concentrating almost all of the major infrastructure and the south remaining on the sidelines.
The message they sent through the broadcast was clear: the completion of the new airport in Kastelli creates new prospects, but also new obligations for the State. Without the creation of a modern Southern Road Axis and without reliable connections to the airport, the development path of the Cretan south remains uncertain.
For this reason, the four mayors declare their readiness to continue their interventions and demands, so that the project is not lost again in bureaucracy and meaningless announcements.
SOURCE: NEA KRITI