The news that the privatisation tender for Kalamata Airport, which includes its comprehensive restructuring by the awarded consortium, is finally nearing completion, is a significant development for Mani and its residents. This event, expected to attract a significantly higher number of visitors to the larger area, adds to the already observed increase in tourist activity brought about by the completion, some years ago, of the motorway that safely and swiftly connected the capital Athens to Kalamata and Sparta. The economic impact of these major investments on the region could be continuous and upward, as long as we learn to cooperate and promote the fair claims of our land in a coordinated manner.
Gone are the days when the significant number of Mani residents allowed critical issues of the region to be promoted to central government and addressed effectively. The population decline due to internal and external migration as well as the low birth rates, has significantly reduced the political leverage that could be exerted through the region’s once-strong electoral influence. Also nearly extinct are the patriotic politicians of earlier times, who seized every opportunity to advance public projects in our area.
The only way left to take advantage of the positive prospects created by favourable circumstances in the broader geographical area is through collaboration among our local regions, with coordinated efforts led by local government representatives. The historical alliances documented in the past, often reenacted during local anniversary events, are not merely fleeting spectacles or photographic records of individuals. They represent life paths and timeless lessons of effective actions. It would be wise for our representatives to keep these lessons in mind and take them into account when making decisions.
Those who have followed the long-term developments concerning Mani’s progress have noted the prolonged stagnation of critical public works related to the region’s main road axis. Their completion would significantly reduce travel time to the area for users of the motorway and airport. Specifically, two major public works were commissioned: in 1996, the study for bypassing the section Kampos-Stavropigio of the Kalamata-Kardamyli-Areopoli provincial road, and in 2006, the study for the Sparta-Gytheio national road. Nearly 30 years have passed since the first project and 20 years since the second, but minimal progress has been made! Although the responsible authorities are the Peloponnese Region (Περιφέρεια Πελοποννήσου) for the first project and the Ministry of Infrastructure (Υπουργείο Υποδομών) for the second, there are also responsibilities of the local government for tolerating their prolonged stagnation. It appears that it has not been fully understood that the local government, beyond its exclusive responsibilities related to current management issues, has a say and rights regarding significant matters that impact the region’s economy and its residents. While it may not have the budget to fund these projects, it has the capacity to apply pressure on those with actual jurisdiction. Advocacy by its representatives to relevant authorities, publicising the necessity of these projects through the media, and mobilising residents, especially during sensitive electoral periods, are powerful tools with proven effectiveness. However, this requires the local government and its representatives to demonstrate the willingness to organise, coordinate, and direct these actions – something which unfortunately has not been seen in recent years…
Now, with the upgrade of Kalamata Airport set to boost tourism in the Peloponnese through increased flights and organised travel packages, the urgency of improving travel time from the airport to Mani’s tourist destinations becomes imperative. Equally critical is the need for the local government, professional bodies, and cultural organisations to intervene with the relevant authorities to “unblock” the aforementioned road projects. This would ensure that the flow of visitors to Mani benefits the tourism sector and the region as a whole. Specifically, the small bypass project for Kampos-Stavropigio is at an advanced planning stage, requiring only the preparation of the route’s land registry and funding for its tendering. Additionally, the studies for the Kardamyli and Agios Nikon bypasses, as well as the section from the intersection to Monemvasia until Gytheio of the Sparta-Gytheio national road, need to be completed through strong interventions with the authorities, so that funding can subsequently be pursued.
We hope that our recommendations will contribute to the necessary activation of local government and other collective bodies in our region.
THE EDITORIAL BOARD