Plans for new prisons have changed, with the government abandoning Mathiatis as the preferred location and moving towards state-owned land in Agios Sozomenos.
Government cites cost and infrastructure
The government discussed the new plans at a meeting at the Ministry of Justice and Public Order on Tuesday, with the location of the new prison complex at the centre of the discussion.
The ministry said the state plot in Agios Sozomenos was selected following an assessment of technical and financial factors. The main criteria were the overall cost and the time required to provide the necessary supporting infrastructure.
The project is now proceeding with Agios Sozomenos as the preferred location, while the authorities are continuing work on its design, development and financing.
Mathiatis faced infrastructure needs and opposition
Mathiatis had initially been selected as the location for the new prisons. However, further technical assessment found that the project would require significant additional infrastructure, including a new road network, sewerage and water supply systems, as well as electricity infrastructure.
According to the ministry, these requirements would increase both the cost of the project and the time needed for completion.
The location had also faced opposition from residents. The Mathiatis Group for the Protection of Historical and Environmental Heritage has expressed strong opposition to the construction of the prisons in the area, citing concerns over the absence of environmental studies and the site’s archaeological significance.
A master plan was due to be presented to Mathiatis residents in September, allowing them to give their views on the proposed development.
Agios Sozomenos offers existing infrastructure
The Ministry of Justice said the state plot in Agios Sozomenos has significant advantages because key infrastructure is already available or easily accessible in the wider area.
This includes roads, sewerage, water supply and electricity networks, reducing both the cost and time required to prepare and implement the project.
The ministry stressed that the selection process is running in parallel with the other procedures needed to design, develop and finance the project and therefore will not delay its preparation.
Government seeks faster and lower-cost project
The government’s goal is to create a modern prison complex in the most economical, timely and functional way possible, while maintaining security requirements and modern standards for correctional facilities.
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