Yiannakis Giannaki, Community Leader of Arsos, Trozena and Gerovasa, dismisses rumours circulating online about citizens being banned from entering the abandoned village of Trozena due to Israeli investors who are preparing to build apartment buildings, an animal farm and camping areas.
In a statement made yesterday on Politis Radio 107.6 & 97.6, the community leader initially provided a brief description of the status of the village, which its residents abandoned after the state failed to take measures to preserve it. Specifically, the last resident left in 1980, while until then several dozen residents lived there without electricity or water and with only a dangerous dirt road providing access.
“When the state installed electricity in our area around 1965, even in smaller villages, for its own reasons it did not install it in Trozena. Residents were forced to abandon it and it fell into ruin,” Mr Giannaki said.
Today, an Israeli businessman who purchased approximately 70% of the village’s buildings from private owners, along with a significant amount of agricultural land, is developing projects there.
Two incidents
The community leader referred to two incidents mentioned on social media. The first, which he described as defamatory and false, concerned claims that the church of Agios Georgios would be demolished. According to him, a service was held there just 15 days ago.
“The church has been maintained at the expense of the company developing Trozena, and modern toilet facilities were also installed, something we never had before,” Mr Giannaki said, adding that the church remains open for anyone to visit.
The same applies, according to the community leader, to claims about access being banned within the community.
There are no security guards, nor anyone preventing people who wish to enter the community,” he said, adding that he suspects that if individuals entered construction sites, they may have been asked to leave for their own safety.
Mr Giannaki categorically rejected the claims and challenged those who wrote that the church would be demolished or that access had been denied to visit him at the community council and file a complaint, so that he could take action with the Police if necessary.
Natura area, but development permitted
Mr Giannaki also stated that hunting is prohibited in the community, as the area is part of the Natura network. Asked how development is permitted in a protected area, he replied that all projects are carried out with proper authorisation.
“Just because an area is designated Natura does not mean it should be abolished. It falls under the district administration and taxes are collected from property owners. The Natura designation exists, it is respected, and all actions take into account the relevant legislation,” Mr Giannaki said.
He added that so far 10 families are employed through the project, and that, according to the investor, more jobs will be created.
From a ghost village, Trozena appears set to acquire a winery, an animal farm and camping areas, with developments described by Mr Giannaki as environmentally friendly.
In conclusion, he clarified that there are no plans for new buildings such as apartment blocks. Instead, old houses will be renovated and rented at low rent to pensioners, as indicated by the investor.