Twenty three (23) private and public entities of Thessaloniki responded to the invitation for co-operation addressed by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport and Networks (YPIMEDI) and ATTIKO METRO S.A./Thessaloniki Metro and signed today the Memorandum of Co-operation related to the Thessaloniki Metro construction works.
The event took place in ATTIKO METRO S.A. premises and was attended by Mr. Yiannis Mangriotis, Deputy Minister of YPIMEDI, and by representatives of twenty seven (27) private and public entities. On behalf of ATTIKO METRO S.A. the Memorandum was signed by Mr. George Konstantinidis, Thessaloniki Metro Project Manager, while the first representatives of the various entities who signed the document were the Mayor of Thessaloniki Mr. Yiannis Boutaris and the Secretary General of the Macedonia – Thrace Decentralized Administration Mr. Efthymios Sokos.
After a brief presentation of the Project’s evolution by Mr. Konstantinidis, the Deputy Minister of YPOMEDI took the stand.
Mr. Mangriotis stated that the entire city fully supports the Metro Project, a Project that will elevate Thessaloniki into a humane and functional community. The Deputy Minister stressed that in the framework of the social corporate relationship established through the signing of the Memorandum, three (3) task groups have already been set up with the objective to systematically advance specific issues: one group shall be in contact with Thessaloniki Municipality, one with Local Professional/Employee Associations and one with Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
The Deputy Minister revealed that contacts have already been made with the responsible entities of the public sector and the Public Utility Organizations (PUO) in order to examine the possibilities to satisfy the various requests expressed by Professional and Employees Associations for supporting the businesses that have been and are still adversely affected by the Project’s construction. The relevant requests are expected to be responded after the Easter holidays.
Mr. Mangriotis stated that the wish of the political leadership of the Ministry is to have complete transparency with regard to the decisions and the management of the Project. In addition, the Deputy Minister stated that he has already proposed in the Parliament the establishment of a Committee with representatives of all parties. This Committee shall be kept constantly updated on the progress of the Project and it shall assist in the effort of its construction and completion.
Co-operating Entities
In addition to Messrs. Boutaris and Sokos, the Memorandum of Understanding comprising seven (7) articles was also signed by representatives of the following entities:
Mr. Theodossis Bakoglidis, Mayor of Kalamaria Municipality
Mr. Efstathios Lafazanidis, Mayor of Kordelio Municipality
Mr. Diamantis Papadopoulos, Mayor of Pavlos Melas Municipality
Mr. Yiannis Milopoulos, Dean of Aristotle University
Mr. Ioannis Hatzidimitriou, Dean of Macedonia University
Mr. Pavlos Karakoltsidis, President of ATEITh
Mr. Panos Stathakopoulos, President of ORTh
Ms. Anna Michou, Vice President of TEE/TPM
Mr. Emmanuel Vlachoyiannis, Vice President of EVETh
Mr. Christos Vasilakos, Vice President of EETh
Mr. Panagiotis Papadopoulos, President of VETh
Mr. Panagiotis Tarampoulidis, President of EKTh
Mr. George Politis, President of SKETVE
Mr. Dimitris Raidis, SEVE BoD Member
Mr. Kostis Hantzaridis, President of ESTh
Mr. Aristotelis Thomopoulos, President of EXTh
Mr. Makis Voitsidis, President of ESYEM-Th
Mr. Ioannis Mandrinos, President of OEETh
Mr. George Marantelos, General Secretary of OVSTh.
It was announced that, on behalf of the 16th Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities Department and the 9th Byzantine Antiquities Department, the Memorandum shall be signed by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Culture Mrs. Lida Mendoni; the Memorandum shall be also signed by the President of the Photography Museum Mr. Periklis Pilidis.
Many representatives were very positive about the initiative to create a co-operation relationship between ATTIKO METRO S.A. and the city’s Local Associations and Authorities, while at the same time emphasis was placed on the need to push forward for the design and the extension of Thessaloniki Metro network towards the western suburbs of the urban cluster.
The first westbound line of the Metro network to Stavroupoli is scheduled to be tendered in 2013. At the same time, the construction of a second line in the city’s west suburbs is discussed by a task group with the participation of the Mayors of western Thessaloniki Municipalities.
MEMORANDUM OF COOPERATION FOR THE THESSALONIKI METRO CONSTRUCTION WORKS
Today the 18th of April 2011 in the city of Thessaloniki, the following parties, namely Attiko Metro S.A. and the local authorities and associations (henceforth called “the parties”), having taken into consideration Law 1955/1991 (FEK 112/Α’/18.07.1991) about the “Establishment of the Company entitled ATTIKO METRO, Societe Anonyme and settlement of relative issues”, stated, agreed upon and mutually accepted the following:
PREAMBLE
1. The construction of Thessaloniki Metro, both its base line and extensions, directly affects the operation of the city and the life of its citizens. Currently, the Metro is the major project under construction in our country. It will enhance quality of life; it will support the viable transfer of the citizens and the operability of the city. It will make Thessaloniki a modern city, quite attractive to both visitors and investors by strengthening the city’s dynamism. Metro is the project that unites us all. For these reasons, the project itself and the acceleration of its construction works is a top priority for the political leadership of the Ministry of Infrastructures, Transport and Networks (YPOMEDI) and all authorities/associations involved.
All authorities/associations who sign this Memorandum should cooperate in order to solve the problems that have and are still emerging in the city due to the Metro works. This Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) is signed in this framework.
2. The primary objectives of this MoC are as follows:
a) the smooth and flawless cooperation of the authorities/associations of the city towards the settlement of the issues that arise during the construction of the Metro Project and concern financial, transport, cultural and operational aspects;
b) the promotion and publicity of the project, by any means each authority/association can offer, not only into the “narrow” geographical limits of the city but throughout Greece and Worldwide, so that the city of Thessaloniki becomes attractive to visitors and investors;
c) the display and utilization of the archaeological finds, during the excavations period and upon completion of these works, that prove all 23 centuries of life and culture, and their integration into a wider frame for revealing the city.
IN PARTICULAR
ARTICLE 1st
a) During the construction of the Project, AM, in cooperation with the authorities/associations concerned signing this MoC, shall prepare the appropriate traffic arrangements, modify the itineraries of the Public Transport System Organization of Thessaloniki (OASTH) and inform the citizens about the new traffic arrangements, so as to avert, to the extent possible, any disturbance, to ensure the smooth vehicular traffic and to enhance transport of the citizens;
b) During the Metro construction, the existing Transportation map, as well as any changes that may arise through the implementation of the Master Plan and the development of a complete transportation system to serve the citizens and enhance traffic in the city, shall be taken into consideration;
c) The map of the city is changing this change calls for the Metro Project’s adaptation to the new facts and requirements and the successful integration of the major and critical facilities that already exist with those under construction;
d) The cooperation with all authorities/associations for the construction of underground and open-air parking facilities at central points of the transportation map, aiming at best serving passengers using not only Metro but the remaining Mass Transit Modes too, based on the traffic arrangements applicable each time.
ARTICLE 2nd
a) The construction of the project gives rise to problems and difficulties for the citizens. The basic objective of the cooperation of the company with the authorities/associations is to support and to assist, as much as possible, the citizens and the shop-owners, whose business activities are developed in areas mostly affected by the construction of the project.
b) The parties shall see to the minimization of the disturbance, caused by the works, and to the introduction of those measures required by the circumstances. The Company sees to limitation of its occupations – in terms of time and space – and, for as long as these occupations last, it cooperates with the local authorities/associations for the aesthetic upgrading of the worksite areas and for promoting the commercial activities of the area affected, in a way adapted to the local characteristics for this area to be financially supported. The timely completion of the works and the immediate reinstatement of the areas, where the Project is being constructed, give a financial boost to the areas affected the most.
c) Attiko Metro shall support the groups affected the most in all efforts they are making now and in the future.
ARTICLE 3rd
a) One-day events, conferences, presentations and visits are being organized in view of informing the citizens about the progress of the Project.
b) The promotion of the Project to students, through visits on-site the Project, information given in their schools and training programs, proves that the Metro is a tangible reality and that soon it will become part of their every-day life and a way of life.
c) The cooperation with the Institutes of Higher Education could be even more direct. The Metro Project and its construction works could constitute the basis for the preparation of surveys and papers and for the participation of students in the Metro works, as part of their practice. It is a pioneer project and this is the reason why it becomes a unique training experience.
ARTICLE 4th
a) The construction and the completion of the Project becomes the occasion for promoting an alternative way of life and transport in the city. The promotion of an integrated and easy-to-use transportation model that ensures easy and rapid access to the city through the Metro and the remaining Mass Transit Modes, offered by the Municipalities and the transportation agencies, on the one hand, prevents citizens from using their own private transport modes and, on the other hand, gives boost to green ways of transport.
b) Thanks to the Metro works, several archaeological finds of significant cultural value have been brought to light. These finds constitute the cultural heritage of the city and the way these finds will be displayed will reveal the significant history of Thessaloniki along with its evolution throughout centuries. Their display can become an attraction pole for many tourists and can turn the city into a Center of Culture.
c) Through the Metro Thessaloniki is finally transformed into a modern European city; a city with natural beauty and civilization, possessing all those means and modes that make life pleasant and transport easy. The Municipalities, the commercial associations, tourist agencies and cultural authorities are promoting the city through their cooperation with foreign partners, as well as through the organization of cultural events and forums.
ARTICLE 5th
With the purpose of fulfilling the terms of the Memorandum, task groups are established composed by those parties which are deemed appropriate each time for the achievement of the respective objectives. These task groups shall be supported by the personnel to be disposed on a per case basis. Once an agreement is reached, the said task groups shall submit the respective co-operation consensus documents to the respective bodies of the parties for the documents’ approval and signing.
ARTICLE 6th
The issue of seeking and securing the necessary funds for the implementation of the agreements shall be examined on an individual case basis. The involved expenditure shall be always examined and shall be correlated to the benefits that the parties shall enjoy in the future. The objective is always to secure the highest possible cost – benefit ratio. Each party shall contribute in joint actions either by financing these actions, or by providing resources, such as free areas, equipment, human resources. It shall be to the party’s discretion to assess the method, the extent and the duration of participation in the joint actions.
ARTICLE 7th
a) All terms of this Memorandum are agreed to be essential and they shall be implemented in accordance with the Legislation governing the operation of the company (especially Law 1955/91) and the execution of Thessaloniki Metro Project.
b) This Memorandum can be revised through a joint decision of the parties, in order to make amendments or additions, if deemed necessary.
c) Following their explicit statement, the parties have the option to release themselves at any time from this Memorandum without any consequences.
d) In the future, this Memorandum of cooperation can be signed by new members.
The present Memorandum becomes effective as soon as it is signed by the representatives of the parties. In witness of the agreement achieved among the parties, the present document is compiled and signed.
