Through its recent Press Release (15.07.2014), the Section of Central Macedonia of the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE/TKM) criticizes ATTIKO METRO S.A. (AM) in the most unfair and unacceptable way, even using censorious wording, on the occasion of the archaeological finds revealed in VENIZELOU Station.
In response to the allegations expressed by TEE/TKM that AM “tried to sweep this issue under the rug”, we should say once more that since the very first time AM has cooperated not only with all parties concerned but also with those who wished to develop a cooperation in order to solve this critical issue in the best possible way. To this end, you are referred to the statements made a year ago (July 2013) by the Chairman of AM to the newspaper “ANGELIOFOROS”; Mr. Christos Tsitouras referred to the aforesaid cooperation, setting at the same time the frame for a solution to be accepted by all parties on the basis of which the construction works could progress – having the antiquities been temporarily detached – and the antiquities could be repositioned and displayed within the Station at a percentage of approximately 80% (the aforesaid clipping is attached hereto).
AM has currently implemented the Decision made by the Minister of Culture on the redesign of VENIZELOU Station,which enables repositioning of the antiquities at a percentage of approximately 85%. Besides, the aforementioned Decision took also into consideration the suggestions made by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
CAC is the only competent body authorized to examine and eventually assess all information on the protection of cultural heritage and this is the reason why AM fully abides by its opinions under all circumstances in the construction projects it implements. AM always pursues to protect cultural heritage and reveal it through the development of exhibition areas (lime small museums) in the Metro Stations, a fact well-appreciated by the citizens.
As regards TEE/TKM allegations about “staffing the Thessaloniki Metro Department with the required personnel”, that – allegedly – Thessaloniki Metro has “become a Project remotely managed”, that this Department must become “an independent body” and, finally, that “the city possesses the required executives to fully meet the Project needs” (insinuating, thus, that AM does not have those executives), we would like to point out the following:
- ATTIKO METRO S.A. has implemented and continues to successfully implement numerous Metro and Tramway projects, which have gained worldwide acceptance through their highest level of safety, flawless operation and well-proven perfect quality and aesthetics.
- This has become feasible due to the Company’s wide know-how that has been obtained during the last twenty years through tremendous efforts and cost. It is the know-how of its executives that ensured a high technical profile for our Company, whose assistance is sought by other Metro projects abroad, while at the same time numerous of its executives are offering their services towards the implementation of both Metro and Tramway projects at an international level (Qatar, Saudi Arabia, London, Canada, Australia, etc.).
- Metro projects worldwide are being implemented by most specialized companies that possess knowledge and experience and are able to combine the demanding construction of tunnels, stations and shafts in an urban environment with zero effects on the adjacent buildings and infrastructures; to this end, they are utilizing approximately 45 state-of-the-art electromechanical and railway systems, fully-automated train-sets that transfer tens of thousands of passengers per hour with safety, reliability and precision.
- It is well-known that the Metro Projects funding organizations trust only those very few specialized companies, which have repeatedly proven their ability and potentials to complete these difficult projects.
- Besides, everyone must bear in mind that it was AM, right from the beginning, that was called upon to undertake this Project further to the relevant recommendation presented by Thessaloniki Integrated Transport Authority before the Ministry of PEHODE, when it was ascertained that Thessaloniki Metro could not progress as a Concession Project.
Apart from the above it is worth mentioning that, based on the legislation for the execution of Public Works, the management of a project is performed by the Managing Department, which, in our case, is the Thessaloniki Metro Department, located – as known – in the city of Thessaloniki. Therefore, any allegations that Thessaloniki Metro has “become a Project remotely managed” are pointless and misleading.
We should stress that the Managing Department of the Project has been manned with experienced executives from Athens and Thessaloniki and is actively supported by SYSTRA-SKALOS, the Company that provides Consulting Services to Thessaloniki Metro Project. It is also worth mentioning that the participation of specialized executives from the city of Thessaloniki in the preparation of the Project designs is quite important.
Finally, hiring new personnel in order to man the Managing Department is not allowed by the applicable legislation about new hires in public companies.
Exhibiting due respect to public interest, ATTIKO METRO S.A. requests once more the competent authorities of the city to provide their assistance in this difficult endeavor in the most essential way, in view of overcoming all difficulties and adverse circumstances and delivering the Project to the citizens of Thessaloniki as soon as possible.
