\n<\/p>\n
The picturesque Athens Riviera on the capital\u2019s southern coast is facing serious sewage overflow issues during heavy rainfall. With illegal connections and an aging drainage system causing wastewater to flood major coastal roads and reach the sea, the problem is endangering public health, the environment and marine life.<\/p>\n
Pumping Station 31, located on Poseidonos Avenue near Alimos Marina, is a critical junction for the sewage system serving Athens\u2019 southern suburbs. However, during heavy rain, the system becomes overwhelmed, forcing raw sewage onto the streets. Local officials blame illegal stormwater connections and outdated infrastructure.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe weakness in the network has been known for decades,\u201d said Alimos Mayor Andreas Kondylis. \u201cLast year, we flooded four times, and the year before that, the same. Now we have a new \u2018Greek innovation\u2019 \u2013 a truck pressing down the manhole cover to prevent overflow. But it\u2019s still better than turning the coastal road into a swamp.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beyond traffic hazards, the overflow contaminates Alimos Marina, where sewage mixes with stormwater and flows directly into the sea. The pollution affects marine biodiversity and emits foul odors that linger for days.<\/p>\n
Evangelos P., a longtime Alimos resident, expressed frustration: \u201cWhat seemed like an ideal place to live has become unbearable. Two of my friends moved away because of the stench and noise.\u201d<\/p>\n
Residents near the Pikrodafni Stream, close to Pumping Station 29, report similar issues. Some suspect that sewage is illegally discharged into the stream via stormwater drains. Tests confirmed high levels of fecal bacteria, supporting claims of contamination.<\/p>\n
The Attica Regional Authority conducted inspections, but responsibility remains unclear.<\/p>\n
The Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company (EYDAP) maintains that Pikrodafni should only carry stormwater and that any illegal waste disposal is beyond its jurisdiction. However, a 2018 EYDAP report highlighted the need for infrastructure upgrades at four pumping stations, including Station 29.<\/p>\n
A similar issue affects Varkiza, albeit on a smaller scale. Mayor Grigoris Konstantellos of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni reported that sewage overflows occur once or twice a year, particularly after September\u2019s first heavy rains.<\/p>\n
\u201cSewage reaches the fishing harbor, causing unbearable discomfort,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ve been promised a larger pipeline, but we don\u2019t know when it will be completed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Local officials and residents demand urgent action to modernize sewage infrastructure and prevent further environmental damage to Athens\u2019 prized coastal zone.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n