More than 100 abandoned and dangerous buildings currently stand within the urban fabric of Volos, according to the president of the Technical Chamber of Magnesia (TEE Magnisias), Nancy Kapoula, who called for immediate action to protect public safety.

Speaking to ERT Volos after a wall recently collapsed at one of the abandoned structures, Kapoula described these properties as “health and structural bombs,” warning that decay and lack of maintenance are raising the risk of collapses while also creating fire and pollution hazards.

She said the main obstacle to tackling the problem is the complicated ownership status of many of the properties, which delays or blocks the necessary interventions even after safety issues have already been identified.

The Technical Chamber of Magnesia is calling on the Municipality of Volos, the Region of Thessaly, and other relevant authorities to record and assess the most dangerous buildings, prioritizing temporary protective measures such as fencing, propping up structures, and blocking off hazardous areas.

Kapoula also renewed her proposal for a dedicated funding program to restore abandoned and heritage buildings, modeled on the “Exoikonomo” and “Anakainizo” renovation programs, arguing that putting the existing building stock to use could improve public safety while also helping address the housing shortage.

Source: ERT Volos / ertnews.gr