Worldnews

Gypsies of Komotini Demand Better Housing Conditions 26/09/2011

Citizens living in shanties in Komotini city of Greece demand houses with better housing conditions which were promised to be built for them by authorities as soon as possible. Gypsies of Komotini are disappointed because they still live in shanties although politicians promised them to build new houses before each election for almost 14 years.

Authorities promised citizens living in shanties in Gümülcine to built new houses in Tuzcu village almost 1,5 years ago for them. However the issue was brougt to trial when residents of Tuzcu village refused to live together with Gypsies. The court decided that the lands in Tuzcu village would be designated for building of houses for Gypsies and residents of Tuzcu village will be paid 800000 euro.

Komotini municipality have to pay 800000 euro to residents of Tuzcu village in 18 months according to court decision. Otherwise citizens living in shanties will lose their rights to have houses in Tuzcu village. Gypsies of Komotini worry that municipality haven't paid the money until now despite 17 months to pass. Some citizens evaluating the issue claimed that the money came from EU funds but misused by the municipality.

Gypsies of Komotini, who have the chance to live in better housing conditions with the court decision given 17 months ago, hope authorities of Komotini municipality to do their duties related with the court decision. Otherwise they will be obligated to live in shanties...

Source: Çingeneyiz Komotini

Photos: Iakovos Hatzistavrou