Greece moves forward: Samaras & Co partners visit highway construction sites

Pictures from the distant past, when politicians inaugurated ambitious projects in the presence of entourage  supporters and applauding locals. Prosperity right outside your doorstep.

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, his coalition government partner Evangelos Venizelos (PASOK) and parliamentary group leader Nikos Tsoukalis* (Democratif Left) had a common appearance today at three construction sites of Olympia Odos highway, praising the re-start of construction works after a two-year-break.

Samara’s government considers Olympia Odos as a turning point for restarting the economy and the visit is part of a wider communication strategy concept to reverse the negative climate prevailing in the Greek society.

Nea Dimocratia, PASOK and Democratic Left,  united in one group, one breath, one fist: send the message “Together we can!”, demonstrate that Greece moves forward, goes ahead, has hope. Focus on bring inspiration to millions of Greeks currently on the verge of nervous breakdown and economic impasse. Show that Greece’s government takes it seriously with development and unemployment, through restarting major public works – which of course are performed by the private sector.

“In this part of Olympia Odos, road construction is undertaken by a consortium consisting of the companies: Vinci, Hochtief, Actor, GEK-Terna, J & P Avax. The government visit marks the re-starting of the project.

The head engineer of Olympia Odos briefed the coalition government partners, that “until today some 30% of the work has been completed and the project is expected to finish by October 2015.

About the problems that exist during the works, the chief engineer made special reference to archaeological finds, mainly in the area of ​​Corinth.

In terms of jobs, it is estimated that some 25,000 people would be employed at the construction sites. (media source)

Samaras, Venizelos and Tsoukalis first visited the site at Zevgolatio junction of Corinth-Patras highway, where they were briefed about the progress of the project and existing difficulties.

Olympia Odos (Motorway 8) is a major motorway in Greece, partially under construction. The motorway connects Athens with Patras in southwestern Greece, spanning a total of 215 km (134 mi). The completion date of the €2.8 billion project was scheduled for 2014.

Due to the Greek government-debt crisis, the project was halted for two years. The Greek government has not been able to deliver all the required land to the Olympia Odos consortium, and construction works have not started on those sections. The project was originally planned to be completed in six years, that is in 2014.

In the spirit of the over-proportional optimism that seems to have taken control of Samaras in the last few days, the prime minister told the workers, the engineers, the crowd and the media:

“The sacrifices of Greek people bring fruits. Day by day it is being proved that Greece raises its sleeves, lift its head. Rebooting the economy is here, we see it. These highways will provide thousands of new jobs. The homeland turns the page. I truly believe that the recovery is not far away and that Greece of growth will finally win.”

Deeply touched I rush to submit my CV to Olympia Odos human resources department.

Do not ask me, how the construction works manage to re-start. I really do not know.

* DemLeft leader Fotis Kouvelis is currently abroad.

PS Yes, it is this part of Corinth-Patras highway where drivers pay in advance fee tolls although the road still under construction.