The joy of living in Katouna
Are you aware that the local authorities have decided to devolve the responsibilities for the island to its local communities to enable a more vested involvement system? Enabling this has meant that the island has been divided into separate areas with locally elected leaders to take over control of services, water use, make plans for future village improvements and ensure that laws are adhered to in the best interests of local communities.
Katouna district includes Ligia and stretches from the coastline of Alykes to Episkopos and up to Sfakiotes. The elected leader of our area council is Giannis Digenis who is assisted by a small team of local enthusiastic and knowledgable volunteers. The Katouna council office is located in Ligia and houses a wealth of knowledge about the the area, agricultural and fishing activities historically documented and lots of other interesting and in depth information dating back many years. Local issues are shared by email and public community meetings take place on a regular basis.
Since taking on his role Giannis has been very active within our community, communicating with the residents to listen to their concerns and ideas and controlling some activities that needed attention. The money that has been allotted to him for spending on any necessary improvements is meagre and because of that he would like to encourage everyone who is part of our community to fund local projects themselves, for example repairing new pathways. Any new ideas for local community improvements need to be discussed with him and his local team to allow agreement on planning and funding for the work.
For those that enjoy living in Katouna it is in our interests to get involved in the upkeep of our neighbourhoods, keeping them clean and tidy, cutting back the vegetation when it becomes out of control or blocking paths, refraining from leaving rubbish around, picking up unsightly rubbish and clearing animal faeces, parking appropriately by not blocking in other vehicles etc.
If you wish to be kept in touch with local news or wish to contribute to any projects personal to you or within the interests of our community or speak contact Gianis about any issues concerning the village you can log into the village community website at: www.koinotitakatounas.gr The website also invites stories of residents experiences in Katouna over the years for posting. Please also share with other friends or neighbours in the village to put them in touch with this community website.
