Press releasesImprovement and repair works at Technical High school (EPAL) of Rafina and 2nd Gymnasium of Nea Makri that suffered significant damage in July wildfires
OPAP delivered on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 two fully renovated school units that suffered significant damages in the July wildfires. At OPAP’s initiative, all necessary improvement and repair works were carried out at the Technical High school (EPAL) of Rafina and the 2nd Gymnasium of Nea Makri by special crews, resulting in the creating of an improved environment for students and teachers.
The President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Prokopios Pavlopoulos honored with his presence the sanctification ceremony for the new school year at the Technical High school (EPAL) of Rafina.
The sanctification ceremony was attended by OPAP Executive President, Mr. Kamil Ziegler, OPAP CEO, Mr. Damian Cope, OPAP Chief Corporate & Regulatory Affairs Officer, Mr. Odysseas Christoforou, as well as representatives of the State and local authorities, who all expressed their warm thanks to OPAP for the work that has been done.
OPAP Executive President, Mr. Kamil Ziegler, stated: “For 60 years now, OPAP has been a live and integral cell of Greek society. Therefore, the events of July’s wildfires couldn’t leave us inert. The least we could do was to extend our support to the people of the region. This is why we immediately proceeded with the restoration of the two schools in the region that suffered damages. I hope the children and the teaching staff will enjoy their renovated school, which can hopefully become a point of reference and optimism for the broader community”.
During the ceremony for the deliverance of the renovated 2nd Gymnasium of Nea Makri, OPAP Chief Corporate & Regulatory Affairs Officer, Mr. Odysseas Christoforou noted: “OPAP is always willing to cover the needs of our fellow citizens. Today, we are proud to be able to deliver the renovated school to the children, teachers and parents at the start of the new school year. This project will help young people in this region”.
The works carried out by OPAP at the schools
The 2nd Gymnasium of Nea Makri is attended by a total of 270 students from Neos Voutzas, Mati, Zoumperi and Nea Makri. The surrounding area of the school (2,053 sq.m.) was completely destroyed in the fire, while the exterior of the building has been significantly damaged.
Special crews have removed all burnt and dangerous material, cleaned the area, repaired all damages, painted the interior and exterior of the building, regenerated the garden, planted new trees and ornamental plants, installed a new watering system and renovated the football court.
The Technical High School of Rafina is attended by 150 students from 15 areas of Eastern Attica. The school (2,505 sq.m.) has suffered significant damages to its exterior, internal walls, paling and roof, as well as significant damages in electromechanical infrastructures.
As soon as all dangerous and burnt material was removed, OPAP proceeded with extensive repairs and regeneration works on the building, repairs on the roof, tiles, doors, windows, railings, as well as the replacement of glazing and aluminum profiles, color and decorative interventions, repairs in the school’s building and sports facilities (football and basketball court), planting of trees and ornamental plants.
OPAP on the side of people affected from the fires from the first moment
From the first moment, OPAP has stood on the side of local society, undertaking initiatives for the support of those affected by the wildfires. In particular, the company has supported the work of the Municipality of Marathon hosting and supplying food for the people affected by the fires, in the 5th Camp of Marathon, in Agios Andreas. In addition, the mobile health unit of Children’s Smile “Ippocrates” has provided medical care and psychological support to the people affected by the fires. Also, at OPAP’s initiative, personal hygiene and cleaning supplies were gathered and distributed to those in need.
