In an effort to tackle the huge influx of refugees and undocumented migrants, the Greek government is building a new camp for migrants in Elaionas area in Athens.
A large vacant lot in Elaionas will serve as an open camp for the refugees who now camp out at the Pedion tou Areos park, near the Athens Archaeological Museum.
The land has been provided by the City of Athens and the prefabricated homes by the Attica Regional Authority and Labor Ministry, while the Public Power Corporation (DEI) is covering the cost of connecting the camp to the national grid and the Athens Water and Sewage Company (EYDAP) will provide the piping and water for free.
It is estimated that the camp will be ready by Sunday and it can house 600 people. The refugees currently camping out at Pedion tou Areos are approximately 400. Volunteers and non-government organizations provide meals and clothing to them.
The tremendous influx of refugees from war-torn Syria and surrounding regions suffering from the Islamic State violence is impossible to be dealt with by the Greek government. According to Alternate Minister for Immigration Policy Tasia Christodoulopoulou, Greece can accommodate 4,500 migrants and refugees and it is estimated that about 1,000 arrive to Greece each day since the beginning of the year.
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